FLUSHING A Water Heater The RIGHT WAY Step by Step

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  • Опубликовано: 28 май 2024
  • FLUSHING A Water Heater The RIGHT WAY Step by Step - Water Heaters 101
    Water heaters need to be flushed regularly in order to keep them working properly. This is a very easy DIY plumbing project that will save you money and keep your water heater in working order. If you have a new water heater, watch this to learn how to flush your water heater to make it have a longer life.
    Chapters
    Intro ► 00:00
    Why flushing a water heater is important ► 00:23
    What to do if your water heater is 5+ years old ► 00:52
    When was your water heater installed? ► 01:19
    If you have a problem with your water heater draining ► 01:45
    Turn off your cold water valve ► 01:57
    Turn off your gas! ► 02:25
    Make sure nothing is running inside the house ► 02:49
    Open up the water heater drain valve ► 03:21
    Connect a garden hose and check for sediment ► 04:06
    Turn on your cold water valve► 04:44
    If the water is clean and no sediment/ close drain valve ► 05:25
    If your drain valve is clogged/not draining ► 05:38
    Last option if you STILL can't get the water heater to drain► 06:40
    If you have to change out the drain valve ► 08:36
    Why flushing a water heater can save you money ► 08:49
    Outro ► 09:30
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Комментарии • 331

  • @alienwolf815
    @alienwolf815 2 года назад +14

    I've been a plumber for the last 24yrs and just flushed a heater today for my Customer. Here in AZ we have an average of 22-24 grains of hardness in the water which in the heater I did was a 50 gallon electric Bradford white. Lower element blown because of complete coverage of scale in only 18 months. The amount of scale in the bottom was about 2 to 3 inches full. With every install we also replace manufacturers drains with full port valves (most manufacturers only care to drain water not scale/sediment). You need to start bi annually flushing heater here unless you have a water softener system on your house to help minimize scale clumping inside the heater. I agree flushing with the water on, the dip tube in the heater helps to stir up the scale at the bottom and get it to flow towards the drain valve. One suggestion I would make to plumbers which we do on all installs is put a ball valve on the hot side of the heater not just the cold, this allows you to fully isolate the heater from the home. In this way you can service the heater without worrying about your customers opening a faucet and losing any vacuum you are relying on during maintenance, it also keeps the cold water available for your customers to use the toilet and washing afterwards. Great video just found your channel keep up the good work.

    • @brandoncampisi6621
      @brandoncampisi6621 2 года назад +2

      Also with full isolation of w.h. on instal w/ full port bv on C&H you can turn the cold meter on and the customer can have cold water and you don't have to worry about cross over from any faucets or older shower/tub faucets.
      Also random thought.
      If installing a 100 gallon w.h. condensation will put out your piglet light and if your not paying attention/ thinking about this you might think you have a leak. (An experience earlier in my career.) Just a wtf, oh yeah I'm dumb moment.

    • @billysmith5721
      @billysmith5721 26 дней назад

      r u in upstate NY Albany area

  • @LogicProXGaming
    @LogicProXGaming Год назад +8

    I am a blind guy who’s been trying to get into fixing more stuff around the house, and your videos are super descriptive and helpful. The comment of Teflon tape and pipe dope killed me though lol.

    • @fandango_buttlicks
      @fandango_buttlicks 8 месяцев назад +3

      Blind and doing home repairs. You got some determination

    • @LogicProXGaming
      @LogicProXGaming 8 месяцев назад +1

      @@fandango_buttlicks I’ve got to if I do not want to be helpless ya know=

  • @Ravi-kc6fl
    @Ravi-kc6fl 2 года назад +33

    Great video. We flush our hot water heater annually and use the same procedure you've described. Thanks for the genuine professional advice and no BS.

  • @gugion
    @gugion 2 года назад +127

    WARNING: If you have an electric water heater, make sure you TURN OFF THE POWER AT THE BREAKER BEFORE DRAINING THE WATER!!! I made the mistake of draining the water and the heating elements burnt out and had to be replaced.

    • @MikeHarris1984
      @MikeHarris1984 2 года назад +8

      Heating element are cheap too, so inspect and replace if needed. I had a leak from a heating element once and water came out the terminals. $20 later, new element and clean water

    • @ajbrown2013
      @ajbrown2013 2 года назад +6

      Should change them anyway

    • @chadorr10
      @chadorr10 10 месяцев назад +1

      ha... good point otherwise You will be looking at videos to change your elements

  • @jjones317
    @jjones317 Год назад +7

    I am so glad I watched your video because I got up early to flush it today and it’s a lot older than 4 years old. I actually didn’t know you were supposed to flush them but after I replace this one I will from that point on. Thanks for the information and I’m a new subscriber now.

  • @steve-gg3397
    @steve-gg3397 2 года назад +5

    Excellent video. Thanks for being straight forward and helping us homeowners figure this out and save us hundreds on a plumber.

  • @thewaterheaterfactory
    @thewaterheaterfactory Год назад +7

    You can also push some compressed air into the drain valve to free the sediment the bubbles push the sediment out of the way and give you an idea of how much water is still in there. A wet-vac reversed , or air compressor with a spray nozzle. Or you can remove the drain valve and put a 6" PVC nipple that's full port for sure. A garden hose will attach to it as well .Great Video!!

  • @Alisha-qg3qe
    @Alisha-qg3qe 2 года назад +9

    We just installed a new hot water heater yesterday, i made sure to get a tank with the brass drain instead of the plastic. It was super easy undoing the old one which lasted 23 years. Weve lived here for 7 and never flushed ours, something you know you should do but never do. Its nice having hot water again after 3 days without.

  • @stacyromanchuk
    @stacyromanchuk 2 года назад +15

    I just flushed mine last week. I noticed white particulate in my faucets and usually flush it every spring. I did the 3/4 inch conversion which helped immensely. I turn my tank down to vacation the night before and run the dishwasher overnight. I then turn off the cold water supply, unhook the hot water from the top of the tank and let it drain into a 5 gallon bucket, and then drain the tank into the drain in my floor. I then close the drain valve, turn the cold o to full and then off again a few times to agitate the sediment at the bottom, then open the vale and drain the tank. After the water comes out clear I hook the hot water line back up and start filling it up slowly while having a tap run hot to stop the vacuum happening in the tank. Once full I tuen up the heat and I’m good to go for another year!

  • @timlaureano6160
    @timlaureano6160 2 года назад +9

    I was taught to drain the water heater out completely. Install 3/4” full port valve in replacement of the hose Bibb which has about 1/4” or less. After draining all the water out of the tank and all the sediment is sitting on the bottom of the tank near the burner. You then turn on the cold inlet to the water heater to flush out the sediment. If you really have hard water the standard hose Bibb flush valve would do a then to flush out your water heater.

  • @shano4104
    @shano4104 2 месяца назад +1

    Followed your instructions and flushed for a little over 10 minutes, everything went perfect! Great video, precise and straight to the point with no unnecessary info to get sidetracked by, Thank you!

    • @RogerWakefield
      @RogerWakefield  2 месяца назад +1

      Glad it worked for you! Thanks for watching

  • @bencrawford4748
    @bencrawford4748 2 года назад +13

    Quick Tip if you have a floor drain in your basement: For draining water heaters like Roger said, hook up a garden hose. This is the perfect opportunity to get a new hose for outside with no kinks in it and use that old beat up kinked hose from outside. Cut the hose to length so you have as little hose as possible coiled up on your floor running to the floor drain. Then just keep that cut off piece of hose next to your water heater for yearly maintenance.

    • @yaroo423
      @yaroo423 Год назад

      Our water heater is in a concrete floor basement and there’s a hole in the floor with dirt in it, could this be a drain or only dirt to take the water slowly

    • @cantgetright742
      @cantgetright742 8 месяцев назад

      And if you’re on a slab and there are roots blocking it up you’re going to be in a world of hot water.

  • @antoniorazo7945
    @antoniorazo7945 Год назад

    Very well explained, went further on details more than any other that I’ve seen related to same maintenance.

  • @peachlarson
    @peachlarson 2 года назад +7

    This was good content & I agree with (almost) everythng you say. I do drain mine & then I will turn the water on with the valve open to help spray the bottom of the tank for any added sediment that stayed attached to walls of tank. I don't disagree on the expansion & contraction when you completely empty, however, someone in my home empties that hot water on a daily basis with her 20 minute shower :)

  • @mlc4050
    @mlc4050 5 месяцев назад +2

    Loved you guys on American Choppers!

  • @AGrant-dy8rh
    @AGrant-dy8rh Год назад +1

    I just brought a home I had to drain my heater with your instructions I was able to do it. Thanks

  • @TedDekens
    @TedDekens Год назад +16

    Roger, you shouldn’t worry about the cold stress crack. It would be no expansion difference than just running a hot water heater out of water to cold. They are made to expand and contract by design. If not they would be an egg shape. 👍🏼

    • @LuxAudio389
      @LuxAudio389 Год назад +1

      .maybe the glass lining is what he's concerned about failing first.

  • @jaycebee6857
    @jaycebee6857 2 года назад

    Thank you so much mr Wakefield.

  • @mkl5448
    @mkl5448 2 года назад +16

    Excellent tips, especially about not doing if it was 3 to 4 years old. It's also relative to how hard your water is too. $250 a pop for flushing?? That's super cost prohibitive, at least in my area, and a bit much in general. You can literally do nothing to your tank, have it last 15+ years, and still be money ahead. I always ask people if they ever flushed their tanks, or had it done, maybe 1% say yes.

  • @smartwalletandme9624
    @smartwalletandme9624 5 месяцев назад +6

    My GE water heater was installed in 2006 and I have never drained nor flushed it once and it still works fine.

    • @OPDrags
      @OPDrags 2 месяца назад

      Not the flex you think it is

  • @Austin23191
    @Austin23191 2 года назад +1

    Hvac tech here. I replaced the factory drain valve like you described. I do both ways of flushing the tank. I start with letting the city water pressure stir the sediment up while draining then I let it drain down

  • @stubbshomestead1316
    @stubbshomestead1316 2 года назад +3

    Thanks for reminding me to do this, since covid I havnt done it. Time to find a water hose!

    • @stubbshomestead1316
      @stubbshomestead1316 2 года назад +3

      All done, just had a little bit of sand. Not much of anything at all but i do live on well water with a water filter before it all. Thanks

  • @KLNYC
    @KLNYC Год назад +2

    Thanks for the video Hulkster :)

  • @brianshaw373
    @brianshaw373 6 месяцев назад

    I learned a new trick. Thanks!

  • @glenrobinson9842
    @glenrobinson9842 2 месяца назад

    I started just flushing the tank once a year instead of draining the entire tank. Thanks for the idea about using a stiff rod to open up the drain if the water does not drain. I'll keep that in mind if I ever run into problems. Great video!

  • @biker932012
    @biker932012 2 года назад +15

    I made the mistake of trying to flush a tank that was 5 years old, we ended up having to replace it after it started leaking and we went with a tankless model. Despite the cost of a new water heater, I’m pretty satisfied with the outcome.

    • @garyjeffersii6735
      @garyjeffersii6735 2 года назад

      Did you completely drain the tank when doing so?

    • @biker932012
      @biker932012 2 года назад +1

      @@garyjeffersii6735 no there was too much sediment, even poking at it with a coat hanger wouldn’t unclog it.

    • @Katana_00
      @Katana_00 2 года назад +1

      So you would have saved money and agony if you sat on your hands.

    • @biker932012
      @biker932012 2 года назад +4

      @@Katana_00 pretty much, although we have noticed that the hot water wasn’t lasting nearly as long as it used to be, we were already thinking about going tankless anyway, just not as soon.

    • @condor5635
      @condor5635 2 года назад +4

      Find it hard to believe a 5 yr old tank started leaking after flushing it. All you did was open the drain and release water/sediment ?

  • @liquidalloy
    @liquidalloy 2 года назад +3

    Great video. Thank you/ Issue is for me, mine is in the basement and I have a finished basement. I would REALLY love a tankless setup and not in the basement anymore. Scares me having this there

  • @amerlin388
    @amerlin388 8 месяцев назад +2

    I keep a garden hose (screw-on) end cap on top of the water heater in case I can't completely close the drain valve, for whatever reason.
    I use either a short leader hose (about 3 feet) into a bucket, or an even shorter cutoff hose into a tray. Tried long garden hose to outside once only to have it packed closed with sediment (yeah, first flush in years). Had a devil of a time trying to flush that hose clear.
    Also, I pulse the cold water supply on and off to stir up sediment.

  • @ashtonmaupin3440
    @ashtonmaupin3440 2 года назад +1

    I appreciate your video great info I work as a maitnence for a complex and I have about 25 of these puppies and I can't recall them being flushed, this going to help when I finally get to the point of flushing thank you 😀

    • @pacificairsystems9683
      @pacificairsystems9683 2 года назад

      Ashton, You don’t have to finally get to the flushing part..it’s actually not even necessary just for your info

    • @ashtonmaupin3440
      @ashtonmaupin3440 2 года назад

      I appreciate the info

  • @condor5635
    @condor5635 2 года назад +10

    Don’t turn off the gas or go to vacation setting. Simply turn the dial to Pilot. Simple and no need to relight pilot or figure out what temp setting was to turn to. Essentially this is same video everyone has but the one flaw in all is that the drain is not the lowest point. There is a circular area (below drain) around the perimeter of the tank in a gas tank where the sediment gets and it is this sediment that without agitation will never come out of a normal turning open the drain. Yeh if you have a huge buildup this method will get quite a bit out but will not get that other stuff. It’s not insignificant either and very difficult to remove. I made a copper tube with a small 90 at the end with a tiny drill hole this goes in the anode hole at the top and goes all the way down to the bottom. Hook up to hose and this sprays/agitates bottom area mentioned stirring up sediment. Open ball valve and let it drain. Do it once a year. Works great. Thanks for posting

    • @wsmayeux
      @wsmayeux Год назад

      By

    • @av_oid
      @av_oid 10 месяцев назад

      Sprayer hanging from anode port is a great idea.

  • @LuC-k777
    @LuC-k777 2 года назад

    more needed knowledge about the water heater.

  • @girohead
    @girohead 15 дней назад

    you're spot on about avoiding that thermal expansion, I did it once in that old style, and knew that was fraught with issues. You don't say how much water to drain with this method - you empty into bucket, implying you only draw out up to 5 gallons? Is there a limit, or just until you don't see as much or any sediment coming out? Thank you!

  • @lowkey8643
    @lowkey8643 24 дня назад

    Thanks for the video...very.helpful indeed👍🏻👍🏻👏👏

  • @kevinc1851
    @kevinc1851 6 месяцев назад +1

    The probing is a good idea. I use a short washing machine hose since my water heater is beside the drain. once I drain it I put a funnel on the end of the hose and dump in a gallon of white vinegar to disolve hard water build up and let it sit for a few hours before flushing.

  • @WlfLLC
    @WlfLLC 2 года назад +1

    Going to go do this, this weekend

  • @johnchargualaf6599
    @johnchargualaf6599 Год назад +2

    Great video thanks for sharing. My unit is 13 yrs old did a flush 5-5-23. Last flush I did was 5-17-2017. Got some sediment I use the stocking over the hose end method to check for sediments. My question is now I have a slow leak coming from the drain valve any idea what would be the cause of it & how do repair it.

  • @carlolson2335
    @carlolson2335 10 месяцев назад

    Thanks!

    • @RogerWakefield
      @RogerWakefield  10 месяцев назад

      You bet! Thank you for the super chat, I do appreciate it

  • @mrnoedahl
    @mrnoedahl 2 месяца назад

    Great job my hillbilly friend. I like your last point. Haven’t heard that one before, but it makes sense.

  • @erickestrada8441
    @erickestrada8441 Год назад

    Thanks

  • @bighead0107
    @bighead0107 2 года назад +2

    I do it myself. I leave the city water on as well and run it for awhile. Depending on how bad the sediment coming out is, I’ll make the exit an entrance and back flush

  • @Dstromb232
    @Dstromb232 5 месяцев назад +1

    Nice video!

    • @RogerWakefield
      @RogerWakefield  5 месяцев назад

      Thanks! Did it help you flush your water heater?

    • @Dstromb232
      @Dstromb232 5 месяцев назад +1

      It help me flush my water heater tank@@RogerWakefield

  • @codyriddell3435
    @codyriddell3435 2 года назад

    Roger's a legend

  • @chrislnflorida5192
    @chrislnflorida5192 Год назад

    Great video 👍.
    I'm in Fl on Well and all water is bad.
    I've flushed a few times over almost 20 years and just flushed again today.
    For me to get ALL settlement out, I'd have to pull the element And the drain valve and flush the inside.
    What did come out and very little but cositant was black settlement.
    I shut it down after a couple flushes, as u said, the settlement could be the only thing holding it together .
    🤞 I didn't listen the world and cause mo= problems.

  • @jamiegisi
    @jamiegisi 2 года назад +2

    I drain mine just like you did. I also check my anode rod - mine is accessible. I think I have changed my anode once - but we have extremely hard water here. I have a software, iron curtain, everything I can do.

  • @josh.salles
    @josh.salles 2 года назад +1

    I had no idea this was a thing, I'm eager to try it... ;3

  • @phiksit
    @phiksit 3 месяца назад

    I do mine a bit more thoroughly. I drain, disconnect all connections, take it out of the basement and lay it down on the lawn or driveway (on old rug). Then I get garden hose, spray into the open ports and roll it around to get all the sediment to drain out. I removed the T&P and drain valve to facilitate and change out the anode as well.

  • @Richard-dh8ny
    @Richard-dh8ny 5 месяцев назад

    Thanks for this clear flushing instruction. Question... We have an American ProLine 40 gallon tank. It's now about 7 years old. The makes a "banging" noise whenever we run hot water for more than a minute or so. There are no problems, just the noise. The banging never occurred in our old water heater (also a 40 gallon) and only started about 3-4 years into use on the current water heater. We don't have an expansion tank and never have. We suspect that an expansion tank may solve the noise problem, but will probably not bother unless the banging is going to make the water heater fail sooner than without adding one. By the way we do have a water softener and the water entering the tank is softened. Thoughts? Should we be concerned and do something about our water heater banging?

  • @macpharlan6738
    @macpharlan6738 7 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks for the tip of not doing this on an old unit. I was just about to do it on my 10 year old unit when I found this 😂

  • @joeylewis8615
    @joeylewis8615 3 месяца назад

    We have a Bradford White and flush it yearly with your same technique... it's still going strong after 10 years.

  • @patrickl4849
    @patrickl4849 Год назад

    Great video!
    I drained my gas water heater recently because the hot water in the bathroom was looking rusty. Draining it and flushing it helped, but not completely.
    Any suggestions?

  • @stevenallen9592
    @stevenallen9592 2 года назад +5

    If you change out that valve you need to make sure no settlement gets in the threads because if a home owner crosses the threads and then they can't tighten it water tight or get the old valve back then they are screwed. They'll either have to have the threads tapped again or they are buying a new water heater. Until then they have no hot water. IMO a home owner probably shouldn't attempt to crack that tight sea loosel on the original shut off valve. Like the old saying if it ain't broke don't fix it.

  • @henrysotomayor2
    @henrysotomayor2 2 года назад +1

    I turn off the heat wait about an hour or more. Open the blow off valve (allows ne to test it) and drain it. If it ain't coming out I get a wire hanger to break up the sediment. Once it's flowing and I think it's getting low I turn back on the water just so it stirs up more sediment. And I check to see if more junk comes out if it's clean I finish draining and them fill it up and turn it back on. Never thought about the thermal expansion breaking the ceramic lining. I'll do it differently now though thanks.

  • @dormandavis2767
    @dormandavis2767 Год назад +2

    I’ve installed over 1000 water heaters in my life over half of them before I install them I put a three-quarter inch galvanized nipple with a full port valve in there first

  • @hogrydr100
    @hogrydr100 10 месяцев назад

    I just watched ur gas valve replacement video which requires draining the tank. My water heater is 5 yrs old and never been drained/flushed. Since I have to drain the tank and if it drains well with not much of any debris coming out will it be ok to go ahead and flush it? Thx for these great videos

  • @azeemhosein9283
    @azeemhosein9283 2 года назад

    If you have a water softener with whole house filter both pre and post do you recommend doing this every year still?

  • @w.miller7282
    @w.miller7282 2 года назад +2

    I like to connect my hose and wash my car using the water heater. The water is warm by the time it hits the car . It’s nice during the winter months when the water is super cold .

  • @xtort1077777
    @xtort1077777 2 года назад +3

    So, I never routinely flushed my electric water heater because the Kenmore brand said it was unnecessary since it had an articulating cold water pipe that flushed the bottom of the tank every time the water came on, I don't understand why this feature was never adopted for every hot water heater because it worked, I did clear the water heater two times in its life and nothing ever came out not one grain of sediment. I really did like that hot water heater but it was 22 years old and the pipe above it got a crack and out an abundance of caution I thought it was just time to replace it, I inspected the tank later and it was still in perfect shape, power miser 12 40 gallon never had to change an element or any maintenance, it was the best 350 dollars I ever spent.

  • @Arctic513
    @Arctic513 Год назад +1

    I install my Bradford White in august 2019, but I have a whole house water filter, is it safe to drain?

  • @Gary_in_NoVA
    @Gary_in_NoVA 10 месяцев назад +1

    I flush my Bradford White every 3 years when I change out the anode rod. There are just a few specks of sediment each time. I’m sure it would be just fine if I never flushed it. The anode rod is pretty corroded after 3 years, though. 3 years for replacement is about right, for me.

  • @marifernanda0227
    @marifernanda0227 5 месяцев назад

    Hello, I am planning on turning on my heater for the first time this year. Is there anything I should do before powering it on? We’ve lived in our home since 2020 and I have never flushed it, on top of that I am unsure what year it was installed, I will have to look at that when I get home.
    Thank you!

  • @thisnamewastakentoo_
    @thisnamewastakentoo_ 2 года назад +2

    Any thoughts on vinegar or citric acid for the deposits?

  • @OneLeggedTarantula
    @OneLeggedTarantula 7 месяцев назад

    great tips!, biggest hurdle to a good flush is the small port of those plastic valves.
    On the plastic valves if you keep turning, the entire cartridge comes off. I did this and put a bucket tilted directly under the valve stud and got a great flow, tons of sediment came out.
    You didn't mention it here because this video is about flushing but flush time is an excellent opportunity to replace/inspect the anode rod.
    For those not sure about this, I had a 2005 heater in service well into 2020's and just flushed and put a new rod in a 2007 tank, still purring like a kitten. Flushing is even more important on gas heaters!
    Why are you wearing a beanie in Texas? 🤣

  • @josephmartin7673
    @josephmartin7673 7 месяцев назад

    I have a relatively smart home. I have the ball valve that you describe and an electrically controlled valve that automatically runs the drain for 15 minutes as we have very hard water with a lot of iron. The water heater also turns off for 5 hours each night

  • @TheKiman2
    @TheKiman2 Год назад

    I have a 17 year old electric AO Smith tank... it's never been serviced before (no flushes, no thing). I was researching on flushing it but then you're saying it's not suggested since it hasn't been done since day 1. Is it still recommended to change out the anode rod but not do the flush? With the age of this tank, I don't expect it to keep it too much longer but I'll keep it as long as it keeps working! Thanks for your videos.

  • @toddmerrifield7814
    @toddmerrifield7814 2 месяца назад

    So I bought a house not too long ago and I am finally getting to this. It is and older tank but not sure if previous owners had done it or not. I really want to do it because I think it would help it out a lot. I notice my hot water does not last as long in the shower anymore. But I am scared that if I do it that the sediment blocked a crack would be unblocked. What are your thoughts?

  • @abfrebello
    @abfrebello 2 года назад

    Roger, I have a water heater that is about a year and a half old. I tried to flush it last year but apparently I did not do it right because all I did was hook up a hose to the drain and open up the drain without shutting off the water. You said that you should flush it within the first few years. Do you flush it every year through its life or only through the first few years? Concerned about opening up the cracks you talked about if I do it every year beyond the first 3-4 years.

  • @pj3p488
    @pj3p488 Год назад +1

    Finally, some common sense on RUclips. Thank you. And yes a water heater with a plastic drain [big box store cough cough] has been built as cheap as possible. Always look for the brass drain.

  • @RedfishInc
    @RedfishInc 2 года назад +1

    I had been flushing my tank every spring but missed the last two years. I have a well and typically there would be calcium pebbles on the grass where the hose drains. The tank is 9 years old, should I not flush it any more or resume flushing this spring?

  • @matthewsones5287
    @matthewsones5287 2 года назад +6

    I’ve never flushed them and have never had issues. I’ve seen water heaters go 20 years with no flushes. The one thing to keep in mind is the area in which you live. If your water source has high mineral content then it is recommended to flush. Where I live our water is not full of minerals so there is no need to worry about it.

  • @carltonthomas4819
    @carltonthomas4819 Год назад

    Roger I have same waterhater should both hot and cold sides be hot on top of waterheater? Mine is hot on both first time ever seeing this. Oh also I have water source heater but no shut off on the out let water to coil.

  • @Checkthisout510
    @Checkthisout510 2 года назад +1

    You da man!

  • @UberBman
    @UberBman Год назад +1

    Hi, I watched this video and your other video where you drain the tank into a bucket with holes along with using a t-shirt as a filter. So, my question is: My water heaters (electric ones) are five years old, the same age as my house, so you're suggesting it's not a good idea to flush the tanks in case of cracks causing potential leaks? I'm just a tad confused with the messaging. Because I personally want to do what's best for my system and get the most longevity out of it. Thanks.

  • @AlexGorgio
    @AlexGorgio Год назад

    Is there any kind of filter or something to prevent the sediment or calcium build up before getting in the water heater?

  • @Quantarius
    @Quantarius Год назад

    My Rheem was installed in 2006...i may need to think about a new one!

  • @prestigemechanical3600
    @prestigemechanical3600 2 года назад +2

    Nice video !
    I pull the anode rod and hook up my pony pump up and place the tubing in from the top. Then once it is near empty I spin that brass valve off and put 6” 3/4 nipple with a valve ball valve and you get more sediment out.
    Then put in a new anode rod. Can flush them in record time as long as it’s not chunks of scale or the water heater is loaded up with Aluminum Hydroxide “commonly found on American water heaters” blue goo ! ! ! ! No fun ! ! ! ! !
    All blue goo water heaters need new package valves

  • @brandonbrandon749
    @brandonbrandon749 2 года назад

    Good tips I tried to flush my own but nothing came out had good water flow it kinda makes a cracking noise but it’s only 2 years old

  • @patrickpattberg8551
    @patrickpattberg8551 2 года назад +1

    Mine is labelled as "self cleaning " ; does that mean I should flush , or
    does it do it automatically ? Guest bathroom seems to get sediment caught in its lines occasionally ( master is used almost exclusively ) .

  • @Ozzie4wheels
    @Ozzie4wheels 7 месяцев назад

    I flush my water heater once a year. I also install a full port valve on my water heater(s). They make easy work of flushing the tank.

  • @strangeroamer3219
    @strangeroamer3219 2 года назад +11

    My dad's house has a water heater he installed when he moved into the house over 30 years ago.. He's not a plumber. The water heater is still working, had never been worked on, has never been flushed.

    • @garyjeffersii6735
      @garyjeffersii6735 2 года назад

      That's impressive. City water?

    • @strangeroamer3219
      @strangeroamer3219 2 года назад +2

      @@garyjeffersii6735 Yes. And it gets instant hot water. The pipes are still galvanized too. But it's a small house. One bathroom and a kitchen faucet, and a washer. Not too many fixtures. There were times when we had relatives stay with us, and everyone used the shower, and it never had problems keeping up. I may repipe the house soon, but I feel like keeping the water heater since it still works. I'm just curious to see how much longer it can last.

    • @stuntz0rZ
      @stuntz0rZ 2 года назад +1

      The water eats the inside of the tank once the sacrificial rod is gone (replace about every 3 years) Flushing is necessary at least once a year to get all the rocks out that come from city plus anode rod breaks off down there. Also, anode rod bits can get stuck in horizontal pipes and corrode them from the inside out.

  • @saltwaterdawgoutdoors2190
    @saltwaterdawgoutdoors2190 3 месяца назад

    What if drain valve on water heater is a different thread pitch than garden hose? thx

  • @reggiedeleon2007
    @reggiedeleon2007 Год назад

    Here in Australia I don’t see any drain valve in my tank what should I do to drain my water heater tank?

  • @bruceb8999
    @bruceb8999 2 года назад +2

    If the water doesn't flow from the drain port, reverse flushing it using a garden hose might help. It will break up the sediment blocking the flow and allow it to drain.

    • @marshallferron
      @marshallferron Год назад

      I was thinking of the same thing. Most garden hoses are male thread on the end but you could attach a washing machine hose to the end to adapt it to female threads

  • @octanemayhem2686
    @octanemayhem2686 2 года назад

    What if there is big chunks of white buildup. Last time I tied this we had to mcguyver a piece of hose on my shop vac and vacuum out what we could through the hole while trying to break up all the sediment. Got a lot out but could never get it all. Is there some sort of chemical that would dissolve it so it could just be flushed like normal ? ?

  • @mattmake1854
    @mattmake1854 2 месяца назад

    One thing I do slightly different is I turn off the hot water heater before I take a shower. By the time I'm done, I don't have to worry about the water being too hot to cause issues to the grass or driveway where I drain. I also set a Google calendar reminder for once a year that is integrated into my Amazon smart display calendar.

    • @RogerWakefield
      @RogerWakefield  2 месяца назад

      You turn off your water heater every time before you take a shower? Do you have a gas or electric WH?

    • @mattmake1854
      @mattmake1854 2 месяца назад

      I suppose a little context. When it is time to flush my water heater, that morning I turn off the water heater so the water is not at full temp when I flush it. It is an electric GE Geospring. Attempting to make it last as long as possible, as nobody services those any more.

    • @RogerWakefield
      @RogerWakefield  2 месяца назад +1

      Ohh okay, smart move!

  • @justinreid8851
    @justinreid8851 7 месяцев назад

    Hello and great video here. I have 50 gal defender just like your display. My routine is just crack the drain open long enough to fill a 2 gallon buck and then close it. Once a year. I don't turn anything off but I may crack a upstairs hot water side to ease the vacuum. Is this ok process?

    • @RogerWakefield
      @RogerWakefield  7 месяцев назад

      How long have you been doing this routine? If you haven't had any problems I don't see why not

  • @jamesvalenti9288
    @jamesvalenti9288 2 года назад

    I installed a new hot water heater myself back in 2020. I flush it every year. I basically shut the water off to the house and drain all the water out of the pipes through the hot water heater. Its in the basement, so its the lowest plumbing fixture in the house.

  • @markmillers4491
    @markmillers4491 2 года назад +2

    Thanks Hulk Hogan.

  • @SFBenjaminK
    @SFBenjaminK 2 года назад

    Very good video. .My 40Gallon Bradwhite just install last NOV & works great , the professional water heather installer i bought from said U don't to drain it in first 2 years .. i would like to change the Android pipe too years after will see, bought extended warranty on it gonna be total 10 years. Was kinda cheap $170 dollars, so went for it ...BUT always LABOR killing u comes to that NOT the parts, i always Bought GE & now Rheem & happy with it good water heater..i just hope this bratwhite dont f**k up my experience , because heard alots horrible stories in reviews about this plumber brand after few years working & leaks down the road , will see finger cross

  • @roberts.1400
    @roberts.1400 10 месяцев назад

    I've determined that I have OCD 😹 ... After flushing the water heater I've noticed quite a bit of sediment, it looks more like sand as opposed to some sort of mineralization. So, I just flush every few days to keep the tank free of sediment. I just drain a couple gallons and use the water in the garden or the bird bath the next day. After all that flushing I now have a leaky drain valve 😳 I put a brass cap on it for now but it'll need to be replaced. As I'll have to drain it completely and refill, I'm hoping there will be no leaks from thermal expansion 🤞

  • @ashleyarmonie9439
    @ashleyarmonie9439 5 месяцев назад

    I did try this lol I'm a new home owner is it normal for the water to shot out?😅 but I did it exactly like you mentioned...water was clear.....

  • @jaczob666
    @jaczob666 2 года назад +1

    Hope all is well dude

  • @Unlisted_Name
    @Unlisted_Name 2 года назад

    Are there any special considerations for an indirect water heater?

  • @missmouse20
    @missmouse20 8 месяцев назад

    Question here please. My 50 gallon tank has 8 year warranty, I'm on the 9th year. I've never drained it until now. I agitated the bottom many times and finally got the tank to run clear. Problem is inside hot water is still off colour. I live in Vancouver, BC for location. Every plumber says I need a new tank. Is there more I can do?

  • @brandonbrandon749
    @brandonbrandon749 2 года назад

    Water softener and sediment filter make that big of a difference?

  • @Steelandbrass
    @Steelandbrass 2 года назад

    My water heater is in my basement. Would it be safe to run it to my basement drain that goes to my sump or my basement shower? Or should I capture it in a bucket?

  • @mariaelenaorozco7312
    @mariaelenaorozco7312 7 месяцев назад

    When you do this process do you have to open a line in the house to help with air in the line?

  • @peterh7575
    @peterh7575 2 года назад

    can I redirect the hose to the closest bathroom bathtub instead of outside?

  • @JD-im4wu
    @JD-im4wu 4 месяца назад

    great stuff... i use vinegar to flush i was gonna sub but realized im already subbed lol

  • @williamwilson3145
    @williamwilson3145 2 года назад

    My water heater was installed in my new house in August 2018. I’m on well water can i still flush my w/h safely. Also should I replace my anode rod.

    • @RogerWakefield
      @RogerWakefield  2 года назад +1

      Yeah! Pull the anode rod and look at the condition of it.

  • @angelozicarelli541
    @angelozicarelli541 Год назад

    Hey Rodger I saw a master plumber say that flushing a water heater is a waste of time and money, is that true? Also what water heater is the best brand? I didn't get a Rheem because of all the problems it has. Is Bradford White the best brand of them all?