- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Water heaters - how often do you flush/drain?
Posted on 4/29/24 at 8:38 am
Posted on 4/29/24 at 8:38 am
I have a 20+yo water heater that hasn't been flushed in two years, if not five. Should I flush it and replace the calrods before it acts up? Are there any risks in flushing a water heater that hasn't been flushed in a while?
I'm familiar with the process as I've done flushes and calrods at the camp more than a few times. Just curious about the risks.
I'm familiar with the process as I've done flushes and calrods at the camp more than a few times. Just curious about the risks.
Posted on 4/29/24 at 8:41 am to tadman
quote:
I have a 20+yo water heater
I'd just buy a new one dude, that thing has got to be close to leaking, etc on you.
But to answer your question.
quote:
If neither you nor a professional have flushed your water within the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself. If you flush a water heater that already has a significant sediment buildup, it can actually cause more problems. Excessive or large sediment pieces can get stuck in the tank drain valve, or end up exiting the water heater and going through the pipes in your home – and neither of those is an easy fix. Often, if the water heater hasn’t been flushed in a long time then a replacement is necessary if there is no other maintenance solution.
This post was edited on 4/29/24 at 8:48 am
Posted on 4/29/24 at 9:03 am to tadman
Mine is approaching the same age and I went at least 10 years without flushing. I did change the sacrificial anode years back and it had more of a calcium film on it than any visible depletion.
That said, I got nearly nothing but hot water out when I drained it. Not sure if my Prairieville water is that good? No issues after.
That said, I got nearly nothing but hot water out when I drained it. Not sure if my Prairieville water is that good? No issues after.
Posted on 4/29/24 at 10:26 am to tadman
I asked my plumber about this and he told me that the manufacturer recommends every couple of years (maybe it was yearly, I dont remember). But he didn't really say if that's what he personally does. 99% of people don't flush theirs and they do just fine. It would probably be easier to have a professional come out and do it.
Posted on 4/29/24 at 11:09 am to tadman
I flush it more often now considering the last water heater we had didn't last five years before it started leaking, and it was not a cheap one.
I flush it every six(ish) months. The one we have now is an overcomplicated, bluetooth, leak detecting, phone controlled, likely piece of shite in the long run. We had to replace ours right smack dab in the middle of the Covid supply chain BS. We couldn't find a basic, normal model anywhere that wouldn't take days or a week or two to get. So, I get to see how a water heater that looks like it can launch a nuclear warhead fairs. We shall see.
I flush it every six(ish) months. The one we have now is an overcomplicated, bluetooth, leak detecting, phone controlled, likely piece of shite in the long run. We had to replace ours right smack dab in the middle of the Covid supply chain BS. We couldn't find a basic, normal model anywhere that wouldn't take days or a week or two to get. So, I get to see how a water heater that looks like it can launch a nuclear warhead fairs. We shall see.
Posted on 4/29/24 at 11:44 am to NATidefan
quote:
I'd just buy a new one dude, that thing has got to be close to leaking, etc on you.
Depending on the brand/model it could also be perfectly fine. Chances are he'd buy a new one that is a piece of crap compared to what he already has. Annual flushing is a good practice no matter what.
quote:
Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself. If you flush a water heater that already has a significant sediment buildup, it can actually cause more problems. Excessive or large sediment pieces can get stuck in the tank drain valve, or end up exiting the water heater and going through the pipes in your home – and neither of those is an easy fix. Often, if the water heater hasn’t been flushed in a long time then a replacement is necessary if there is no other maintenance solution.
Of course a company like this is going to advocate the buying of new water heaters. This is also bullshite advice as proper draining and flushing will not put sediment pieces into the downstream plumbing. Sediment buildup will definitely cause problems for gas water heaters even if just a thin layer is present. Electric units can handle a little more sediment, scaling on the heating elements is usually what does them in so I pull and inspect those annually. Sacrificial anodes should be replaced based on local water conditions, some can last only a few years while others can last much longer but it's never a bad idea to check during the flushing process. There are also electronic anodes available that can last longer if local water conditions are eating up standard anodes too quickly.
Posted on 4/29/24 at 2:13 pm to Clames
If it's in my house I'd just replace it. Garage, etc where if it floods its no big deal then maybe. 20 years is pretty good for a water heater and flood damage is gonna cost alot more than a new one.
Posted on 4/29/24 at 4:09 pm to tadman
I was in a house with 2 tanks, 50 gallons each. Manufactured date 1989. Don’t know if anything had been done.
I took the one at my place on the water, replaced the anode, and did a good flushing. Had a bunch of sediment in the bottom.
I took the one at my place on the water, replaced the anode, and did a good flushing. Had a bunch of sediment in the bottom.
Posted on 4/30/24 at 9:19 am to tadman
Had an electric 40 gallon low boy in my attic for 36 years before I changed the entire heater to another one just like it. Never once drained or flushed it out. I did change a burned out element a few times as needed but that was a small task any do it yourselfer could do.
Posted on 4/30/24 at 10:12 am to tadman
I flush once a year, the water is very hard here, and replace the anode every 5 years.
Posted on 5/1/24 at 4:09 pm to LsuFan_1955
I do it prob twice a year. Built a manifold on my AC condensate drains where I can tie in a hose from water heater and flush through the ac drain. Double duty, flush heater and clear condensate lines.
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News