Draining Water Heater

[jayerose]

How often do you have it done?

thank you again.

[MrFlorida]

Never, the only way to completely drain the hot water heater is to crack open a line into it, otherwise without air, it won't fully drain.

[retiredguy123]

I would never drain my water heater, especially if it is old. First of all, there will be sediment caked onto the entire bottom of the tank, which will will not be removed by just opening the very small drain valve. Second, if you open the drain valve and then close it, there is a good chance that the sediment will clog the inside of the valve and cause it to leak. And third, the Rheem owners manual does not recommend ever draining the water heater. It only "suggests" that you drain a small amount of water from the tank every month or so, which I would not do either.

[retiredguy123]

Note that, if you do decide to open the water heater drain valve, I would suggest that you buy a plastic or metal cap and washer in case the valve leaks when you close it. The cap will allow you to stop the leak by capping off the drain line.

[Bill14564]

I have never drained any of mine and have never had any problems.

In my previous house the hot water heater was 20+ years old. We replaced it only to make selling the house easier.

[Stu from NYC]

Many years ago we were told (by a very experienced plumber) that if unit was new ok to flush but after a number of years do not do it as most likely you will not be able to fully close the line and no fun watching water spill out onto garage floor. Did it once decided too much trouble and never tried doing it again and unit still lasted about 20 years

[Michael G.]

I'll bet 98% of homeowners never do or heard of draining their water heater.
I also was told about sediment in the value once it's open and leaking when closed.
Pandor's box in a shape of a water heater........:p

[retiredguy123]

I'll bet 98% of homeowners never do or heard of draining their water heater.
I also was told about sediment in the value once it's open and leaking when closed.
Pandor's box in a shape of a water heater........:p
LOL. More like 99 percent. Some people don't even know where the water heater is located. And, a lot of people couldn't turn off their water if they had a water leak in their house.

[Stu from NYC]

LOL. More like 99 percent. Some people don't even know where the water heater is located. And, a lot of people couldn't turn off their water if they had a water leak in their house.

How do people not know how to turn their water off? I was surprised when shown where it was but made the effort to find out because one of these days _____.

[Toymeister]

Annually

[Mrs.Guy]

Annually

C.W. says he agrees. Writes the date on the side of the tank too. He does it every 6 mos. :thumbup:

[Keefelane66]

It's a habit I got into in the military. Monthly one of my routines was to drain potable water tanks to remove sediment just drain into the bilge for maybe 5 minutes. Here in the Villages maybe 2 gallons just hook up an old hose and drain driveway

[Joecool]

It's generally a good idea to drain your water heater at least once a year, according to both BobVila.com and The Family Handyman. If you live in an area with hard water, though, Angie's List says you may need to drain it more frequently. Generally in the villages once year is good keeps sediment from filling bottom. Opening pressure relief valve will get you a full drain.

[Joecool]

It's generally a good idea to drain your water heater at least once a year, according to both BobVila.com and The Family Handyman. If you live in an area with hard water, though, Angie's List says you may need to drain it more frequently. Once a year in the villages is fine it helps the settlement get out of the water heater. if you open the pressure release the valve at the top you will get a full drain

[Rwirish]

Never

[midiwiz]

How often do you have it done?

thank you again.

never that's not standard practice, unless you want to replace it. which will be the result - just let it sit until it needs to be replaced.

[mrrmauu]

How often do you have it done?

thank you again.

If you have a standard water heater (tank) you should “flush” it on a regular basis. Flushing is opening the drain valve for a few seconds to get the sediment out of the bottom of the tank. The trick is, you should do it from new. If it’s been a few years, that sediment will be built up and won’t come out. At that point it’s too late.

If you have a tankless, I think those get flushed annually. You can do it yourself (YouTube) but it’s not the easiest process. The installer or plumber probably offer this service.

[mrmrsjms1]

How often do you have it done?

thank you again.

I drain/flush mine annually: drain the tank - partially refill it - drain it again. It’s a pretty simple task…

[Lindaws]

We do it every other year. Sooner if needed.

[Bill14564]

We do it every other year. Sooner if needed.

What would indicate it is needed sooner?

[G.R.I.T.S.]

How often do you have it done?

thank you again.

I did ours every 6 months. Now I have a tankless I descale once a year.

[Heytubes]

Now, about flushing my car’s radiator…..

[HJBeck]

I do it once a year when returning to TV. Hook a hose to the drain, but leave cold water into the unit on. Put the other end of hose in a bucket, open the drain valve. When the bucket is full I empty the bucke t and put the hose back in. Each time the bucket fills after the first time I check the bucket to see if there are still contaminates coming from the heater. I repeat this process till I see no contaminates coming from the heater into the bucket and then shut off the drain. This makes it less likely to end up with a clogged valve that won’t close and cause leaks. This process usually takes 4 bucket fulls and 5 minutes most. Not until this process is done do I turn on the breaker to start heatin g the water. Not very difficult.

[Keefelane66]

Now, about flushing my car’s radiator…..
I change and flush car radiator every 30-36 months the rust inhibitor degrades but the antifreeze will still test positive for protection.

[bark4me]

If you have a water softner system you should drain, refill and drain again once a year. If you don't have a water softner system then you should do it twice a year. The calcium and sediment that hard water has attaches itself to the inside of the tank and the heating elements, thus reducing the life of your tank.
I suggest going to a tankless system (and yes they are available for electric homes). It's the best investment you will ever make. Trust me!

[retiredguy123]

If you have a water softner system you should drain, refill and drain again once a year. If you don't have a water softner system then you should do it twice a year. The calcium and sediment that hard water has attaches itself to the inside of the tank and the heating elements, thus reducing the life of your tank.
I suggest going to a tankless system (and yes they are available for electric homes). It's the best investment you will ever make. Trust me!
If sediment attaches itself to the inside of the tank and the heating elements, how does opening a very small valve at the bottom of the tank do anything to remove the sediment? It seems to me that the only sediment that would flow through the valve would be the sediment that is floating around in the water. Note that, although the cold water connection is located at the top of the water heater, there is a dip tube that extends to the bottom of the tank and disperses the incoming water, which helps to reduce the amount of sediment that can attach itself to the tank.

[OhioBuckeye]

Well just my opinion but I presently have a Tankless Heater which I never ever would buy another home with one in it. But a regular water they ask you to take a couple of gal. out of it every 6 mo. to a yr. Sediment gets hard after a while but draining a little out of it once in a while doesn’t hurt. It’s not a big deal unless the plumbers that want to sell you another heater tells you , you don’t have to to do it at all. It’s up to you!

[Villages Kahuna]

Never!

I’ve had tankless water heaters in both my homes for the last 25 years. Best decision I ever made. No problems with any of them. I finally had to replace one of them after 23 years.

[TomPerry]

I have a whole house water filter and a water softener with potassium chloride. Why would I drain sediment out of my new hot water heater?

[EdFNJ]

If you have a water softner system you should drain, refill and drain again once a year. If you don't have a water softner system then you should do it twice a year. The calcium and sediment that hard water has attaches itself to the inside of the tank and the heating elements, thus reducing the life of your tank.
I suggest going to a tankless system (and yes they are available for electric homes). It's the best investment you will ever make. Trust me!

Sounds like telling a 95 year old guy who smokes 3 packs a day he should stop smoking or it will kill him! :) Our WH is 15 years old here, works fine. After seeing it mentioned numerous times I did drain it once but all that came out was clear water, no sediment so I'll have my grandkids do it next time when they take over the house 15 years from now. :D

That being said I did find that popping the emergency release valve made it drain faster. Haven't has the AC "cleaned" or checked either and it's also 15. I did DIY replace the capacitor and relay twice though and I also do hose pressure wash the condensate drain 2x yearly using that great (used to be) $7 tool that Mr. Retired123 recommended.

Used to have a tankless system up north when we had gas service. It was great. Sadly with electric they aren't as good. They also need a recirc line which is difficult to do as an add-in.

[Samcat13]

I do mine once a year.

[OhioBuckeye]

I agree but the only thing is they put it on the outside of the house here in Texas. How stupid is that! In the winter of 2020 a lot of our Tankless Heaters froze & bursted. So what I should of said “I would not buy another home with a Tankless Heater on the outside of house”. They’re OK but make sure they’re at least in your garage.

[DAVES]

How often do you have it done?

thank you again.

I think that is one of those things you are supposed to but no one ever does. There is a drain at the bottom of the tank. Junk, scale collects in the tank. If, you open the valve and dirt gets stuck in the valve, IT WILL LEAK. The heating element, IF connected to power must be in the water or it will burn out. Ours has not been done in 10 years. Expected life is like 14 years for a hot water heater.

[Kenswing]

I think that is one of those things you are supposed to but no one ever does. There is a drain at the bottom of the tank. Junk, scale collects in the tank. If, you open the valve and dirt gets stuck in the valve, IT WILL LEAK. The heating element, IF connected to power must be in the water or it will burn out. Ours has not been done in 10 years. Expected life is like 14 years for a hot water heater.

One good thing about that drain is that it's basically a hose bib with a threaded end. If it does develop a leak when you drain it you can simply place a threaded cap on the end and the leak is stopped.

[DAVES]

What would indicate it is needed sooner?

As said we are of the group that never does it. The concern is that dirt will end up in the drain valve and the valve will leak. IF, you only use your home part time, you may find when you first use the hot water it will look rusty. You are not supposed to use normal hot water supply in food.

[DAVES]

One good thing about that drain is that it's basically a hose bib with a threaded end. If it does develop a leak when you drain it you can simply place a threaded cap on the end and the leak is stopped.

Can't help it. Honey where are those caps I had down our basement. Don't you remember I tossed them?

[Kenswing]

Can't help it. Honey where are those caps I had down our basement. Don't you remember I tossed them?

Have it in your hand before you open the valve. Or just run out to Lowes and buy one and install it as soon as you get home. Don't over complicate this. lol

[Bill14564]

As said we are of the group that never does it.

Then you are not the one who said to drain it sooner if needed. "If needed" implies there is some indication of need. I was asking that individual what the indication was.

The concern is that dirt will end up in the drain valve and the valve will leak. IF, you only use your home part time, you may find when you first use the hot water it will look rusty. You are not supposed to use normal hot water supply in food.

News to me! What hot water supply are you supposed to use in food if not the normal supply in your home???

[retiredguy123]

I think that is one of those things you are supposed to but no one ever does. There is a drain at the bottom of the tank. Junk, scale collects in the tank. If, you open the valve and dirt gets stuck in the valve, IT WILL LEAK. The heating element, IF connected to power must be in the water or it will burn out. Ours has not been done in 10 years. Expected life is like 14 years for a hot water heater.
First of all, the manufacturer of many water heaters in The Villages is Rheem. The Rheem owners manual does not recommend that you drain or flush the water heater. And, second, the drain valve only has an opening of about one half inch when fully opened. That is not nearly large enough to allow very much sediment to be drained out of the tank and it will not create any type of "flushing" action in the tank. Any sediment that has become attached to the inside of the tank or to the heating elements will not be drained out at all. Note that the cold water enters the water heater near the bottom of the tank through a pipe called the dip tube. So, the water normally travels from the bottom of the tank to the top where it exits as hot water.

[retiredguy123]

Have it in your hand before you open the valve. Or just run out to Lowes and buy one and install it as soon as you get home. Don't over complicate this. lol
I would recommend that you also have a rubber washer to insert into the cap. Otherwise, it could leak.

[Kenswing]

Every time I've bought a cap it has had the washer included.

[Michael G.]

Can't help it. Honey where are those caps I had down our basement. Don't you remember I tossed them?

I got to laugh about going in the basement.

So many times, when I start a project, I figure I got one, then remember it was in the basement, UPNORTH. :(

[retiredguy123]

Every time I've bought a cap it has had the washer included.
Not my experience at all. I have bought pipe caps from Home Depot and Lowes. They were in a loose bin, and they didn't come with washers. They are not really designed to be water tight.

[Kenswing]

Not my experience at all. I have bought pipe caps from Home Depot and Lowes. They were in a loose bin, and they didn't come with washers. They are not really designed to be water tight.
This is what I bought. Rated for 75psi with spikes to 150. Threaded Cap (https://www.lowes.com/pd/B-K-3-4-in-Threaded-Cap-Fitting/1000504779)

If you read the reviews several people use them for their leaky water heater valve.

[retiredguy123]

This is what I bought. Rated for 75psi with spikes to 150. Threaded Cap (https://www.lowes.com/pd/B-K-3-4-in-Threaded-Cap-Fitting/1000504779)

If you read the reviews several people use them for their leaky water heater valve.
I agree. The important point is that you need to use a washer or it will probably leak.

[Toymeister]

First of all, the manufacturer of many water heaters in The Villages is Rheem. The Rheem owners manual does not recommend that you drain or flush the water heater.


Here is the rheem owners manual https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://parts2.rheem.com/waterheater/PDFs/AP12168.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiIsfPdhtf6AhV_j2oFHUAeAn8QFnoECBEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3AtiBy9IRYagdEUhM9fV2w

Refer to page 14, draining IS RECOMMENDED. Flushing IS RECOMMENDED.

[keepsake]

What about the anode rod inserted in the tank? I read a warranty that I have and it states that rod needs to be changed like every 3 years.

[retiredguy123]

Here is the rheem owners manual https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://parts2.rheem.com/waterheater/PDFs/AP12168.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiIsfPdhtf6AhV_j2oFHUAeAn8QFnoECBEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3AtiBy9IRYagdEUhM9fV2w

Refer to page 14, draining IS RECOMMENDED. Flushing IS RECOMMENDED.
The way I read page 14, is that it is "suggested" not recommended, that you drain a "few quarts" of water from the tank every month. And, that you "test" the relief valve for proper operation once per year. The only reference to "flushing" is with respect to the relief valve, not the tank drain valve. It doesn't specifically recommend ever draining the entire tank as a regular maintenance procedure. I think it is a good idea to test the relief valve, because that is a safety device. But, I don't think it makes sense to drain a few quarts of water from the tank every month. And, personally, I am too lazy to do that every month, and it is only a suggestion. Also, the drain valve is way too small to accomplish any effective flushing of the tank. Just my opinion.

[Toymeister]

The way I read page 14, is that it is "suggested" not recommended, that you drain a "few quarts" of water from the tank every month. And, that you "test" the relief valve for proper operation once per year. The only reference to "flushing" is with respect to the relief valve, not the tank drain valve. It doesn't specifically recommend ever draining the entire tank as a regular maintenance procedure. I think it is a good idea to test the relief valve, because that is a safety device. But, I don't think it makes sense to drain a few quarts of water from the tank every month. And, personally, I am too lazy to do that every month, and it is only a suggestion. Also, the drain valve is way too small to accomplish any effective flushing of the tank. Just my opinion.

There seems to be a concern by water heater manufacturers to drain and flush the tank. I nor anyone else on this thread has spoken of how much to drain from a heater.

GE Directs the flushing of the tank and recommends draining page 18

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://products.geappliances.com/MarketingObjectRetrieval/Dispatcher%3FRequestType%3DPDF%26Name%3DAP12171-4.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjKx9SomNf6AhUskmoFHbh_BgoQFnoECBcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2yDs0EyomDS74eSGH4MG4S

Whirlpool directs (not suggest and not recommend) owners to flush and drain
Whirlpool Water Heater Manuals (http://www.whirlpoolwaterheaters.com/owner-center/product-manuals/?energyType=ElectricPowerSource&alttemplate=ProductManualsMobile)

Bradford white page 28 Directs draining monthly
Specs, Manuals, Parts Lists, & Piping Diagrams United States Residential Tank Type Gas | Bradford White (https://www.bradfordwhite.com/documentation/usa/residential/tank-type-gas)

Carrier directs flushing and draining page 32

Product Literature | Carrier Residential (https://www.carrier.com/residential/en/us/homeowner-resources/product-literature/)

Here is another Page 25 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.statewaterheaters.com/lit/im/res-gas/315466-000.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwic5oGal9f6AhXFmYQIHZniCukQFnoECDgQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3W4bP7HqQpZbikG7UVVMZx

And this is just the top five manufacturers.

Give it up, I am correct. It won't hurt to admit it Retiredguy!

[retiredguy123]

There seems to be a concern by water heater manufacturers to drain and flush the tank. I nor anyone else on this thread has spoken of how much to drain from a heater.

GE Directs the flushing of the tank and recommends draining page 18

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://products.geappliances.com/MarketingObjectRetrieval/Dispatcher%3FRequestType%3DPDF%26Name%3DAP12171-4.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjKx9SomNf6AhUskmoFHbh_BgoQFnoECBcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2yDs0EyomDS74eSGH4MG4S

Whirlpool directs (not suggest and not recommend) owners to flush and drain
Whirlpool Water Heater Manuals (http://www.whirlpoolwaterheaters.com/owner-center/product-manuals/?energyType=ElectricPowerSource&alttemplate=ProductManualsMobile)

Bradford white page 28 Directs draining monthly
Specs, Manuals, Parts Lists, & Piping Diagrams United States Residential Tank Type Gas | Bradford White (https://www.bradfordwhite.com/documentation/usa/residential/tank-type-gas)

Carrier directs flushing and draining page 32

Product Literature | Carrier Residential (https://www.carrier.com/residential/en/us/homeowner-resources/product-literature/)

Here is another Page 25 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.statewaterheaters.com/lit/im/res-gas/315466-000.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwic5oGal9f6AhXFmYQIHZniCukQFnoECDgQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3W4bP7HqQpZbikG7UVVMZx

And this is just the top five manufacturers.

Give it up, I am correct. It won't hurt to admit it Retiredguy!
OK, I give up. But, I'm still too lazy to do any of that stuff. When my water heater fails, I'll buy a new one, and I'm cheap. I would like to know how many TOTV members actually maintain their water heater.

[ohioshooter]

When I was a snow bird, the last 11 years, I would drain my water heater just before I left. I had a longtime plumber tell me to do that. Now, do whatever you want.

[Bill14564]

OK, I give up. But, I'm still too lazy to do any of that stuff. When my water heater fails, I'll buy a new one, and I'm cheap. I would like to know how many TOTV members actually maintain their water heater.

New home in MD: 3 years with no draining - no problems
Used home in WA: 3 years with no draining - no problems
Used home in MD: 20 years with no draining - no problems
Villages home: 4 years with no draining - no problems

Never heard of draining or replacing a sacrificial anode until I saw it in a ToTV thread.

I might try attaching a hose and opening the drain valve while still under pressure. Water coming in might stir things up a little. If I see a bunch of sediment then maybe I'll add it to my list of maintenance items.