Does anyone here actually empty thier water tank once a year for maintenance?

Question

If so how do I go about doing this and does it really make your water tank last longer?

lmao no I mean the water tank for the house!

Good answers, because I didn't want to have to do this. Yes I'm a new homeowner.

Answer 1

I don't know of anyone doing it. I wouldn't bother. Although, I do believe it to extend the life of the tank. If the water heater has not been drained in it's, say first 3 years, the sediment that has built up, may not pass through the valve.
The process is as follows:
1) Turn off water - there should be a valve on the cold side (right facing W/H), if not just turn off the water to the house.
2) Gas -Turn the top knob on the thermostat to "pilot"
Electric - Shut off power to unit *this is imperative!!*
3) Connect hose to drain valve and open.
4) Disconnect one of the lines, or open the relief valve (too allow air in)
5) Close drain valve once water no longer runs from the hose
6) Reconnect lines or close relief valve
7) Turn the water supply to the unit, back on.
8) Run hot out of the tub till the air purges, completely from the W/H
9) Only then can the gas be turned back to "ON" or power be resupplied to an electric W/H
-This is about an hour and fifteen minute process for a novice, draining a 50 gallon W/H.-

Answer 2

This is one of those recommendations that isn;t followed - except by the neighbor down the street with the perfect lawn and properly ironed and creased clothing. He is also the neighbor lost likley to snap from the pressure of always having everthing perfect!

Water heaters will go for about 10-15 years and sometimes longer. Is three extra years of life worth the effort of draining the tank? You decide.

Draining the tank that is above grade is easy. Attached a hose - run it to the exterior and open the valve, Below grade - run the hose to pump or a bucket with a pump in it and pump the water the the exterior.

When ever you drain your tank - follow manufacturer recommendations and make sure the unit is turned off so you are not heating an emoty tank which can be very dangerous. Follow the recommended procedure for filling the tank and purging the lines of debris that has yet to settle or flush out and excess air.

Answer 3

Yes! most water tanks have a air bag in them which can leak down like a tire . Turn off the power on a well pump, and drain the water out by opening a faucet. refer to a chart on the side of the tank. If you have a 40/60 pressure switch it is usually around 38 p.s.i. and that should fix any surging problems in water pressure and save you money because the pump wont come on every time you turn on the water.

Answer 4

The water heater will have to be replaced every 12-15 years if you don't drain some sediment and if you do it can last up to 13 years.

You might try it every 4 or 5 years if you have crappy water. Just drain off about a gallon since that's where the sediment is, at the bottom.

Answer 5

If you are talking about the hot water heater for your regular sinks, tub, etc.... then "NO". This will only help prolong the tank if you have a "hard water" problem... you know... lots of minerals and sediment in your drinking water. If so ten a water filtration system will do the job

If you are talking about the hot water "boiler" for home heating, then YES.. it should be done annually

Answer 6

When Your Tank has a small about of water in it, its not a bad idea to empty it. It helps to clean it out. If you want really clean water. Not emptying it shouldnt reduce it's life.

Answer 7

No its no longer undesirable, i had a fish tank and it sat there for roughly 3years without use in any respect, then i desperate to purchase fish. Now the fishes that are in there are approximately 2 years, so it had no result on the fish.

Answer 8

I empty mine daily(-;