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Flush out the hot water heater annually - Yay or nay?

R

Ramma2

Platinum Member
It seems like a good idea to me; the one time I did it there was quite a bit of red sediment that drained out with the water, but I've heard some people say that draining it isn't a good practice. Why it would be bad doesn't make sense to me, so surely AT will guide me in the right direction!
 
Originally posted by: Citrix
you heat your hot water?
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Sure, define hot? I consider the tap water which comes in somewhere around 60 degrees to be rather hot in comparison to arctic water temps. So we still heat it a bit, up to some good shower temps.
 
yes it is a good idea. it will extend the life of your hot water TANK, and will not harm your water HEATER. I do it every spring.
 
I've heard it both ways. Sometimes getting rid of sediment allows scabs that have formed on the inside to get worse and eventually lead to leakage. I've heard its good to replace the magnesium rod from time to time.
 
I do. I don't see what the harm could be. Getting rid of that sediment has got to help. You just have to make sure you drain only a gallon at a time when you do it. If you let the water level get to low you could damage your heater, especially if it is electric.
 
Originally posted by: Analog
I've heard it both ways. Sometimes getting rid of sediment allows scabs that have formed on the inside to get worse and eventually lead to leakage. I've heard its good to replace the magnesium rod from time to time.
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Yeah that is the negative that I've heard, it can lead to leaks. Oh the choices!
 
You have other maintendance that needs to be done that many don't do.

1. Check and replace your TP valve.
2. Replace your corrosion rod.

I would say drain it if you live in an area with a well or Hard water. But if you are on city then it should be fine.

The many reasons why I will go tankless if the hot water heater goes out.
 
Originally posted by: Krazy4Real
I do. I don't see what the harm could be. Getting rid of that sediment has got to help. You just have to make sure you drain only a gallon at a time when you do it. If you let the water level get to low you could damage your heater, especially if it is electric.
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Why wouldn't you just kill the breaker, drain, refill, and then turn it back on?
 
Originally posted by: Ramma2
Originally posted by: Analog
I've heard it both ways. Sometimes getting rid of sediment allows scabs that have formed on the inside to get worse and eventually lead to leakage. I've heard its good to replace the magnesium rod from time to time.
Click to expand...

Yeah that is the negative that I've heard, it can lead to leaks. Oh the choices!
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Not if you hot water heater is glass lined (like a thermos bottle). My hot water heater is.
 
Originally posted by: amdskip
Originally posted by: Krazy4Real
I do. I don't see what the harm could be. Getting rid of that sediment has got to help. You just have to make sure you drain only a gallon at a time when you do it. If you let the water level get to low you could damage your heater, especially if it is electric.
Click to expand...
Why wouldn't you just kill the breaker, drain, refill, and then turn it back on?
Click to expand...

If you do it annually there is no need to drain more than a gallon each year. If you haven't done it in years then you should probably do a full drain making sure you take the proper precautions like you stated in your post.
 
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