Water Heater Flush - How Often?

[SHEP]

How often are you supposed to flush the tank for your water heater?

Thanks,

SHEP

 

[Deja_Vu]

Every year to reduce sediment...so they say.

Last house I owned we had a Rheem 50 gallon water heater that was 19 years old and I never drained it once.
No soft water system in the house either. Not sure why some fail after 10 years and others don't.

 

[boatdoc55]

I was told to do it every year here in Havasu and twice now I have but nothing but clean water comes out. I don't know?

 

[530RL]

How often are you supposed to flush the tank for your water heater?

Thanks,

SHEP

I just replaced both 100 gallon hot water tanks in my house. They are gas. They were Rudd's and lasted almost 12 years. One started a small leak so I just replaced them both.

Plumber said every six months for the flush. Also check the rod every year as it will probably have to be replaced every two years.

 

[Mandelon]

I don't think just draining the water heater really gets out the sediment. That stuff just sits at the bottom of the tank, and it is below the drain fitting.

Maybe if you hooked it up to a hose and power flushed it you might get most of it out. But who's gonna take the time for that...?

 

[Mandelon]

Why Draining Your Hot Water Heater Might Be a Mistake

This thing happens in the DIY blog-o-sphere. A plumbing expert gets up on YouTube and gives a tutorial of how to clean out the sediment from your water heater. You've read a bunch of articles online, on websites that even look reputable(!), and they tell you to empty your water heater and flush out the sediment. They don't mention one important caveat: It's a very good idea to remove the sediment from your tank water heater; but if you haven't done it in years, flushing your water heater will cause problems you have never imagined.

This is what can happen to your water heater if it has been collecting sediment for years, and you suddenly drain it: your water heater will spring a leak. According to Woodbridge Environmental, an Elizabeth New Jersey contractor and home inspector, who brought the topic up on Hometalk.com, "In some towns where they flush their fire hydrants to keep the pipes clear it is suggested to follow their lead a few days after as any sediment that is disturbed ends up on the bottom of your heater.

"What happens then is water displacement. The sandy partials that collect on the bottom of the tank displaces the water ever so slightly. This results in hot spots on the bottom of the tank. When this occurs the flames overheat the tank and begin to break down the steel. After many years this breakdown ends up becoming a tiny hole that is filled with this debris, oftentimes preventing the leak."

"However if you decide to drain your heater after many years of not doing it, or all of a sudden you start using the heater more then normal, this sediment that has been plugging that tiny hole is flushed out, often resulting in a leak in a few days after."

"So the moral is to flush yearly, but if you have not done so for many years to not touch it or you will end up with a leak."

 

[Mandelon]

[video=youtube;z71FdjZt7Fg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z71FdjZt7Fg[/video]

 

[530RL]

I don't think just draining the water heater really gets out the sediment. That stuff just sits at the bottom of the tank, and it is below the drain fitting.

Maybe if you hooked it up to a hose and power flushed it you might get most of it out. But who's gonna take the time for that...?

Good point. I was told to close the inlet ball valve and drain it, then open up the inlet ball valve and flush it out. They also said the sacrificial anode rod was more important than flushing. Just like the ones on our boats.

Beats the heck out of me but given what a 100 gallon water tank costs, what is a few minutes on the weekend when I am just standing around with a drink in my hand anyways.

 

[Devilman]

Why Draining Your Hot Water Heater Might Be a Mistake

This thing happens in the DIY blog-o-sphere. A plumbing expert gets up on YouTube and gives a tutorial of how to clean out the sediment from your water heater. You've read a bunch of articles online, on websites that even look reputable(!), and they tell you to empty your water heater and flush out the sediment. They don't mention one important caveat: It's a very good idea to remove the sediment from your tank water heater; but if you haven't done it in years, flushing your water heater will cause problems you have never imagined.

This is what can happen to your water heater if it has been collecting sediment for years, and you suddenly drain it: your water heater will spring a leak. According to Woodbridge Environmental, an Elizabeth New Jersey contractor and home inspector, who brought the topic up on Hometalk.com, "In some towns where they flush their fire hydrants to keep the pipes clear it is suggested to follow their lead a few days after as any sediment that is disturbed ends up on the bottom of your heater.

"What happens then is water displacement. The sandy partials that collect on the bottom of the tank displaces the water ever so slightly. This results in hot spots on the bottom of the tank. When this occurs the flames overheat the tank and begin to break down the steel. After many years this breakdown ends up becoming a tiny hole that is filled with this debris, oftentimes preventing the leak."

"However if you decide to drain your heater after many years of not doing it, or all of a sudden you start using the heater more then normal, this sediment that has been plugging that tiny hole is flushed out, often resulting in a leak in a few days after."

"So the moral is to flush yearly, but if you have not done so for many years to not touch it or you will end up with a leak."

I believe it. Last three I attempted to flush/drain, the drain always leaked afterwards & ended up putting a cap on it so can imagine what's going on inside. Wife has talked about the water heater at our weekend place & I imagine it would be a can of worms messing with that thing. 16 years old & never been touched, but still great hot water & no issues so I ain't gonna try fixing what ain't broke, lol...

 

[bocco]

I just replaced both 100 gallon hot water tanks in my house. They are gas. They were Rudd's and lasted almost 12 years. One started a small leak so I just replaced them both.

Plumber said every six months for the flush. Also check the rod every year as it will probably have to be replaced every two years.

Two 100 gallon hot water heaters? How big is the house?

 

[NicPaus]

Two 100 gallon hot water heaters? How big is the house?

Baller like him at least 12,000 sq ft.

 

[NicPaus]

Tankless require regular flushing. Tank water heater depends on if on well water or city. The one at my Mom's house is a 1991 year installed never been flushed. Just replaced the supply line sunday as it started dripping. Thought for sure unit was bad as I changed supply lines around 5 years ago and it looked hammered then. I have its replacement in one of my sheds but it keeps going.

 

[LHC Kirby]

Our gas water heater lasted 22 years - never flushed it, but I have a recirculating pump that runs 12 hours a day. I think that's the secret

 

[buck35]

Maybe not the correct way but when I've flushed mine out I hook up the hose to the drain and open the valve and lt er rip with supply still on . Get more of a power flush and no air to purge afterwards. Thoughts?

 

[530RL]

I believe it. Last three I attempted to flush/drain, the drain always leaked afterwards & ended up putting a cap on it so can imagine what's going on inside. Wife has talked about the water heater at our weekend place & I imagine it would be a can of worms messing with that thing. 16 years old & never been touched, but still great hot water & no issues so I ain't gonna try fixing what ain't broke, lol...

If it is in a place where if it leaks, it causes damage, I would replace that thing. Not gonna be cool when you come to your weekend place after two weeks away to find that water has been running for a while. :eek

If it will drain away on its own, worst case is a big water bill.

Two 100 gallon hot water heaters? How big is the house?

It's the city. They did it based upon shower heads and bedrooms. The house is not that big.

It is total overkill for two people.

 

[28Eliminator]

I drain and flush mine every year. 50Gal Bradford White, still works great after 28 years

 

[RiverDave]

Never drained one in my life.. knock on wood never had a water heater fail either?

 

[throttle]

I have not ever flushed or drained a hot water heater. I need to get Carey over to replace soon tho. It's been 11 years now after building the house.

 

[bocco]

If it is in a place where if it leaks, it causes damage, I would replace that thing. Not gonna be cool when you come to your weekend place after two weeks away to find that water has been running for a while. :eek

If it will drain away on its own, worst case is a big water bill.



It's the city. They did it based upon shower heads and bedrooms. The house is not that big.

It is total overkill for two people.

Maybe you could reroute one as a pool heater.

 

[boatdoc55]

I drain and flush mine every year. 50Gal Bradford White, still works great after 28 years

WOW!!

 

[ChevelleSB406]

I bought my place 4 years ago, and I believe the water heater is from 1993 :grumble: It sure makes funny noises when it heats up, almost sounds like a rock tumbler, I know it needs to be replaced, but it doesn't leak a drop, its crazy how old stuff seems to last but nothing new, fridges, washing machines, water heaters, etc.

 

[28Eliminator]

WOW!!

I know... probably just jinxed it by saying that..

 

[bk2drvr]

I have a $40 sediment filter on my water main just before the water softener. It was highly recommended by my contractor when the house was built. It's cheap insurance. I use the 5 micron filter and change it every 3 months. There is a significant amount of silt in the filter/housing after 3 months that I'm glad is not accumulating at the bottom of my water heater or plugging up my softener.

I'm on 11 years on my water heater without any issues. I also set the dial to "vacation" before I leave to go home.

 

[mjc]

I have a $40 sediment filter on my water main just before the water softener. It was highly recommended by my contractor when the house was built. It's cheap insurance. I use the 5 micron filter and change it every 3 months. There is a significant amount of silt in the filter/housing after 3 months that I'm glad is not accumulating at the bottom of my water heater or plugging up my softener.

I'm on 11 years on my water heater without any issues. I also set the dial to "vacation" before I leave to go home.

View attachment 576557

I have a filter bigger than that on my main line coming in the Havasu house. Turns some interesting colors when fill of sediment

 

[bk2drvr]

I have a filter bigger than that on my main line coming in the Havasu house. Turns some interesting colors when fill of sediment

Ya the 10' filters have worked well for me so far. I thought about going to the next size or ganging two in a row but it's been working so not changing it until something breaks. My silt is a rusty brown color and very very fine. Sometimes I get a very small pebble too.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Our gas water heater lasted 22 years - never flushed it, but I have a recirculating pump that runs 12 hours a day. I think that's the secret

For reals?

 

[Beerme]

Our gas water heater lasted 22 years - never flushed it, but I have a recirculating pump that runs 12 hours a day. I think that's the secret

75 gallon, with recirculating pump running about 4 hours a day, 12 years old, and never flushed. Works great, but in the morning it sounds like Godzilla is fighting Monster X in the garage:eek

 

[Kailuaboy89]

Why Draining Your Hot Water Heater Might Be a Mistake

This thing happens in the DIY blog-o-sphere. A plumbing expert gets up on YouTube and gives a tutorial of how to clean out the sediment from your water heater. You've read a bunch of articles online, on websites that even look reputable(!), and they tell you to empty your water heater and flush out the sediment. They don't mention one important caveat: It's a very good idea to remove the sediment from your tank water heater; but if you haven't done it in years, flushing your water heater will cause problems you have never imagined.

This is what can happen to your water heater if it has been collecting sediment for years, and you suddenly drain it: your water heater will spring a leak. According to Woodbridge Environmental, an Elizabeth New Jersey contractor and home inspector, who brought the topic up on Hometalk.com, "In some towns where they flush their fire hydrants to keep the pipes clear it is suggested to follow their lead a few days after as any sediment that is disturbed ends up on the bottom of your heater.

"What happens then is water displacement. The sandy partials that collect on the bottom of the tank displaces the water ever so slightly. This results in hot spots on the bottom of the tank. When this occurs the flames overheat the tank and begin to break down the steel. After many years this breakdown ends up becoming a tiny hole that is filled with this debris, oftentimes preventing the leak."

"However if you decide to drain your heater after many years of not doing it, or all of a sudden you start using the heater more then normal, this sediment that has been plugging that tiny hole is flushed out, often resulting in a leak in a few days after."

"So the moral is to flush yearly, but if you have not done so for many years to not touch it or you will end up with a leak."

Believe That! I "flushed my water heater 3 weeks ago, and go figure I just paid almost $600 for a new one on Saturday.....ugh....:grumble: I thought it was just dirty, and maybe a good flush would help...but nope it bit me in the ass

 

[squirtnmyload]

Two 100 gallon hot water heaters? How big is the house?

I had two 100 gallon hot water heaters in my last house. One for the master bathroom because it had a two person jacuzzi tub in it and one that supplied the rest of the house.

 

[69 1/2]

I remember (barely) my father replacing the water heater in the basement when I was a little kid. It's still there and working fine, I'm 55 years old!😳 It is electric though and has had several new elements installed over the years.

I replaced my 75 gallon gas heater last year because it was 16 years old. The new one has a cap where the bottom valve should be. The contractor said flushing them out was a thing of the past.

 

[Old Texan]

Not to hijack the thread, but I read an article awhile back warning not to drink or cook with water from the hot faucet.

A couple had 2 Golden Retrievers or Lab showdogs. One of the dogs got very sick and his kidneys were failing due to severe kidney stones. The other dog also had issues, but not as serious. The Vet asked them a number of questions about diet and fluids given. They were using hot tap water to mix the dogs' food each day and the Vet felt the minerals from the water heater were causing the kidney stones.

The owners started heating water from the cold side and the second dog improved over time, but the first dog was too far gone. This issue is kicked around in the medical industry and undecided either way. But I have stopped using hot tap water in all cooking processes just to be on the safe side of things.

Something to think about anyway.

 

[ChevelleSB406]

Not to hijack the thread, but I read an article awhile back warning not to drink or cook with water from the hot faucet.

A couple had 2 Golden Retrievers or Lab showdogs. One of the dogs got very sick and his kidneys were failing due to severe kidney stones. The other dog also had issues, but not as serious. The Vet asked them a number of questions about diet and fluids given. They were using hot tap water to mix the dogs' food each day and the Vet felt the minerals from the water heater were causing the kidney stones.

The owners started heating water from the cold side and the second dog improved over time, but the first dog was too far gone. This issue is kicked around in the medical industry and undecided either way. But I have stopped using hot tap water in all cooking processes just to be on the safe side of things.

Something to think about anyway.

I have never cooked or drank from hot water side, my parents told me that when I was very young, and considering the science experiment that is my water heater, I can't disagree with it, figure better safe than sorry, but it makes sense to me.

 

[ballpean]

I used to replace and install Bradford White heaters a few yrs ago as a local plumber. A "water heater is a water heater," as in, they're pretty much the same as far as longevity/leak proof etc. The tumbling you hear is often big tank sediment boiling up from the bottom when the flame kicks on (when the tank drops in temp and/or you run the hot water and new cold water is introduced to tank)
I agree it's a good idea to drain every six months to clear possible sediment, which depends on your water quality and location. My trick was to remove the "stock", often plastic, 3/4" drain valve at the base of the heater. Replace w/ a 3/4" short nipple and a 3/4" ball valve. The stock drain valve is puny, with an internal 3/8" outlet, even though its a hose drain hookup. Just not sufficient for sediment removal like a full 3/4" ball valve, as well as slow drain time.
Just like any plumbing, if it's old, don't touch it! Or have the replacement ready to go. I you do decide to install a new drain valve, shot off cold water supply first. Remove stock drain valve, if it doesn't snap into pieces (plastic),in which case you'll have to fish out the plastic threads while its draining the whole tank, and have a new nipple and ball valve already threaded together to spin back in quickly to stop the draining water. Barring any leaks from your T&P valve ( temp and pressure relief brass valve at top of heater), the tank should have a nice vacuum, and 'blubber' out water, like emptying a beer out. Its a pretty simple process really.
I always thought it was a good idea to fully drain a heater, then open cold supply for a minute to stir up sediment, then drain again. Most heaters have a down tube on the supply that goes straight to the bottom of the heater where sediment sits.
Long story short, if its older than 5 yrs, don't mess with it. If its new, install that 3/4" ball valve and stay on it.