[Angusyoung]

Is it time for a new water heater? I have low hat water flow in my home.I have drained the heater twice to no avail. The gas heater is 20 years old. Any suggestions on brands? Thanks

[ballengerb1]

So the volume is low but the temp is fine? Not time for a new heater yet but you have a restriction here. If all hot taps have low volume you could have clogged heat nipple or traps.

[Angusyoung]

Thanks for ypur reply. So what do you suggest I try next!

[mygirlsdad77]

You will need to disconnect the cold and hot water ports on the water heater and look at the inside of the nipples on the top of the tank. Most likely you will find that one or both of them are plugged up. If so, remove them and install new brass nipples and reconnect existing hot and cold water connections.

[Angusyoung]

Do I need to drain water heater first before checking for clogged brass nipples or just shut off water supply?

[ballengerb1]

Actually let start with flushing the heater first. Connect a garden hose to the drain spigot and direct it to waste. Open the valve and allow it to flush for 3-5 minutes, do not close off the supply. After the fflush then shut down both the drain and then the SUPPLY. Open a few faucets to bleed of pressure and you are ready to work on the heat traps.

[mygirlsdad77]

Good call ball.