How can I drain (not flush) my water heater located in the crawl space? Connecting a long hose to the outside doesn't work--it is not downhill. I really don't want to have to buy a pump for something I don't do that often. I'm thinking about a short section of hose and using buckets on their side, carrying buckets to the outside as I go. Is there a better way I haven't thought of?

Thanks!

Do you have an air compressor? Back to you, Tom

I have a small electric tire inflator for the car

I was thinking of pressuring up your system and forcing the water out of your heater that way. I don't think a tire pump will do the job. If you could tie a air compressor back to the hot water side you could just blow the water out. Or did you come up with your own solution? Back to you, Tom