Quick water heater question...

[Steve91T]

I have a NG water heater in the garage. I really want a hot water tap outside for washing the cars in the winter but don't want to spend the money right now. I've been meaning to flush the water heater because I've got the thermostat nearly at "10" and it's just hot enough, which tells me it's got **** sitting in the bottom of it.

That got me thinking, is there any reason why I can't just hook up my garden hose to the drain valve on the bottom of the water heater to wash my car with?

 

[Steevo]

You may overheat ordinary garden hose using straight hot water. It could burst, which could be risky.

 

[pattenp]

You may find that by waiting too long to flush the tank is that the valve is clogged and you can't get it too drain. It's best to flush the tank at least once a year.

If running straight hot water through a garden hose just make sure you've got a good nylon reinforced hose. But even then, keep an eye on it right at the tank to make sure it's not turning into a balloon.

 

[Steve91T]

We've owned the house for less than a year, I just imagine that it's never been flushed, or it's at least been a long time. I'll look into using a hose directly off the water heater a little more before trying it.

 

[Jackfre]

Turn off the water heater and drain the tank. With the "new and improved" plastic bibs on the tanks and the expected condition of your tank I would have a 3/4" hose bib on hand in the event that the plastic has to be replaced. With the tank drained and cooled off, hit it with full cold water. That should free up at least some of the deposits. Good luck with it.

 

[Zeke]

I change out the bib on water heaters to a brass one and use it all the time. Yes, the hose can get hot. That hot of water can't be good for an ice cold car, but that's your business.

 

[sberry]

Hot doesnt hurt them, we hi pressure hot water wash cars all winter.

 

[grissom]

You may find that by waiting too long to flush the tank is that the valve is clogged and you can't get it too drain. It's best to flush the tank at least once a year.
QUOTE]

So what can be done in this situation?

 

[jvitez]

You may find that by waiting too long to flush the tank is that the valve is clogged and you can't get it too drain. It's best to flush the tank at least once a year.
QUOTE]

So what can be done in this situation?

You should have a new valve at the ready. If it clogs or more likely will open but won't shut off then you'll have to replace the valve.

 

[Steve91T]

Brass seems like a good idea. I'll pick one up. We hace mild winters here, but when it's in the 40s and windy, washing the car with ice cold water *****. Plus, pulling water out of the bottom of the water heater once in a while is probably a good thing. Kind of like killing two birds with one stone.

 

[joe_padavano]

Most equestrian supply shops (think saddle stores) sell a hose "Y" fitting for exactly what you are talking about. You can hook one side to the drain fitting on the hot water tank and one side to a cold water faucet, mix the temp to your liking.

Also, if you have a sink in the garage, simply replace the aerator with one that has a hose thread on it. Now you can connect the hose to the faucet and get any temp you like.