I read where you answered and suggested to a member that to flush out the water heater once a month, put the recommended amount in the water heater, hook up a hose to the drain valve on the bottom of the heater, open the hose water valve and flush it until the red, etc colors are clear. Well, my question is--if you have the hose connected to the drain valve and then open it--where is the water inside the tank gets flushed out from??

The only thing I can think of is after a couple of hours open the facucet to the tub. Is this right??

Larry
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The only thing I can think of is after a couple of hours open the facucet to the tub. Is this right??

I don't know what that means but it is not correct.

You simply connect a hose to the drain valve, put the other end in a sink or drain of some kind and open the drain valve. You leave the cold water input valve to the water heater open and let the water run until it is clear. You close the drain valve and disconnect the hose.

You will need to have the end of the hose lower than the water heater if the water inlet valve is off, but to flush it out this is not always needed. Once a month is too much unless you have a well. I would check the water that comes out for sand and scale then do it again in six months and see what you have. You may then calculate how often it needs to be done. I would shut it off while doing this, though.