Draining water from water heater to clean

Frank12345

hey, im trying to clean out my water heater, and ive been draining it for 2 hours now. The water and gas are turned off. Granted, it is coming out slowly because its probably clogged, but i have filled up now 8-10 full home depot buckets of water

STEAM DOCTOR

How large is your water heater? What size buckets? Maybe the shutoff valve isn't working.

Frank12345

thanks it finally finished. Now the water is brownish though, before it was clear and it drained clear

mattmia2

the drain is a bit above the bottom and the dip tube will stir up stuff as fresh water enters, you'd probably get more out with the water on and flushing a couple buckets out the drain

Larry Weingarten

Hi, If you're going to try and remove sediment from the tank, it is best to replace the stock drain valve with a full port ball valve. It will let chunks of sediment through, and not be damaged by the sediment when being closed. I like to use a plastic-lined steel nipple between tank and valve to prevent any rusting. Then you can much more effectively flush the tank.

Yours, Larry