Draining a water heater

Thanks for the tip MP. Maybe I’ll drain it twice a year when there’s daylight savings. Eman134, checking the anode is not a DIY project for me. Turning on a spigot and relighting a pilot light are my limits when it comes to water heaters. I’ve learned from experience to hire a professional for plumbing and electrical work. Arkady, I’m with you. I’ve also been told that draining the water heater helps extend the life of the water heater. I suppose I would think it was a waste of time if I hadn’t drained the water heater myself. But after seeing the dirty water empty out of the water heater I am motivated to clean it out again.

gtinsouthslope

in Roofers 10 years and 11 months ago

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gtinsouthslope | 10 years and 11 months ago

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Last month I drained my 18 month old 50 gallon gas AO smith water heater for the first time. The water was black when it first came out of the boiler. My question is whether or not its ok to drain a gallon or two each month instead of waiting a year or two to fully drain it. I drained a quart this evening into a bucket and the water was a little brown. It seems like it would be ok to drain a bit each month, but I’m asking the question in case there’s a downside to draining a bucketful of water each month. Thanks.

ellenlourie | 10 years and 11 months ago

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Do you mean water heater or the boiler? These are 2 different appliances.

gtinsouthslope | 10 years and 11 months ago

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Water heater. Thanks for pointing that out. Gideon

Master Plvmber | 10 years and 11 months ago

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There’s no downside except that the drain valve isn’t built for frequent use and it’s entirely possible it’ll not take kindly to being opened and closed often. If you’re going to do this, go to a hardware store first and but a spigot cap to keep on hand.

resident2 | 10 years and 11 months ago

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Why are you draining the hot water heater; it effectively drains every time you use your hot water. All you are doing is wasting water. If you have a steam boiler, you need to drain that during the heating season every couple of weeks. But not the hot water heater.

no-permits | 10 years and 11 months ago

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it’s a waste of time. it will barely help your efficiency or the life of the heater.

Arkady | 10 years and 11 months ago

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I’ve been told that draining 4 or 5 gallons once a year helps extend the life by flushing out any rust/dirt that accumulates.

eman134 | 10 years and 11 months ago

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if you are going to those lengths to maintain your water heater, then you may as well check the anode annually as well