[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........

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by 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........

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]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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]

Originally Posted by Toymeister

Annually

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

[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