Water Heaters - Hot water heater flushing troubles
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gball
11-25-05, 08:59 AM
Background: I have a bradford white gas 50 gal hot water heater that was installed in 1994. It has not been flushed in 3-4 years (bad I know). I am on well and have a fair amount of brown/rust colored sediment in the water. It is also extremely hard (no softener). I have a whole house filter system at the input of the house. I do not hear any crackling when the burner is firing so I don't think there is a lot of hard water deposit. But when I replaced the last heater it had a large amount of deposit in it. I could hear the crackling on that one.
Problem: I went to drain and then flush the tank but when I opened up the drain valve (plastic) a small trickle of brownish water came out. After a few minutes it stopped. I did this with the cold inlet off (hot water taps upstairs open) (ie drain) and with inlet on (flush), same results. It appears that the drain valve is plugged? I guess I could let it cool and then remove the drain valve but I don't relish the mess that would make. Or would it be possible to hook the hose to the house supply with appropriate adapters and force water into the tank thru the drain valve in an effort to clear it? Any other ideas?
The reason I got around to attempting a flush is that the water temp is low after sitting overnight. I now realize I should drain and then flush every 6 months or so.
Problem: I went to drain and then flush the tank but when I opened up the drain valve (plastic) a small trickle of brownish water came out. After a few minutes it stopped. I did this with the cold inlet off (hot water taps upstairs open) (ie drain) and with inlet on (flush), same results. It appears that the drain valve is plugged? I guess I could let it cool and then remove the drain valve but I don't relish the mess that would make. Or would it be possible to hook the hose to the house supply with appropriate adapters and force water into the tank thru the drain valve in an effort to clear it? Any other ideas?
The reason I got around to attempting a flush is that the water temp is low after sitting overnight. I now realize I should drain and then flush every 6 months or so.
majakdragon
11-25-05, 09:13 AM
gball, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
Sounds like you have the right idea. If that doesn't work, you could try a metal coat hanger to clear the valve. It will still be a little messy but not as much as totally removing the valve. Good luck.
Sounds like you have the right idea. If that doesn't work, you could try a metal coat hanger to clear the valve. It will still be a little messy but not as much as totally removing the valve. Good luck.
Sharp Advice
11-25-05, 10:29 AM
Hello gball and Welcome to our Do It Yourself Web Site and the Water Heaters topic.
Once you get the faucet cleared out, "FLUSH" the tank.
Instructions here:
WATER HEATER DRAINING AND FLUSHING INFO:
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=159797
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=134483
If you need further assistance, use the reply button to add any additional information or questions, etc. Using this method also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically. Check back on your question several more times. Other members and the plumbing professionals posting replies in this forum topic may offer you additional advice, ideas and or repair methods.
Web Site Host, Gas Appliances Topic Moderator & Multiple Forums Moderator. Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
Personal Reminder:
Buckle Up & Drive Safely.
"The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."
Once you get the faucet cleared out, "FLUSH" the tank.
Instructions here:
WATER HEATER DRAINING AND FLUSHING INFO:
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=159797
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=134483
If you need further assistance, use the reply button to add any additional information or questions, etc. Using this method also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically. Check back on your question several more times. Other members and the plumbing professionals posting replies in this forum topic may offer you additional advice, ideas and or repair methods.
Web Site Host, Gas Appliances Topic Moderator & Multiple Forums Moderator. Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
Personal Reminder:
Buckle Up & Drive Safely.
"The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."