Water Heaters - draining and flushing water heater

Have tried both ways to drian or flush water both by shutting off water supply first and opening hot water fawcett in house and keeping water supply open but either way very little water drains from tank which is 5 feet above floor. Could there be something blocking the drain? I have even reversed the flow by water flow into the drain valve but still no flow.Any suggestions?

I would say that deposits are blocking the drain valve. You might try a coat hanger through the drain valve. At 5 foot off the floor, there is plenty of head pressure so the drain valve must be blocked. Good luck.

So I will need to open the drain valve and then try to clean it out with a small wire hanger.If that works then I am hoping the hot water doesn't come rushing out at me!! Thanks

The power supply (gas/electric) should be shut off and a hot water faucet or two opened up to let cold water into the tank to push the hot out. Test the water temp before attempting to clear the drain on the heater. You can do this by sticking your hand under one of the hot faucets that has been running a while. Be ready to turn the drain valve off when you pull the wire out. If it clears it, water will follow right away.

Hello: survivor

Draining and or flushing info here:
WATER HEATER DRAINING AND FLUSHING INFO:
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=159797

Draining and or flushing info here also:
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=134483

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