I know that experts say that water heaters should be drained once a year to prolong their life span..
I like to do preventive maintenance whenever possible. What is the process? I envision connecting a water hose and seeing 40 gallons of water flow into my backyard and the yard of my neighbors. I do not want a flood!
-
3po3 on Dec 04, 2011That's about the extent of it. Your water heater manufacturer may have specific advice, but here is a nice general step-by-step guide with good photos etc. http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-drain-a-water-heater/index.htmlHelpful Reply
-
-
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on Dec 04, 2011The process is simple. You do not turn off the water to the heater and just drain it. This will not remove any real sediment doing it this way, Simply take a old short washer hose and a five gallon bucket. while the water is on to the heater using gloves so you do not scald yourself place hose in bucket, connect to hose bib on heater. Turn on bib and fill bucket until no more sediment comes out. Might only be one gallon, or may take several gallons. The reason why you keep the water on is it helps flush the bottom as it fills when draining. Once done turn off water drain and remove hose. If the hose bib continues to drip, and it often does. Do not over tighten it in an attempt to stop this drip. It will not work. Go to any hardware store and purchase a hose bib cap. Cost about $1.50 Put it one valve and your done. If the hot water heater was around 10 years old I would suggest against it at that time. As the heater ages the sediment builds up on the inside. It displaces any water that would normally be in contact with the bottom of the heater. These little dots of debris sometimes allows the heater to overheat those areas and for the lack of a better explanation burns holes into the bottom of the metal weakening it. When you flush after that has occurred. It is quite common to find leaks the next day. This happens a lot with older heaters when people move in to the home. They are in a cleaning mode using many more gallons of water then the heater may had seen for many years. All this additional water can flush the sediment around with the result of these little hot spots beginning to leak in short order.Helpful Reply
-
-
Alta M on Dec 05, 2011Thank you both very much!Helpful Reply
-
Related Discussions
How can you make a regular sized door fit into a mobile home frame?
The back door to my mobile home is a an odd size - specific to mobile homes. They are extraordinarily expensive. Is there some way to cut down a regular sized door to... See more
What can I do with this DVD stand?
I have a DVD stand that I am trying to repurpose instead of trash. Any ideas?
I want to get rid of a trumpet vine that is growing on my home.
How do you get rid of Trumpet Vine. It is growing into the foundation of my house. I have tried pulling it out, round up, vinegar and salt. Please share your knowled... See more
How do I get rid of mole/voles and chipmunks from my garden and yard
Blackout curtains behind vertical blinds
I have two 6' patio doors, and I want to add blackout curtains to keep the sun/cold out. What is the best way to hang them, and what can I use to push the curtains ba... See more
What’s your favorite flower?
Let's brighten up our day with some floral beauty! Flowers come in so many shapes, sizes, and colors, and everyone has a favorite. We want to know: What is your favor... See more
Should I paint or stain my oak kitchen cabinets?
I was wondering if you could help me with something -- I have an entirely oak kitchen. I know it's the rage now to paint or gel stain cabinets. I've been considering ... See more