I feel like it might be one and the same
I learned I have done it incorrectly in the past.
I could put this in the I was this many days old when I leaned thread.
Nope. Read the link you posted again. The recommendation is to flush once a year. Flushing skips a few steps:
Turn off heater
Let cool
Connect hose
Put hose in sump
Open drain valve
Wait for a while
Close drain valve
Turn on heater
The idea is that the tank drain is at the bottom of the tank and you will be pulling all the sediment while it is constantly being refilled from the top.
You talk with AO Smith on a routine basis?
They have a website
OK, so you just make shit up for the hell of it, or you think when you are on the website they are literally telling you to do it like a crazy person.
Did you open the pressure relief valve? That should get it just about 100% drained (except for any that might be below the drain level).
- Jeff
And this is why I come hereā¦will read up again after work
I tried to do that once and ended up with a leaky pressure relief valve. My theory is the issue lies in the expansion tank tied to the main tank.
Very well could be the expansion tank.
If the relief started leaking after, you were probably going to have issues soon anyhow.
I eventually replaced the leaky pressure valve. It was a very slow leak that didnāt impact its pressure control performance, just a result of some crud. I could drain it enough to replace the valve. That is when I learned what Windy just did that I didnāt have to drain the tank in the first place on an annual basis and just a flush would work.
As a chore I need to complete - is it enough to just open the drain valve and let it flush or do you need to drain and rinse for a good flush?
I would suggest not turning heater on until you have cleared all the lines of air. Make sure there is no more gurgling sounds at any faucet. This ensures the tank does not have any air in it. you can burn out a heating element if tank is not full.
Removing sediment also protects your lower electric water heater element. If sediment fills to element it will burn out.
If you have an expansion tank, be sure to check its air pressure and confirm it is working. You could find it has failed and does not hold pressure requiring it be replaced.
I am not an expert on the topic, but the goal is to have the water come out of the drain valve clean. I think you probably do a better job if you drain, flush and drain again, but you are probably 90% of the way there if you just open the drain valve and flush for 10 minutes.
Listen to the grumpy plumber!
