Water Heaters - Water Heater maintenance
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gilloz
10-30-09, 08:27 AM
I have heard pros and cons with regards to draining the water heater periodically. I would like some opinions as to why we should or should not drain the water heater at intervals. Does it make any difference if you have a Water Softener in the system? One final thing. If the water heater is in the garage, does it need a thermal blanket? I've also heard pros and cons on this because of sweating or something like that. All comments will be appreciated. Thanks
shacko
10-31-09, 02:41 PM
Most water heater manufactors recomend flushing the heater out once a year (you have to check the paper work that came with it), by not doing it you can build up debris in the bottom which will interfere with its heating ability.
Neglecting this too long and the debris can build up where it is almost impossible to get it out.
A water softener shouldn't have a negitive effect on it.
If the tank sweats using a thermal blanket on it will stop that, also it will help with heat loss, a slight cost savings, that should answer your questions, luck. :)
Neglecting this too long and the debris can build up where it is almost impossible to get it out.
A water softener shouldn't have a negitive effect on it.
If the tank sweats using a thermal blanket on it will stop that, also it will help with heat loss, a slight cost savings, that should answer your questions, luck. :)
SeattlePioneer
10-31-09, 04:22 PM
Generally speaking, flushing a water tank isn't draining it.
Connect a hose to the drain valve and then turn the drain valve on to full flow. You want to use the turbulence of the moving water to entrain debris accumulated on the bottom of the tank and cause it to go out the drain valve.
From time to time, use the hose to fill a 5 gallon bucket with white plastic sides. If debris or dirty water comes out, continue until the water runs clear.
Connect a hose to the drain valve and then turn the drain valve on to full flow. You want to use the turbulence of the moving water to entrain debris accumulated on the bottom of the tank and cause it to go out the drain valve.
From time to time, use the hose to fill a 5 gallon bucket with white plastic sides. If debris or dirty water comes out, continue until the water runs clear.