Question on water heater maintenance

April 04, 2018, 10:31 AM

Should water heaters be drained periodically to help remove sediment from the tank? If so, how often?

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April 04, 2018, 10:46 AM

Johnny 3eagles

We were in a high calcium area and had to drain every 30 days, about 5 gallons.

Here in Arkansas i drain off a couple of gallons every 6 months.

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April 04, 2018, 10:47 AM

Palm

Yes, and I have been told at least annually, maybe more if you have hard water. This was told to me by my home inspector, so I don't claim any independent expertise.

April 04, 2018, 11:01 AM

ensigmatic

We're on well water. We've been told to drain it about once a year. If you're on city water I guess "it depends?"

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April 04, 2018, 11:02 AM

FiveFiveSixFan

I do it for several reasons. It removes sediment but it also keeps the valve operating smoothly. The frequency depends on the water quality in your location.

April 04, 2018, 11:04 AM

konata88

Huh? We're supposed to drain water heaters? Annually? Hmmm, I guess I'm about 15 years over due then?

Our water is generally clean and soft from the water company. Don't really have a problem with things like hard water deposits (at least not like people I know who live in other areas).

Interesting - I'll look into this.

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April 04, 2018, 11:04 AM

apf383

While we are on the subject of water heaters, how often do hou guys swap out the sacrifical anode?

April 04, 2018, 11:11 AM

Excam_Man

In most cases, you're better off leaving it alone until it needs to be replaced.

If you decide to drain it, keep a cap handy for the hose bib.

April 04, 2018, 11:25 AM

229DAK

quote:
Originally posted by konata88:
Huh? We're supposed to drain water heaters? Annually? Hmmm, I guess I'm about 15 years over due then?

Then I'm at least 21 years overdue, and who knows if the previous homeowners ever drained it. It's an AO Smith (gas) and has worked like a champ so far. My fear is that if I tried to drain it, either the valve won't open (frozen shut) or, once it is open, won't shut completely. At this point, I think I'll just leave it alone....

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April 04, 2018, 11:25 AM

Perception

Here in the limestone belt, I've never drained. Between my parents and myself, we've gotten about 45 combined years of service out of two water heaters, and they are still going strong. I'm in the if its not broke don't fix it camp.

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April 04, 2018, 11:37 AM

chellim1

quote:
Originally posted by Bigboreshooter:
Should water heaters be drained periodically to help remove sediment from the tank? If so, how often?

I heard this and decided to try it.
I hooked up a hose to the valve and put the other end into a 5 gallon bucket to collect the first 5 gallons of water after opening the valve.

There was very little sediment in the water....

So I don't think it's really necessary to do every year unless you are in an area with a lot of hard water or whatever causes the sediment.

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April 04, 2018, 11:42 AM

MikeGLI

quote:
Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
We were in a high calcium area and had to drain every 30 days, about 5 gallons.

Here in Arkansas i drain off a couple of gallons every 6 months.

Do you find that you get the sediment out only draining a few gallons? Ive done this once before and had to empty completely, then suck the sediment out with a shop vac.

April 04, 2018, 12:07 PM

Woodman

I would not exactly drain the unit. But a hose hooked to the draw-off, then the draw-off opened, will purge water and sediment together as makeup water is introduced under pressure in the traditional fashion.

WH makers speak of their tanks having a swirling action to inlet water which is supposed to keep sediment at bay.

The most I've ever seen come out is about a mouthful of grey/black water, then she's running clear.

April 04, 2018, 12:11 PM

bendable

drained ?
our water is SO ! bad that they pull an access door off and scoop out gravel.

four one gallon buckets , every 48 months or so

April 04, 2018, 12:18 PM

Johnny 3eagles

quote:
Originally posted by MikeGLI:
quote:
Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
We were in a high calcium area and had to drain every 30 days, about 5 gallons.

Here in Arkansas i drain off a couple of gallons every 6 months.

Do you find that you get the sediment out only draining a few gallons? Ive done this once before and had to empty completely, then suck the sediment out with a shop vac.

When we were in central Pennsylvania it was so bad badly the bottom heating element was imbedded in calcium ceposits. We used to see calcium flakes in our washing machine filter. First time i drained it, i made a scoop from pipe strap and then finished with a homemade attachment for my shop vac.

If you're goin' through hell, keep on going.
Don't slow down. If you're scared don't show it.
You might get out before the devil even knows you're there.

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April 04, 2018, 01:19 PM

dsiets

quote:
Originally posted by 229DAK:
quote:
Originally posted by konata88:
Huh? We're supposed to drain water heaters? Annually? Hmmm, I guess I'm about 15 years over due then?

Then I'm at least 21 years overdue, and who knows if the previous homeowners ever drained it. It's an AO Smith (gas) and has worked like a champ so far. My fear is that if I tried to drain it, either the valve won't open (frozen shut) or, once it is open, won't shut completely. At this point, I think I'll just leave it alone....

That's what our furnace guy told us about ours (or some such). Best to just leave it alone at that point.
It just went out 2 months ago but had lasted 20+ yrs.

April 04, 2018, 01:23 PM

Oz_Shadow

Mine is in a garage closet. I put a hose on it and wash the garage floor a couple times a year, especially with the salt. Kills two birds with one stone!

April 04, 2018, 01:38 PM

ensigmatic

I just tested ours. Installed a bit over six months ago. Just did a test by draining into a big bucket. (Home Depot-sized.) Came out pretty nasty. After about 5-6 buckets-full, it wasn't clear, but it wasn't real bad, either.

Obviously that's not the way to do it. Turning the drain valve on/off and fresh water coming in puts all the finer stuff into suspension throughout the tank. I'd only meant to check it, then figured I might as well do a half-assed job while I was at it

Our tank has a screwdriver-operated ball valve for draining, rather than a gate valve with a handle.

April 25, 2018, 09:21 AM

Oz_Shadow

quote:
Originally posted by ensigmatic:

Our tank has a screwdriver-operated ball valve for draining, rather than a gate valve with a handle.

My new tank has that. Took me a few minutes to realize it was not a normal valve missing the handle. I was turning it wondering why the thing would not turn off !

April 25, 2018, 10:21 AM

MikeinNC

quote:
Originally posted by apf383:
While we are on the subject of water heaters, how often do hou guys swap out the sacrifical anode?

I'd check it once a year.

Be aware there are differing metal anodes and a combination....your local plumbing store (Ferguson Supply) will know which kind for your area.

It's a TWO GUY JOB. Someone to hold (bearhug) the tank and someone to use a cheater pipe and a wrench to remove the anode.

If the anode plug has a bump welded on top then get another one like it, you will have to trim off excess as they usually come in one length.

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