Flush Gas Hot Water Heater Process

[W_KY]

The wife and I just bought a house and it has a gas hot water heater. I have no idea when it was last flushed but I have been told you are suppose to do that once a year. The problem is I have never done this. I've never even so much as had to relight a gas hot water heater. I found this video and just want to make sure his process is legit before I go and mess something up

As he explained the process it is:

1. Shut off gas valve where pilot light is
2. Shut off main gas supply valve by the hot water tank
3. Turn off cold water supply
4. Hook up hose and run the hose outside
5. Open drain valve (my valve is like hose spigot)
6. If drain clogs with sediment put thin screwdriver or wire up through it to unclog. I have also heard you can blow air from an air compressor up through.
7. Turn back on water supply to make sure water running through clear.
8. Close drain valve and let tank refill
9. Turn back on main gas supply by gas water heater
10. Turn to pilot light position (I assume once it lights you turn it back to "on"position. Is it easy to tell when it has lit?...like I've said, I've never even had to light one)
11. Disconnect hose

Does that all sound right? Seems like should be pretty simple process.

 

[csp]

Yes the process is legitimate.

The only hitch is that sometimes there's enough corrosion in the drain valve that they won't seal when you go to close them to refill the tank. Drain valves can be replaced usually though if you do have a bad one.

 

[Zeke]

Most water heaters have a cheap spigot. Beware of the one that looks like a donut with a male threaded ******. It will unscrew all the way out leaving you with uncontrolled hot water spraying everywhere. Get a regular hose bib and install with the water off and the heater cooled down to where the water won't burn.

Then you can hook up and use the hot water anytime. Full blast is what cleans out the bottom.

 

[kbs2244]

I don’t bother turning off the big gas valve at the tank.
That will turn off the pilot light and they can be a pain to re-light.
You just want to keep the main burner from coming on.
The knob by the pilot light should have a “pilot only” or “vacation” setting that will keep the main burner from igniting.

The easy way to light a pilot light is with a BBQ lighter.

If the tank is in the basement, run the hose to the sump pump hole.
If at ground level then out side to someplace where it will not stain something.
This water is going to be nasty with rust and stuff.

You have put a lot of air into the hot water side of your plumbing.
You will have to go around and take off the screens on your faucets and then turn on the hot side.
I will blow water, dirt, and air for a while.
When it runs clear, you can reinstall the screens.

As said, don’t be surprised if you have to replace the drain valve.
They are very cheap and get damaged or stuck partly open.

Of course, this will mean draining the tank again.
Or you can just replace it up front.

 

[Frank The Plumber]

Turn the unit to pilot.
Open the drain valve.
Run the water through a hose to a FLOOR DRAIN. The white calcium stains concrete.
If the drain plugs put a wire up it to loosen debris.
Do not apply air to the unit.
Reverse and return to service.
If the valve does not open and close freely, skip the whole deal. You'll wreck the valve and cost yourself money.

 

[kenfath]

If your heater's drain valve has a slight drip consider putting a cap on the hose thread. The cap is also a good idea if you have children that might play with the valve.

 

[buening]

A good tip if you ever get a new tank or have to replace the valve: Use a ball valve instead of a spigot. I have a ball valve with hose attached to it running to my basement drain. Easy flushing and don't have to worry about the spigot not sealing.

 

[VWandDodge]

How old is your water heater, do you have a water softener and/or are you on city water?

I ask, because most people (99.999999%) never think to check the anode rod. Forget all the bunk that a water heater will only last 8 years (if that) before needing replacement. The only reason for that is because the rod is never inspected and replaced as needed. With regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank each year and changing the rod, a water heater will last 15 years or longer. I've been running the same water heater for 15 years and perform the regular maintenance. I've been on borrowed time since I last replaced the rod, 8 years ago, which was almost non-existent and I do not have a water softener. My plan is to install both a water softener and a tankless heater by this fall.

 

[...doc...]

you have a cold water heater,...no one sells a hot water heater.
anyone that says "hot water heater" usually gets a laugh out of the cold water heater correction.
Just sayin

 

[Frank The Plumber]

Go to the store and try to buy yourself a cold water heater, see where you and proper grammar end up on that journey.

It will always be specified on any architectural plan.

HOT WATER HEATER or HWH.

On the side of the device it says

RESIDENTIAL HOT WATER HEATER

respectfully.

 

[...doc...]

Go to the store and try to buy yourself a cold water heater, see where you and proper grammar end up on that journey.

It will always be specified on any architectural plan.

HOT WATER HEATER or HWH.

On the side of the device it says

RESIDENTIAL HOT WATER HEATER

respectfully.

easy Frank, think about it,....it heats cold water, it is a Cold Water Heater.
For years I used to call them hot water heaters until I was reminded it heats cold water. Thanks for saving your 1000 post for flaming me.

 

[VWandDodge]

Go to the store and try to buy yourself a cold water heater, see where you and proper grammar end up on that journey.

It will always be specified on any architectural plan.

HOT WATER HEATER or HWH.

On the side of the device it says

RESIDENTIAL HOT WATER HEATER

respectfully.

easy Frank, think about it,....it heats cold water, it is a Cold Water Heater.
For years I used to call them hot water heaters until I was reminded it heats cold water. Thanks for saving your 1000 post for flaming me.

I've always seen them sold, advertised, and referred to as Water Heaters

 

[Frank The Plumber]

Truth fully, isn't this world just confusing enough without adding any and all of this thought to the compost heap of rotting flesh that resides between my right ear and my left ear?

You can use that as your signature if you would like.

 

[bw77]

I have a Bradford-White gas water heater, 40 gal.

It's 18 years old. I have not flushed it in the 11 years I have lived here,
not sure if the original owner did or not.

Are there any early warning signs that it's on the verge of failure, or do they
just go without warning?

I was thinking about getting some quotes on replacement now, before it becomes an emergency.

 

[billspit]

Where would this anode rod reside? I suspect that is what killed my last water heater after only 10 years. Everything on top got real rusty.

 

[jrevans]

Most water heaters have a cheap spigot. Beware of the one that looks like a donut with a male threaded ******. It will unscrew all the way out leaving you with uncontrolled hot water spraying everywhere. Get a regular hose bib and install with the water off and the heater cooled down to where the water won't burn.

Mine wouldn't seal after I opened it. Replaced it with a galvanized ****** and a brass ball valve. All better now. I also installed a catchment pan under the water heater. Drains outside the house.

I spent about 25 dollars. Worth the peace of mind.

Jim

 

[VWandDodge]

Where would this anode rod reside? I suspect that is what killed my last water heater after only 10 years. Everything on top got real rusty.

Look at the top of the water heater and note the presence of an additional outlet that has been capped. SECURE THE INCOMING WATER SUPPLY BEFORE LOOSENING THAT CAP. Loosen the cap and remove it.

 

[Frank The Plumber]

Look at the top of the water heater and note the presence of an additional outlet that has been capped. SECURE THE INCOMING WATER SUPPLY BEFORE LOOSENING THAT CAP. Loosen the cap and remove it.

VW this heater you posted has been through the wars.

18 year heater guy:
At about 12 years it is usually a good idea to start thinking about a new one, most fail as a tank leak, usually when you are out of town. $800 is the rate for a 50 gallon natural flue gas fired " hot water heater" here. If it gets real noisy, there's a sign.

If you replace your anode be sure to use the correct replacement for your water type. If you mail order one in be sure to specify between Aluminum or magnesium.