Water Heaters - cleaning out a hot water tank
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Alexdc03
12-10-05, 08:52 PM
Does anyone use any chemicals to clean out a hot water tank. One of my water filters that removes stains from the water stopped working and now I get this dirty type smell from the hot water. It's not strong but you can smell it. I was thinking of adding a cup of clorine for a 1/2 day and then drain and rinse it out. Anyone ever try adding a couple of bottle of CLR to the inside to help clean it out, just a thought?
Sharp Advice
12-11-05, 10:32 AM
Welcome Alex to the Do-It-Yourself Web Site and the Water Heaters topic.
Personally and in my opinion, I would not suggest using any chemicals to flush out the tank. Surely to leave some residual of any chemical behind.
What I would suggest trying is flushing with water after the filter problem is corrected. That is "FLUSHING" and not to be confused with "DRAINING." Not the same processes.
Read the tank flushing and draining info here:
WATER HEATER DRAINING AND FLUSHING INFO:
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=159797
Overview: http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=134483
WATER HEATER TANK TYPE DRAINING, FLUSHING REASONS AND METHODS
TANK FLUSHING REASONS:
It is often recommended and also a good idea to FLUSH a water heater tank yearly. The reasoning behind this maintenance procedure is to flush out sediment and rust particles that will naturally settle and accumulate on the bottom of the tank.
Sediment is found within almost all supplies of water more to some degree. Rust comes from the tanks interior, do to normal tank aging, iron pipes within the houses own water piping system, those of the main water supply from the streets piping system and other sources, depending on the water supply.
TANK DRAINING:
At times it may become necessary to drain {empty} the water heater tank for various reasons. Replacing it, moving it's location, installing replacement parts or repairing it, etc.
The very first step is to turn OFF the gas or electric supply!Without water in the tank, the temperature sensing element or elements will cool off, do to the lack of hot water. This will cause the water heater to automatically turn ON and begin the reheating process.
Therefore, it is essnetial to turn off the energy source prior to draining any tank type water heater. Failure to do this can and will cause damage to either the tank and or heating parts.
Second step is to turn OFF the incoming water supply. The COLD water inlet supply valve, will be or should be, on the pipe located on the right side of the tank at the top.
The valve may be one of two commonly used varieties. A gate valve, which has a round knob that is turned inwards {clockwise} until seated closed.
The other type is the newer ball valve variety. This valve will have a lever that is turned so the lever handle is not parallel to the pipe but across it.
Third step is to OPEN at least one hot water faucet within the house. By doing so, internal pressure will be relieved and air will be allowed to enter through the faucet to help displace the water in the tank. Failure to execute this step may result in the tank not completely emptying.
Fourth step is to locate the faucet {Spigot} on the hot water tank. These water outlets are always located near the bottom of the tank next to the gas control thermostat or lower thermostat on electric water heater tanks.
Once the faucet or spigot valve is located, attach a garden hose to it and place the other end of the hose wherever the exiting hot water will be safe to flow. Then OPEN the faucet on the tank and allow the entire tank to DRAIN until completely emptied.
TANK FLUSHING METHOD:
To successfully accomplish this task, simply attach a common garden hose to the water heaters faucet. {Spigot} To flush the tank, there is NO need to turn off the gas or electrical supply nor open any hot water faucet within the house. Leave the inlet water supply valve ON also.
Simply attach the garden hose to the faucet or spigot, place the other end in a location where HOT water will not cause damage and simply OPEN the tanks faucet valve.
Allow the existing HOT water to flow out of the hoses end until it does so cleanly and clearly. Depending upon the amount of rust, sediment and debris inside the tank, this process may take less than one minute or several minutes to accomplish.
Once this is accomplished and your satisfied the exiting water is flowing cleanly, CLOSE the tanks faucet valve. Remove the garden hose from the faucet or spigot.
PRESTO!....The "FLUSHING" is completed....:D
Results and methods may vary. Always read your owners manual and closely follow the advice and procedures given in the manufacturers booklet or on labels attached to the tank. Always follow all safety warnings!
Disclaimer:
The information above is offered to provide basic information and instructional procedures only. Methods and procedures apply only to tank type water heaters.
FLUSHING ONLY:
There isn't any need to turn off the pilot flame during flushing because there will always be water in the tank. By simply attaching a common garden hose to the tanks faucet, located near the thermostat control, putting the other end of the hose outdoors and opening the tanks flush faucet valve.
The tank is considered flushed when the water flows out clean. Once that task is completed, reverse the process. The thermostat temperature control may be lowered during the process but that's often not even necessary.
How often the tank needs flushing depends upon several factors. Most importantly depends on the water piping system, age of the pipes and the hardness of the water. Age of the tank is often a factor. Flushing yearly is often the best. Read the manufacturers instructions found on the tanks labels.
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 Driving Safety Reminder:
Buckle Up & Drive Safely. "The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."
Personally and in my opinion, I would not suggest using any chemicals to flush out the tank. Surely to leave some residual of any chemical behind.
What I would suggest trying is flushing with water after the filter problem is corrected. That is "FLUSHING" and not to be confused with "DRAINING." Not the same processes.
Read the tank flushing and draining info here:
WATER HEATER DRAINING AND FLUSHING INFO:
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=159797
Overview: http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=134483
WATER HEATER TANK TYPE DRAINING, FLUSHING REASONS AND METHODS
TANK FLUSHING REASONS:
It is often recommended and also a good idea to FLUSH a water heater tank yearly. The reasoning behind this maintenance procedure is to flush out sediment and rust particles that will naturally settle and accumulate on the bottom of the tank.
Sediment is found within almost all supplies of water more to some degree. Rust comes from the tanks interior, do to normal tank aging, iron pipes within the houses own water piping system, those of the main water supply from the streets piping system and other sources, depending on the water supply.
TANK DRAINING:
At times it may become necessary to drain {empty} the water heater tank for various reasons. Replacing it, moving it's location, installing replacement parts or repairing it, etc.
The very first step is to turn OFF the gas or electric supply!Without water in the tank, the temperature sensing element or elements will cool off, do to the lack of hot water. This will cause the water heater to automatically turn ON and begin the reheating process.
Therefore, it is essnetial to turn off the energy source prior to draining any tank type water heater. Failure to do this can and will cause damage to either the tank and or heating parts.
Second step is to turn OFF the incoming water supply. The COLD water inlet supply valve, will be or should be, on the pipe located on the right side of the tank at the top.
The valve may be one of two commonly used varieties. A gate valve, which has a round knob that is turned inwards {clockwise} until seated closed.
The other type is the newer ball valve variety. This valve will have a lever that is turned so the lever handle is not parallel to the pipe but across it.
Third step is to OPEN at least one hot water faucet within the house. By doing so, internal pressure will be relieved and air will be allowed to enter through the faucet to help displace the water in the tank. Failure to execute this step may result in the tank not completely emptying.
Fourth step is to locate the faucet {Spigot} on the hot water tank. These water outlets are always located near the bottom of the tank next to the gas control thermostat or lower thermostat on electric water heater tanks.
Once the faucet or spigot valve is located, attach a garden hose to it and place the other end of the hose wherever the exiting hot water will be safe to flow. Then OPEN the faucet on the tank and allow the entire tank to DRAIN until completely emptied.
TANK FLUSHING METHOD:
To successfully accomplish this task, simply attach a common garden hose to the water heaters faucet. {Spigot} To flush the tank, there is NO need to turn off the gas or electrical supply nor open any hot water faucet within the house. Leave the inlet water supply valve ON also.
Simply attach the garden hose to the faucet or spigot, place the other end in a location where HOT water will not cause damage and simply OPEN the tanks faucet valve.
Allow the existing HOT water to flow out of the hoses end until it does so cleanly and clearly. Depending upon the amount of rust, sediment and debris inside the tank, this process may take less than one minute or several minutes to accomplish.
Once this is accomplished and your satisfied the exiting water is flowing cleanly, CLOSE the tanks faucet valve. Remove the garden hose from the faucet or spigot.
PRESTO!....The "FLUSHING" is completed....:D
Results and methods may vary. Always read your owners manual and closely follow the advice and procedures given in the manufacturers booklet or on labels attached to the tank. Always follow all safety warnings!
Disclaimer:
The information above is offered to provide basic information and instructional procedures only. Methods and procedures apply only to tank type water heaters.
FLUSHING ONLY:
There isn't any need to turn off the pilot flame during flushing because there will always be water in the tank. By simply attaching a common garden hose to the tanks faucet, located near the thermostat control, putting the other end of the hose outdoors and opening the tanks flush faucet valve.
The tank is considered flushed when the water flows out clean. Once that task is completed, reverse the process. The thermostat temperature control may be lowered during the process but that's often not even necessary.
How often the tank needs flushing depends upon several factors. Most importantly depends on the water piping system, age of the pipes and the hardness of the water. Age of the tank is often a factor. Flushing yearly is often the best. Read the manufacturers instructions found on the tanks labels.
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 Driving Safety Reminder:
Buckle Up & Drive Safely. "The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."
LeonB
12-15-05, 02:48 PM
The drain spigot on my 50 gallon tank is broken. Short of pulling the valve out which will result in 50-gallons of water where it doesn't need to be, wanted to see if it was possible to drain the tank via siphon from the inlet hole, anode hole or pressure relief valve.
Baldwin
12-16-05, 09:53 AM
I had the same problem, broken drain valve. Go buy a piece of vinyl tubing, at least twice the height of the tank. Takes a little time but you can get it almost dry.
Baldwin
Baldwin
majakdragon
12-16-05, 03:36 PM
LeonB,
Use the inlet hole. Anodes are a BEAR to remove. The T/P valve (unless it is top mounted) would still have the water level above the hole. While you have it drained, replace the valve.
They make a small pump that attaches to a drill that will pump the tank out. Good luck.
Use the inlet hole. Anodes are a BEAR to remove. The T/P valve (unless it is top mounted) would still have the water level above the hole. While you have it drained, replace the valve.
They make a small pump that attaches to a drill that will pump the tank out. Good luck.