How often we should drain the hot water heater to get the best result. We have been in our house for about 6 yrs and have not done it yet. Has the water heater still good if i drain it or has it come to point where it might help no matter how much i drain it?

ac101

Hey coldwater , You may not need to drain the water heater only flush it.this should be done regularly Im sure our resident experts here can give you a more exact time frame. I do mine once a month, but then im on a well. after 6 years I would say yours can definetly use a flush. why were you considering draining it are you having trouble with it? If so post back with a description of your problem and we will try to help. I have tried to insert a link to an older post that might help answer some questions for you for flushing instructions read Speedballs response. If you have any other questions post back GOOD LUCK, AC

http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/plumbin...er-202059.html

massplumber2008

AC steered you in the right direction for sure!! Follow the link and then follow Speedball1's information on flushing tank.

Do you want to really increase the life expectancy of that water heater you have...?

Then after 6 years, I want to recommend that you change your ANODE ROD. See the picture below of old VS new anode rod. This is probably what your anode rod looks like. The anode rod is a sacrificial rod that is attacked first and protects the water heater tappings from breaking down...when it is wasted, then water heater tappings get attacked next.

Anode rod is usually under a nut on top of heater. If interested I would direct you to look up anode rod information online, and then get back to us if interested......may increase life of water heater by 5 or more years...

Let me know...Mark

They make a flexible anode rod (see other pic.) that replaces this if solid rod too long to slip new rod in place.

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ballengerb1

AC101 is correct, you don't want to drain the tank. Flushing the tank works best by opening the bottom boiler drain valve while the supply water is still turned on. Mosr folks connect a garden hose to the boiler drain so they can direct the water to a sump or floor drain. If you are on city water twice per year should suffice bit as AC points out other factors may require more frequent flushing.

ballengerb1

Mark, you beat me by one minute. Your typing is getting faster but your memory is as bad as mine, you forgot the pic again.

massplumber2008

You know it Bob...Actually..I hit post instead of go advanced...*&*##@%!!

I fixed it..