I do not have an owner's manual for my Rheem RHGPRO40-40 gas hot water heater. I purchased it in December, the year 2000. I want instructions on how to properly drain the tank to keep rust and other particles from impairing the heater's ability to function properly. How long do I drain it? Do I run other faucets in the system? Where can I go to download an owner's manual?

Thanks for your help.

Try www.mauritron.com

Contact Rheem: Contact Rheem - FAQ Information (http://www.rheem.com/contact/)

Speedball1 (Tom) does his monthly and gets extreme life out of a water heater. I do it yearly and get 12 years or so.

Turn the water heater to pilot or vacation.

Open the drain valve, the further the better, until it runs clear.

Close drain valve.

Open a hot water ta until the air bleeds out.

Turn it back to on.

Notes: A garden hose to a floor drain works. A bucket works. The water is hot.

I've always replaced the drain valve on a water heater because I don't like the plastic ones.

Fancier instructions:
How To Flush Sediment From Your Electric or Gas Water Heater (http://www.chilipepperapp.com/flush.htm)