I don’t think the prior owners of my house did this in the 2000’s, and I keep reading that this is the most basic level of self-preventative maintenance for a hot water heater.
I’ve never done this, so anyone have any tips?
Some dumb questions:
ok to drain the water into my utility sink?if I only have a really long hose, is that ok to use or should I find a shorter one from a neighbor?do I drain all the water, or just a few minutes worth? (I’m assuming the first 30 seconds or so will be water with some discoloration)
Drain it all … Long hose out the door … I just watered my lawn with it.
Sufficient water pressure to go up about 6 feet you think? No concern that the sediment would damage the yard?
Sufficient water pressure to go up about 6 feet you think?
Sure, as long as you are going down hill. Drain is at the base of the water heater so all of that water is uphill. Once the water level drops below the pressure relief valve, open it both to help drain faster and because that is the maintenance routine for it.
If you have an electric, make sure you shut off the power before starting because dry firing those burners results in an instant replacement job. Gas, just shut it off. Leave the pilot light going.
Not necessary to drain the whole thing, or disconnect/shut off anything. The sediment you want to drain is on the bottom. Just open the drain valve and let it run for a minute. Any longer than that and the dip tube entrainment will dilute it anyway. First 15 seconds gets most of it. This is very easy. Do it monthly.