When my wife and I bought our first home in 92, my father said to me, "Son, when it comes to owning a home, if it's not one thing, it's ten." Good luck to you! And thanks to great videos like this to help us with the ten things!
~ 2:00 ...After its all back together, turn your water heater back on, the gas or electric power. Thanks for the video! I'm draining my gas water heater as I type this, and the water is draing So Sloooooowwww! But if I open the input valve it flows faster. The initial was was a "lovely" brownish rust color. 😂 Edit: After opening and closing the input valve several times, quickly, the hot water began to flow at a nice rate. I know I've definitely neglected my water heater by not flushing regularly. Thanks again for this Short and Sweet video! Right to the point, no fluff, no filler! You're a DIY Champ!
I live in a secluded mountainous region with amazingly pure water. I installed an 80 gallon electric hot water heater in 1996. I've had to replace some of the wiring, I've had to replace the elements of course several times, add replace the thermostat. New computers on this it's old. However have never flushed it out or done any maintenance on it. Well next year around summer will be 30 years it's been working , obviously it's a testament to the purity of the water.❤
I just bought a house with nearly pure spring water that is on a cistern. All of the sudden we have no hot water. Has this happened to you? If so, what was the remedy? Thanks!
Indeed! Gotta be that pure water! No hydrofluorosilicic acid, chlorine, and the hundreds of other toxins added or naturally occurring in municipal water systems! My wife grew up at the base of a mountain with the sweetest tasting water, once the city grew and incorporated water from other sources, the taste and quality went to 💩. I have cousins on the other side of the valley and their water was so hard and Nasty tasting that the joke was, one could walk on the water in their town. 🤢
Wow, I figured that adding a shutoff valve to my water heater was going to be super difficult. But after seeing him do it at 00:18, I’m ready to try it. Looks way easier than I thought!
@@HandymanHertz Yeah, that was a hillarious effect! Thanks for the very informative video. I ended up flushing my hot water tank out real good last night after watching, and was able to remove about 10 years of accumulated sediment.
I did this today and got it all flushed out. This will be the second thing I have done thanks to your videos. It's time to watch more to see what Im doing next. Thanks!!!!
Cool! What was the other video you watched? I'd suggest watching the video on replacing at your anode rod or cleaning your fridge coils. Seems like those are easily overlooked. 👍🏼 I appreciate you watching.
My pilot light wouldn't stay lit. I followed the video and haven't had a problem since. I apologize, but I didn't tell my wife I watched your video, I took all the credit. I liked and subscribed hoping that would make us even...
You're welcome! You may pull out your anode rod and look at that, and clean your fridge coils too. I have videos on both of this, and they are commonly overlooked or not known about. Also, keep your furnace filters, clean, which I'm sure you already know. And if it has a basement, make sure you get water away from the walls during the rain. Make sure gutters are working properly and not plugged. I'm thinking of doing a playlist called "what homeowners need to know" sometime in the future.
Ditto. That's why I'm here. I just noticed that my HVAC was installed by someone who must have been doing it for the first time, and in a hurry, then I looked slightly to the right, and saw my water heater. I'm like "Uh... The water here is really... hard. I'm gonna just go flush that now." Then decided to look up how to do that. ;)
Thank you. First time watcher😊. I followed your instructions and my water is simply amazing. I was stressing about an expensive fix and you were able to help me. Well explained and easy. I spent more time looking for a screwdriver than the actual fix took. Awesome. 👏
I drain a few gallons (about 5) under pressure every months as the owner’s manual recommends. That keeps the crap from building up at the bottom. Most people , in my circle, have not a clue about draining and flushing the tank.
Hello and thanks for this slick and to the point video, it's the clearest and most comprehensive in YT on this subject. Quick question: I have an electric Bradford White Hydrojet 80 gal heater. What is the purpose of the pressure relief valve, and is it needed at all in this procedure? Again, many thanks for putting this together, and I just subscribed.
Wow, thanks for the compliment! The pressure relieve valve is there in case there's a malfunction and the burner never shuts off. If that happens, the pressure will build up and come out the prv. I do not recommend using. It in the draining process, though you could open it to vent the system. They are very prone to leaking and would need replaced. Some people have plugged a leaking prv, but this is a bad idea because it builds pressure and goes off like a bomb in the house. You should google some of those images...it's amazing what pressure will do.
If you have a gas water heater there's no need to shut the gas off. Turn it to PILOT and the burner will not turn on while you are flushing it but the pilot will stay on.
I've found that the best way to maximize sediment removal is to remove the lower heating element once I have the tank drained. This allows me to use a water hose to inject water into the bottom of the tank from a variety of angles instead of just from the inflow line. Tends to stir up a lot more sediment that way.
I do the same thing, with a small difference. I cut a scrap section of garden hose about 2 feet long, tape it to a shop vac, then suck up the debris through the hole for the bottom element. Works great.
@@Bonkrr I think you will like it if you try it. It speeds up the process a little bit because you don't have to wait to drain any stirred up sediment. Just be gentle with the hose against the interior tank surface.
We had a water heater in our house that was 23 years old according to the date on the side. It was never flushed or anything else done to it. I finally replaced it this year because it's in my work from home office and didn't want a surprise. I wished I had thought to cut it open to see how cruddy it looked inside before hauling it to the dump. I've never seen one last that long. Seems like 12-15 years is what I've seen in my other houses.
I never did it in my first home. Then moved to the mountains where our water supply is high in minerals. My water heater tank blew out after 7 yrs. I am flushing the replacement every year now.
Would you recommend this for a 25 year old AO Smith electric HW tank? New homeowner who is establishing some maintenance but am wary about doing a yearly flush in fear of opening a can of worms.
Same here, Never touched it. You know though once we start messing around with it somethings going to go wrong with it within a week or so! ....Never Fails!😐😢
@@soolly357 ....Do it early in the day, don't have other plans just in case all hell brakes loose and you snap a pipe or valve and find yourself doing a replacement water heater!😤😠🤬
I remove about five gallons under pressure every month or two, until water runs clean. My HWH a has lasted over 15 years with no anode rod change or full flush. If you have that level of sediment dropping in , consider a filter system.
@@JoseGomez-xk3yx probably;y not ! I found any rust , per se , can be flushed under pressure as I described. I know when our water mains are flushed a lot of sediment comes in and finds its way to the HW Tank. Rust ( in abundance) is a sign that the tank is on its last legs.
What should you do if you don't have a shutoff valve? I just have the whole house valve after the well pressure tank by the filter. Would you recommend the same thing?
@@HandymanHertzSome people believe draining a hot tank and filing shortly after will very cold water can cause thermal expansion issues with the liner.
We know how to maintain a hot water heater as we lived in our own house for over 30 years before moving to an apt in another state. Our apt has it’s own heater. I asked maintainence when they were going to some basic maintenance on it. They said, never. They just wait till they fail. There is a drain next to the heater, but completely unknown if it is even complete. This building is 10 years old. Same water heater and hasn’t ever been cleaned. If the heater fails and leaks, there will be a problem. These aren’t cheap apts. We’re on the 4th floor and have good renters insurance. Hope everyone below us has good insurance, as well.
First time viewer, found you by a flush search. I drained the tank first then did the valve trick but it's been 40 minutes and I'm getting dirty water coming out. Is my heater really that bad? The cold water is still visibly clear in the house and from the well source.
I’m here via the same search. Something I read elsewhere said it can take 3-4 hours for water from the tank to run clear depending on the age of the tank and the length of time since the last tank flush. I know that info doesn’t help you now since it’s been a couple of weeks lol, but hopefully if someone else sees your question and is wondering the same thing it’ll help them!
Great video, thanks. 1, Is it okay or would it help if i pour in a gallon of 5% white vinagar to help further desolving the calcification from the tank before flushing? 2, is there a way to completely flush all of the sediments from the tank? Or is it okay for a little to remain at the bottom of the tank after flushing? Thanks, Z
Good question! I've never used vinegar. I think most of the sediment on the bottom is sand and rust, and not so much calcium. I could be wrong. It definitely wouldn't hurt to let some white vinegar sit for a while. There's one step you could do that I know of that will flush it a little better, and that's to actually use pressured water going in the valve at the bottom. It's like a back flush. Spray pressured water through the valve and then let it drain. I personally think this is overkill, i'm not sure the efficacy of this, but it would definitely help. There's actually a flushing valve kit I've seen Floating around the Internet For this.
You didn't turn the gas back on. When do you do that? After the tank is full, which is after how many minutes? Is it difficult to get the pilot lit again?
What if you don't have a floor drain? I would need to somehow run a hose up the Bilco door steps and out into my yard. This water is going to be scorching hot, too, right?
question, my water heater has 4 pipes in the top, cold intake, hot outtake, PRV, and the 4th is what i’m assuming is a continuous loop, can i still drain the water heater with the continuous loop pipe or is this a more complex setup where it’s best to consult a plumber?
that all depends on your water source quality. i have a buddy who went through anode rods every 2 years in wisconsin. here its 10+ years it seems. its easy to shut off the water and pull one out every year or 2 and check untill you get to know your water quality.
If we likewise don’t have a shut off valve from the water supply, can’t we just kill the power to the water pump and won’t that accomplish the same thing? Same question about cutting off the fuel supply to the hot water heater. Can’t we just kill the power so it doesn’t draw any fuel?
Unfortunately, that in itself is likely a code violation, at least in texas. The water heater must be accessible. Also, you should be testing the T&P valve once a year, testing that is much more important than draining it. Draining extends the life of your heater, testing that T&P means you can sleep at night.
Is it true that if you have a old water heater that has never been drained and flushed, you shouldn't start doing it after that so many years have passed?
@HandymanHertz Thanks for the reply. Yes, that's my thought as well. I did buy a cap per your suggestion because I have a slight drip leak, probably from mineral build-up.
Came here wondering the same, thanks for asking! Mine are VERY old and doubt they've ever been flushed but good info to know when they have to be replaced!
I'm wondering the same thing. My 50 gallon water heater is over 20 years old. I can't access the rod easily due to ducting, piping, and ceiling clearance, so I can only guess my rod is long gone. I'm concerned that the second I mess with my heater that it's going to have problems. I do wonder if the frequency and amount of hot water used affects anything. My family of 8 vs a couple will have different hot water needs.
Not all. Theres 2 types in the USA, most of the brands are like in my abode rod video, where you take it out with a 1 1/6" socket. The other is Bradford white (not sure what order brands) where it's part of the hot water nipple
Random but similar question for you. Is it okay to use the water heater drain as an outdoor spigot line for rinsing purpose? The water heater at my property has a line connected to the drain that leads through the wall and outside spigot. Between the line looks be a converter because if I touch the line before it, the pipe is warm. But when you turn on the spigot outside it comes out cold. My tenants have been using it to rinse off beach sand off their dogs or items as we live in a beach community. Not a full flush out, its just a few minutes usage of water to wash of sand. Do you know if this is okay or is it likely to cause damage on the water heater?
This is perfectly fine. In fact, it's good to use that for that purpose. I couldn't use that water spigot on a washing machine, for instance, because it may have sediments. Nothing harmful with this setup you have that I can think of
@@HandymanHertz Thanks! This was setup from the previous owner before I took over so I don't have any answers as to why or what used for. My guess it it may of been used to the automatic sprinkler system. Just thinking that was the case because of why the converter device is installed to expel out cold water.
Do I do anything differently with a thermal exp. Tank installed up top ? I know to check that psi and bladder as well but there's no "first and then" right?
0:38 I tried turning the valve with a screwdriver just like you did and it won't budge at all. Tried a couple other thing and its not moving. Any tips?
My water heater doesn't drain very fast. I did this the other day and it took like 2 hours for me to drain and then burst the water and let it drain again. I not only had a water faucet on but I also had the blow valve open to allow air into the water heater. What am I doing wrong? Fyi it's a long garden hose. Maybe a 20 footer which is overkill but I'm not sure if that's the issue
I believe many modern tanks don't have a full size drain valve on them, to cut down on the manufacturing costs. I think you can replace them with brass valves and that will help with draining the water faster. There are videos about this on YT.
The previous comment is correct. You can replace that valve with a full port valve. Also, there’s a chance that the sediment has almost blocked the drain hole opening from the inside of the water heater. Some people have poked something through the valve to try to break up the sediment. Maybe give that a try?
No water comes out when the inlet water valve is shut off, I tried every combo of every water faucets on and off. Only time is when the inlet is open water flows out the drain perfect, soon as inletis off it stops. I know the tank is full bc I redid steps with out running the sinks inside after filled tank. any ideas?
@@gt750kr wouldnt a check valve be between the inlet and the tank? only thing I have besides the inlet valve and outlet , is the thing on the top side of tank that looks like toggle wing anchor.
First shut valve on cold water feed line! Drain hot water from faucets! Then open relief valve to depress hot water heater connect hose to boiler drain on base of hot water heater and begin draining it! When water and sediment drain close valve and open cold water feed line!
my tank is 8 years old now and I am afraid to stir all the stuff that may be keeping it together...just like my old days as a mechanic and we flushed steel radiators in cars and then there were leaks all over the place ...all the crap we flushed out of the system was what kept it together...any thoughts on doing it so late in the game????
While the tank is MT is a great time to install a ball valve drain. At the very least you can tighten the packing nut on the original valve and stop that leak. Perhaps it might also need a new stem washer but I would leave a cap over a leaking valve, ever.
Folks, consider placing a Siliphos water filter uphill on the cold line. Protects the elements and other internal parts of hot water heater. Does good things for your dishwasher and clothes washer. Go do research on Siliphos water filter, or start with just Siliphos
He just happens to have a floor drain, most likely because this is in a basement. You can just drag the hose outside of your house and empty it there. Try to aim the hose somewhere safe.
Yeah, pilot would be easier, I just felt telling people to turn it off would be better overall. It depends on your water quality on how often you change out anode rod. I have a friend in Wisconsin that didnt last long and had to replace his 2 year old water heater. Some areas every 5-10 years it seems. You can pull it out and check it in no time.
my drain valve is like 1/2 " above the level of the floor, ugh!!! what to do? Also, I have 2 shut off handles and an small expansion tank, which is the one that I need to turn? Thank you !
The drain being close to the floor doesn't change anything, screw on a hose. Technically, you don't have to turn off any water. Some people "power flush" by just opening the drain and letting the tank refill simultaneously.
@@macfady2181 It's going to be a challenge to even get the hose screwed on practically no room to work with, plus a pan is obstructing possibly forcing the hose to elevate upwards, gravity anyone? At what point does the sediment come out, that's the reason for the flush if I'm correct? Thanks again!
You should wait until the water heater is full. After you turn the supply back on and there is no more air in the lines to the faucet, turn off the faucet. Then listen for water flowing into the water heater tank to stop. You can do it after the air is out of the line but it's safer to ensure the tank is full.
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2 minute video instead of 20. Subscribed.
Dam straight!
Thanks man. Been a homeowner for 3 years and nobody ever told me this was part of the job. Thing seems to be running much better!
When my wife and I bought our first home in 92, my father said to me, "Son, when it comes to owning a home, if it's not one thing, it's ten." Good luck to you! And thanks to great videos like this to help us with the ten things!
That shut off valve edit was smooth..👏
Haha thanks! Still an amateur editor, but having fun with it.
You’re doing great. I’ve been binging your vids. Great work man
@@HandymanHertz You mean it was a video editing trick? I thought it was a snap-on type valve!
Thanks, I appreciate it! I hope to start doing more videos this winter
Nope, just a little editing magic 😉
Thanks for keeping it brief and to the point. Going to Flush now.
This is the model for helpful videos, great job, no time wasting BS.
Bro the editing to get that shutoff valve onto the pipe was lowkey top skill.
Incredible! Loved that magic trick! Wish I could do plumbing like that! ❤
Straight to the problem... not 2 hours of garbage.... GREAT. I subscribed.
0:16 super quick install of your turn off valve. I like it
~ 2:00 ...After its all back together, turn your water heater back on, the gas or electric power.
Thanks for the video! I'm draining my gas water heater as I type this, and the water is draing So Sloooooowwww! But if I open the input valve it flows faster. The initial was was a "lovely" brownish rust color. 😂
Edit: After opening and closing the input valve several times, quickly, the hot water began to flow at a nice rate. I know I've definitely neglected my water heater by not flushing regularly. Thanks again for this Short and Sweet video! Right to the point, no fluff, no filler! You're a DIY Champ!
I live in a secluded mountainous region with amazingly pure water. I installed an 80 gallon electric hot water heater in 1996. I've had to replace some of the wiring, I've had to replace the elements of course several times, add replace the thermostat. New computers on this it's old. However have never flushed it out or done any maintenance on it. Well next year around summer will be 30 years it's been working , obviously it's a testament to the purity of the water.❤
That's amazing, sounds like a dream location 👍
I just bought a house with nearly pure spring water that is on a cistern. All of the sudden we have no hot water. Has this happened to you? If so, what was the remedy? Thanks!
@@HandymanHertz it will be. Lots of work and learning to do first.
Indeed! Gotta be that pure water! No hydrofluorosilicic acid, chlorine, and the hundreds of other toxins added or naturally occurring in municipal water systems! My wife grew up at the base of a mountain with the sweetest tasting water, once the city grew and incorporated water from other sources, the taste and quality went to 💩. I have cousins on the other side of the valley and their water was so hard and Nasty tasting that the joke was, one could walk on the water in their town. 🤢
Low mineral content. Is it a groundwater source like a well? Or a surface water source? (Lake, river, etc.)?
Wow, I figured that adding a shutoff valve to my water heater was going to be super difficult. But after seeing him do it at 00:18, I’m ready to try it.
Looks way easier than I thought!
Haha editing magic! No, it is easy, I have a video on installing that one
@@HandymanHertz Yeah, that was a hillarious effect! Thanks for the very informative video. I ended up flushing my hot water tank out real good last night after watching, and was able to remove about 10 years of accumulated sediment.
I must have watched him throwing that valve onto the pipe 20 times. Even realistic in slow motion!
It was actually magical.
I flushed mine today. Your video was spot on, no frills, and let me know everything I needed to. Thanks bro! My family’s skin and health thanks you!
I did this today and got it all flushed out. This will be the second thing I have done thanks to your videos. It's time to watch more to see what Im doing next. Thanks!!!!
Cool! What was the other video you watched? I'd suggest watching the video on replacing at your anode rod or cleaning your fridge coils. Seems like those are easily overlooked. 👍🏼 I appreciate you watching.
My pilot light wouldn't stay lit. I followed the video and haven't had a problem since. I apologize, but I didn't tell my wife I watched your video, I took all the credit. I liked and subscribed hoping that would make us even...
@TWHappen 😆 hey, glad you scored some points with the wife! Yup, all even 👍🏼
Thank you for sharing this! Just got a house. First time home owner and need to start learning things like this.
You're welcome! You may pull out your anode rod and look at that, and clean your fridge coils too. I have videos on both of this, and they are commonly overlooked or not known about. Also, keep your furnace filters, clean, which I'm sure you already know. And if it has a basement, make sure you get water away from the walls during the rain. Make sure gutters are working properly and not plugged. I'm thinking of doing a playlist called "what homeowners need to know" sometime in the future.
Congrats on the house!
Ditto. That's why I'm here. I just noticed that my HVAC was installed by someone who must have been doing it for the first time, and in a hurry, then I looked slightly to the right, and saw my water heater. I'm like "Uh... The water here is really... hard. I'm gonna just go flush that now." Then decided to look up how to do that. ;)
@@mrtncrls thank you!
@@HandymanHertz Thank you!!
Great job explaining this in a short video!
Thanks!
Thank you man. Consise and with all the knowledge needed to do this task.
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it
Thx for the video, ive lived in my home for 3 years and didnt kniw i was suppose to do this. We do have hard water here
You're welcome. It's very easy and not much time.
Best video on this ever.
Oh good! Thank you!
Thank you. First time watcher😊. I followed your instructions and my water is simply amazing. I was stressing about an expensive fix and you were able to help me. Well explained and easy. I spent more time looking for a screwdriver than the actual fix took. Awesome. 👏
Haha I'm so glad it worked for you. Sounds like you need to watch my tool bag video so You always know ever your screwdriver is 😉
I drain my heater every year but have never turned the valve on and off to flush it. Thank you for this!
You're welcome. Good job on keeping up with your maintenance, that's impressive.
@@HandymanHertz I put all the repeating maintenance tasks on my calendar so they regularly pop-up reminders at the appropriate time.
Are you supposed to do this yearly?
Who else rewinded to see that smooth edit?
Oh yeah, definitely!
I drain a few gallons (about 5) under pressure every months as the owner’s manual recommends. That keeps the crap from building up at the bottom. Most people , in my circle, have not a clue about draining and flushing the tank.
Thanks. This was clear and concise. It would have been great if you had told us how to safely relight it.
This is such a great explanation. Glad I stumbled across your channel.
Thanks! I appreciate that
Hello and thanks for this slick and to the point video, it's the clearest and most comprehensive in YT on this subject. Quick question: I have an electric Bradford White Hydrojet 80 gal heater. What is the purpose of the pressure relief valve, and is it needed at all in this procedure? Again, many thanks for putting this together, and I just subscribed.
Wow, thanks for the compliment! The pressure relieve valve is there in case there's a malfunction and the burner never shuts off. If that happens, the pressure will build up and come out the prv. I do not recommend using. It in the draining process, though you could open it to vent the system. They are very prone to leaking and would need replaced.
Some people have plugged a leaking prv, but this is a bad idea because it builds pressure and goes off like a bomb in the house. You should google some of those images...it's amazing what pressure will do.
@@HandymanHertz Thank you! I'll leave it alone then, seems like a one and done device.
Great video - inspired me to get it done! I like the tip to keep an eye on what’s draining out.
Thanks Corey! Yeah, it's interesting and satisfying seeing the progress you're making.
Super helpful, thank you!
Glad it helped!
If you have a gas water heater there's no need to shut the gas off. Turn it to PILOT and the burner will not turn on while you are flushing it but the pilot will stay on.
True. True.
Thanks!
I've found that the best way to maximize sediment removal is to remove the lower heating element once I have the tank drained. This allows me to use a water hose to inject water into the bottom of the tank from a variety of angles instead of just from the inflow line. Tends to stir up a lot more sediment that way.
Great tip or an electric water heater. Thanks for sharing.
I do the same thing, with a small difference. I cut a scrap section of garden hose about 2 feet long, tape it to a shop vac, then suck up the debris through the hole for the bottom element. Works great.
@@mj625 I may have to steal that idea. Good thinking.
@@Bonkrr I think you will like it if you try it. It speeds up the process a little bit because you don't have to wait to drain any stirred up sediment. Just be gentle with the hose against the interior tank surface.
Well I'm getting rid of my water heater but this helped a darn good bit and it takes forever to drain completely.
Glad to help
Excellent video .Learn something I never knew 👍
Excellent video, thank you!
You're welcome! Glad you liked it.
I never knew there was a anode rod. Thats a huge deal on boats. 👍
Oh yeah I bet. I’ve never heard of them on boats, but I have RVs.
Is there a video on if we should clean the antode rod? Or only replace? How often?
Yes, I have a good short video on it. It should be in the description or search for handyman hertz anode rod.
We had a water heater in our house that was 23 years old according to the date on the side. It was never flushed or anything else done to it. I finally replaced it this year because it's in my work from home office and didn't want a surprise. I wished I had thought to cut it open to see how cruddy it looked inside before hauling it to the dump. I've never seen one last that long. Seems like 12-15 years is what I've seen in my other houses.
Wow that's amazing lifespan. It would be fun to cut into it and see what it looked like. 23 years old and kept going.
This video is perfect. Thanks so much
Hey thanks for watching !
i've never met anyone that has actually drained their water heater
Does that come up a lot in conversation? How would you know?
youve never lived anywhere that there is hard water
I have to every six months. It super sucks.
I actually need to, that’s why I watched this.
I never did it in my first home. Then moved to the mountains where our water supply is high in minerals. My water heater tank blew out after 7 yrs. I am flushing the replacement every year now.
Would you recommend this for a 25 year old AO Smith electric HW tank? New homeowner who is establishing some maintenance but am wary about doing a yearly flush in fear of opening a can of worms.
Thank you for posting this. Great tips
Glad it was helpful!
I have my water heater for 12 years now... it works amazing i had no idea about this
Same here, Never touched it.
You know though once we start messing around with it somethings going to go wrong with it within a week or so!
....Never Fails!😐😢
@@huntingtonbeachsasquatch thinking the same, I was thinking about doing. Buy thought I'd screw it up.
@@soolly357 ....Do it early in the day, don't have other plans just in case all hell brakes loose and you snap a pipe or valve and find yourself doing a replacement water heater!😤😠🤬
Certainly Not a have too. But I think everyone can agree preventative maintenance can add life to about anything.
@HandymanHertz for future ones yes absolutely
I remove about five gallons under pressure every month or two, until water runs clean. My HWH a has lasted over 15 years with no anode rod change or full flush. If you have that level of sediment dropping in , consider a filter system.
Good point. 👍
Can a filter system remove the rust inside the water heater? LL : )
@@JoseGomez-xk3yx probably;y not ! I found any rust , per se , can be flushed under pressure as I described. I know when our water mains are flushed a lot of sediment comes in and finds its way to the HW Tank. Rust ( in abundance) is a sign that the tank is on its last legs.
New homeowner here. How regularly should you flush the HW tank? Annually? Monthly?
Annually
Not monthly, that seems like overkill. Annually seems to be recommended and more practical. 👍
Great idea, thanks. Cool Nikes also!
Doing this now. Water running fairly clear, with small bits of deposits.. hoping the flush part does more
Yooo!! The water shutoff install is 🔥 do a tutorial on how you did that edit 😅
How often should that anode rod be replaced?
Does the gas get turned back on after refilling? When does the pilot light go on?
What should you do if you don't have a shutoff valve? I just have the whole house valve after the well pressure tank by the filter. Would you recommend the same thing?
Yes, I've done this on rentals, just shut off the whole house.
Should you open the pressure valve while emptying? Some RUclipsrs say that you should open it while draining.
how long between turning off the gas before the water heater is cool enough to drain through the hose?
I've never waited and it's never been an issue with my hoses. So, zero minutes.
@@HandymanHertz Thank you again.
@@HandymanHertzSome people believe draining a hot tank and filing shortly after will very cold water can cause thermal expansion issues with the liner.
Is it ever too late to flush out the boiler if you have never done it?
Does it matter if you have well water supply and propane supply?
Well and propane wouldn’t matter. I’d say it’s never too late to flush it, and I guess I just don’t buy the argument from those that say otherwise
We know how to maintain a hot water heater as we lived in our own house for over 30 years before moving to an apt in another state. Our apt has it’s own heater. I asked maintainence when they were going to some basic maintenance on it. They said, never. They just wait till they fail. There is a drain next to the heater, but completely unknown if it is even complete. This building is 10 years old. Same water heater and hasn’t ever been cleaned. If the heater fails and leaks, there will be a problem. These aren’t cheap apts. We’re on the 4th floor and have good renters insurance. Hope everyone below us has good insurance, as well.
So what's your point?
First time viewer, found you by a flush search. I drained the tank first then did the valve trick but it's been 40 minutes and I'm getting dirty water coming out. Is my heater really that bad? The cold water is still visibly clear in the house and from the well source.
I’m here via the same search. Something I read elsewhere said it can take 3-4 hours for water from the tank to run clear depending on the age of the tank and the length of time since the last tank flush.
I know that info doesn’t help you now since it’s been a couple of weeks lol, but hopefully if someone else sees your question and is wondering the same thing it’ll help them!
Could you remove the anode rod and spray water in the hole to break stuff up? Or might that damage stuff?
Interesting. Never heard of that but I think you have the potential to do a better flush that way. Good idea 👍🏼
Great video, thanks.
1, Is it okay or would it help if i pour in a gallon of 5% white vinagar to help further desolving the calcification from the tank before flushing?
2, is there a way to completely flush all of the sediments from the tank? Or is it okay for a little to remain at the bottom of the tank after flushing?
Thanks, Z
Good question! I've never used vinegar. I think most of the sediment on the bottom is sand and rust, and not so much calcium. I could be wrong. It definitely wouldn't hurt to let some white vinegar sit for a while.
There's one step you could do that I know of that will flush it a little better, and that's to actually use pressured water going in the valve at the bottom. It's like a back flush. Spray pressured water through the valve and then let it drain. I personally think this is overkill, i'm not sure the efficacy of this, but it would definitely help. There's actually a flushing valve kit I've seen Floating around the Internet For this.
Thanks for the tip. i will try it.
Do you have to let the hot water in the water heater cool down before draining or no?
No, I never have.
@@HandymanHertz ok thank you so much 😊I was Just concerned I would affect the tank if I didn’t let the water cool down first
Mine was installed in 2008. A State Select model, 40 gallon natural gas heated. Works just fine for me. Never did any maintenance like this.
You didn't turn the gas back on. When do you do that? After the tank is full, which is after how many minutes? Is it difficult to get the pilot lit again?
What if you don't have a floor drain? I would need to somehow run a hose up the Bilco door steps and out into my yard. This water is going to be scorching hot, too, right?
Yes it will be hot and that sounds like the best solution.
question, my water heater has 4 pipes in the top, cold intake, hot outtake, PRV, and the 4th is what i’m assuming is a continuous loop, can i still drain the water heater with the continuous loop pipe or is this a more complex setup where it’s best to consult a plumber?
I do the flush every year. How often do you change the anode? New heater in 2019.
that all depends on your water source quality. i have a buddy who went through anode rods every 2 years in wisconsin. here its 10+ years it seems. its easy to shut off the water and pull one out every year or 2 and check untill you get to know your water quality.
Does the anode rod need to be replaced if its been a year since my water heater was installed?
No, usually not. It all depends on your water source, but the most extreme I’ve heard is about two years.
Thank u. I have hot water again!!
If we likewise don’t have a shut off valve from the water supply, can’t we just kill the power to the water pump and won’t that accomplish the same thing? Same question about cutting off the fuel supply to the hot water heater. Can’t we just kill the power so it doesn’t draw any fuel?
Yes that will accomplish the same thing. 👍
New subscriber here 😊
Great, thanks!!
Great. Now I find this after just having a water softener installed, totally blocking my water heater in my little apartment utility closet..
Unfortunately, that in itself is likely a code violation, at least in texas. The water heater must be accessible. Also, you should be testing the T&P valve once a year, testing that is much more important than draining it. Draining extends the life of your heater, testing that T&P means you can sleep at night.
Is it true that if you have a old water heater that has never been drained and flushed, you shouldn't start doing it after that so many years have passed?
I'm not sure if it's true or not, but I have heard that as well. May not hurt to leave it be if it's really old.
@HandymanHertz Thanks for the reply. Yes, that's my thought as well. I did buy a cap per your suggestion because I have a slight drip leak, probably from mineral build-up.
Came here wondering the same, thanks for asking! Mine are VERY old and doubt they've ever been flushed but good info to know when they have to be replaced!
That’s what a local plumber told me to
I'm wondering the same thing. My 50 gallon water heater is over 20 years old. I can't access the rod easily due to ducting, piping, and ceiling clearance, so I can only guess my rod is long gone. I'm concerned that the second I mess with my heater that it's going to have problems.
I do wonder if the frequency and amount of hot water used affects anything. My family of 8 vs a couple will have different hot water needs.
I SAW YOU DO MAGIC
Are those anodize rod the same for all heaters?
Not all. Theres 2 types in the USA, most of the brands are like in my abode rod video, where you take it out with a 1 1/6" socket. The other is Bradford white (not sure what order brands) where it's part of the hot water nipple
@@HandymanHertz Thank you.
Random but similar question for you. Is it okay to use the water heater drain as an outdoor spigot line for rinsing purpose? The water heater at my property has a line connected to the drain that leads through the wall and outside spigot. Between the line looks be a converter because if I touch the line before it, the pipe is warm. But when you turn on the spigot outside it comes out cold. My tenants have been using it to rinse off beach sand off their dogs or items as we live in a beach community. Not a full flush out, its just a few minutes usage of water to wash of sand. Do you know if this is okay or is it likely to cause damage on the water heater?
This is perfectly fine. In fact, it's good to use that for that purpose. I couldn't use that water spigot on a washing machine, for instance, because it may have sediments. Nothing harmful with this setup you have that I can think of
@@HandymanHertz Thanks! This was setup from the previous owner before I took over so I don't have any answers as to why or what used for. My guess it it may of been used to the automatic sprinkler system. Just thinking that was the case because of why the converter device is installed to expel out cold water.
@@HandymanHertz I can email you photos of what it actually looks like if you want a better visual for opinion.
Wow. Clear vid. Thanks!
Unlike the water that came out of my tank!
Do I do anything differently with a thermal exp. Tank installed up top ? I know to check that psi and bladder as well but there's no "first and then" right?
0:38
I tried turning the valve with a screwdriver just like you did and it won't budge at all. Tried a couple other thing and its not moving. Any tips?
My water heater doesn't drain very fast. I did this the other day and it took like 2 hours for me to drain and then burst the water and let it drain again. I not only had a water faucet on but I also had the blow valve open to allow air into the water heater. What am I doing wrong? Fyi it's a long garden hose. Maybe a 20 footer which is overkill but I'm not sure if that's the issue
I believe many modern tanks don't have a full size drain valve on them, to cut down on the manufacturing costs. I think you can replace them with brass valves and that will help with draining the water faster. There are videos about this on YT.
The previous comment is correct. You can replace that valve with a full port valve. Also, there’s a chance that the sediment has almost blocked the drain hole opening from the inside of the water heater. Some people have poked something through the valve to try to break up the sediment. Maybe give that a try?
Will you need to relight the pilot?
Yes, you will
Do you still have to do this if the water being used by the water heater is softened??
No water comes out when the inlet water valve is shut off, I tried every combo of every water faucets on and off. Only time is when the inlet is open water flows out the drain perfect, soon as inletis off it stops. I know the tank is full bc I redid steps with out running the sinks inside after filled tank. any ideas?
You might have a one way backflow prevention check valve on the water heater outlet.
@@gt750kr wouldnt a check valve be between the inlet and the tank? only thing I have besides the inlet valve and outlet , is the thing on the top side of tank that looks like toggle wing anchor.
Flip open the pressure relief valve on your hot water heater. That will also allow air to flow in and water to flow out.
@@Bonkrrjust be aware that activating the pressure relief valve may lead to it leaking and need to replace.
@@garytemp Fair point. I wouldn't expect that manually opening it would stress it too much, but it's certainly something to be aware of.
Do I have to turn off gas? Or can I just put it on pilot?
First shut valve on cold water feed line! Drain hot water from faucets! Then open relief valve to depress hot water heater connect hose to boiler drain on base of hot water heater and begin draining it! When water and sediment drain close valve and open cold water feed line!
Thanks bub!!!
My doesn't have a drain valve. I think the relief pressure think is on top. How do I flip it or turn it?
my tank is 8 years old now and I am afraid to stir all the stuff that may be keeping it together...just like my old days as a mechanic and we flushed steel radiators in cars and then there were leaks all over the place ...all the crap we flushed out of the system was what kept it together...any thoughts on doing it so late in the game????
After i did the flush, i had brown water in the hot/cold water lines. How long before it clears up?
Never done this before but looks simple so here we go...
Good luck, it's pretty easy.
Is it better to put it on pilot and not off on a gas furnace instead, so you don't have to relite the pilot.
Yeah, true.
While the tank is MT is a great time to install a ball valve drain. At the very least you can tighten the packing nut on the original valve and stop that leak. Perhaps it might also need a new stem washer but I would leave a cap over a leaking valve, ever.
Those are decent options too, but nothing wrong either a homeowner saving time, money, and water capping it.
The drain by the water heater can take all the flow of water okay? Can you also run a hose to a bathtub next door?
Yes and yes.
Yea! Awesomeness! TU!
What if the water runs clear as I start the flushing process? Do I need to continue emptying the tank all the way?
Folks, consider placing a Siliphos water filter uphill on the cold line. Protects the elements and other internal parts of hot water heater. Does good things for your dishwasher and clothes washer. Go do research on Siliphos water filter, or start with just Siliphos
If you lost me at floor drain should I then not attempt this?
Probably not
He just happens to have a floor drain, most likely because this is in a basement. You can just drag the hose outside of your house and empty it there. Try to aim the hose somewhere safe.
Do I mess with the pressure release valve at all?
Good question.. i had to use mine to get it to flow out
@ me too man!
Could my drain valve be a quarter turn? That’s all it turns but not much is draining out :/
Yes it could be. Some drain valves are slow and some are partially clogged. If it's really Can try to poke some thing through it like a wire.
Ty
You're welcome
Does the water suppose to drip from the water heater? Mine drips now since i replaced the gas valve control
Thumbs up for the special effects at :17 seconds in.
Haha thanks!
wouldn't it be easier to set it on pilot ? Also, how often does the anode rod needs changing?
Yeah, pilot would be easier, I just felt telling people to turn it off would be better overall. It depends on your water quality on how often you change out anode rod. I have a friend in Wisconsin that didnt last long and had to replace his 2 year old water heater. Some areas every 5-10 years it seems. You can pull it out and check it in no time.
my drain valve is like 1/2 " above the level of the floor, ugh!!! what to do? Also, I have 2 shut off handles and an small expansion tank, which is the one that I need to turn? Thank you !
The drain being close to the floor doesn't change anything, screw on a hose. Technically, you don't have to turn off any water. Some people "power flush" by just opening the drain and letting the tank refill simultaneously.
@@macfady2181 It's going to be a challenge to even get the hose screwed on practically no room to work with, plus a pan is obstructing possibly forcing the hose to elevate upwards, gravity anyone? At what point does the sediment come out, that's the reason for the flush if I'm correct? Thanks again!
When do i turn the breaker back on?
Oh I saw it. When does the water start flowing out of the faucet?
What do you mean?
You should wait until the water heater is full. After you turn the supply back on and there is no more air in the lines to the faucet, turn off the faucet. Then listen for water flowing into the water heater tank to stop. You can do it after the air is out of the line but it's safer to ensure the tank is full.