Question on water heater maintenance

April 25, 2018, 10:33 AM

quote:
Originally posted by 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.

I bought my water heater from Ferguson, went back a few years later to buy a replacement anode and they looked at me like I was an alien. That store must be in the mode of just replacing the heater when it fails.

April 25, 2018, 05:07 PM

sig operator

Turn off power, turn off incoming cold water, drain completely. Helps to open a close by hot water valve to provide venting. Open incoming cold water valve for approx. 10 sec to help rinse bottom of tank, let drain again. Refill tank, venting all air out before turning power back on.
As others have said frequency is dependent on water hardness, once a year is minimum recommended.

April 25, 2018, 05:29 PM

jimmy123x

If it hasn't been drained in the past 2 or 3 years, you're probably best not touching it. Usually the drain valve will either be frozen or not shutoff. So have a cap for it, just in case it doesn't.

April 25, 2018, 05:53 PM

wreckdiver

In the business, so I'm asked quite a bit about it. My suggestion is to put a hose on it and the other end of the hose outside in a 5 gallon bucket.

Fully open the drain valve and go outside. As soon as it runs clear, kink the hose and let pressure build, release hose after 20 seconds, then wait to see if more sediment comes, usually does.

Continue to do this until clear water is all you get. Shut off the drain valve at that point.

April 25, 2018, 09:36 PM

Excam_Man

quote:
Originally posted by MikeinNC:

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.

20V DeWalt impact makes it a one man job.

April 25, 2018, 10:53 PM

SIGGUY (THE 1ST)

The city I live in has very hard water ( over 15ppm) I drain my tank once a year. It looks like ths Hershy Squirts coming out of the hose. A hot water tank lasts me 7 to 8 yeara and then has to be replaced. Hatd water is very damaging!