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    CoreyRichards's Avatar
    CoreyRichards Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Feb 22, 2009, 12:59 PM
    Dip Tube replaced due to flakes in water, how to clean out hot water tank?
    We have the issue where we are getting plastic flakes in our water, which stop up the water flow at the faucet.

    We did some research and found it was most likely caused by the dip tube being eroded, and we had it replaced with our home warranty.

    However, the repairmen who installed the new dip tube appeared to be doing his first one, and though we can see the positive effects on the heat of our water, he did not flush out the plastic pieces (and whatever else might be in the water tank)... we are still getting them and it has been at least 4-6 weeks.

    Although I realize they will eventually go away, I was wondering if someone could give me some information on how to go about flushing out a hot water tank... and whether it's possible for a tank to be completely flushed out.
    [I used to manage a Pool, and we could backwash the filters to get any debris build up flushed out... is there a similar process for a hot water heater that is recommended / a normal procedure?]
    Any help at all that can be provided would be great.

    Many thanks!

    Details if needed:
    - Electric water heater
    - In attached garage of our house
    - Maybe ten years old [no, we can't afford a new one]
    - I empty the plastic pieces from the various faucets at least every week.
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
     
    #2

    Feb 22, 2009, 01:50 PM

    Unhook hot and cold water inlet/outlet. Attach hose to cold water inlet. Cap off hot water inlet. Turn hose on full blast. Open drain valve on the bottom to let water out.

    You can also turn tub spout ON and let it run for 1/2 hour. Same effect, less work...

    However, if you start using w/h, the sediment will eventually settle down and will stay there.

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