Thanks for the feedback on the video. Much appreciated.
@toadbascom4978
11 жыл бұрын
You sir, make a very clear and usable how to video. Thank you. I especially appreciate the good audio quality, with clearly spoken instructions and no background noise.
@cindyperez5142
2 жыл бұрын
Yes he isn't loud! Word by word slowly explains well!
@jimrojas62
10 жыл бұрын
I got rid of my 40 gallon hot water heater 4 years ago. I replaced it with an on demand system, and installed a whole house water softener. No more build up, and no sediment on the walls and plumbing fixtures. I also no longer use bar soap in favor of body wash. Every month I pour 1 cup of baking powder and vinegar down every drain & toilet to keep hair clogs from slowing up the sewer line. I haven't had a problem since.
@KevinOSullivans
7 жыл бұрын
Just flushed mine - worked exactly as shown. Thanks.
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback.
@Iscaper
10 жыл бұрын
Good tip, thanks for commenting.
@fjbutter1813
9 жыл бұрын
I just did this after 30 years of heater use. Tons of sediment and scale. My Rheem had a plastic valve that leaked at thread joint after flushing sediment. I, also, dumped a gallon of vinegar up the hose per gravity feed to loosen the scale overnight. I thought I ruined the heater when it was leaking, but found the plastic valve thread leaked. The valve was replaced with 3/4 ball and 3/4" hose connection. The great part I've discovered, that shutting water inlet valve off and opening hot water faucet I can drain tank. You need to do this for the vinegar treatment. But, if leaving air in tank per shutting hot water valve and pressurizing tank per water inlet, you get incredible flow and turbulence for drain purge.The hose will be like a rocket and eject scale. The compressed air will maximize water flow! You can eliminate air per hot water valve. Check you anode as good to replace since the element will prevent tank from corrosion. It's consumed over time to prevent acid formation. Also, the Rheem booklet said to purge a couple gallons each month. So, hooking up a ball valve with tubing a must for easy task. I think the booklet advice is correct per my engineering work on humidifier tank work. Best to eliminate the concentration accumulated at tank bottom, before causing problems.
@LC-fd2dq
3 жыл бұрын
You did a great job! No need to shut off the cold water valve, I did that years ago I thought I did it wrong, now I wonder why the technician wants people to do many steps to flush a heater tank.
@StarTurtle100
8 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much this is really helpful and your instructions clear and concise. Well done
@Iscaper
8 жыл бұрын
+Catherine Audet Thanks Catherine.
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
Good question. When I flushed mine the water was somewhat red in color which would indicate iron in the water, so it seems logical that it would be good for the lawn and shrubs.
@Iscaper
12 жыл бұрын
Thanks. I'm the same way, I need to see something done one time and then I'm usually ok to try it. Good luck draining your water heater. Post back and let us know how it went.
@FilmerOfBobcats
11 жыл бұрын
Very good info, thank you!! My water heater is fed from a well, and that well produces a lot of grey silt. I have to flush out the toilet tank twice a year of accumulated sand and silt. I know that water heater has quite a bit. It just stopped heating water, so I suspect it's past due on that.
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
Very kind, thank you. I appreciate the feedback on how my videos are made.
@edkseabrook
10 жыл бұрын
KC Water Heater is correct! Unless your water heater is less then 3 years old, if you haven't flushed it annually, it could start to leak from the drain valve! (TP valves only leak if you open them, don't touch it!) Be sure to open the drain valve slowly as to not stir up the sediment, open it a little at a time then full open for 10 min. This will flush most of the sediment and cool the bottom of the tank so you don't damage the drain valve. Water Heaters are like a bag-less vacuum cleaner, small particles of dirt, sand, rocks and rust from supply pipes (old city water pipes are iron/steel) flow through the pipes and when they get to your tank they fall to the the bottom, some tanks are so called "Self-Cleaning" they have a curved dip-tube that creates a circular flow to keep the small particles moving around and up out of the tank but they can't move all of it. The sediment can shorten the life of a gas water heater and cause bad odor/taste in electric and gas.
@Iscaper
10 жыл бұрын
Very informative, thanks.
@WefixwaterheatersNet
8 жыл бұрын
Great idea to flush you water heater. Nice you have a floor drain so close to the tank.
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
Good question. I called my plumbing distributor and ask his advice on this. He suggests you: 1. Turn OFF the water supply to the water heater. 2. Open the T&P valve on the top of the water heater to relieve what pressure is in the tank. 3. Thread out the hose fitting (drain) on the bottom of the water heater. 4. Take a drill bit or piece of pipe and try to break loose the sediment in the tank. 5. He says this may or may not work depending on how much sediment is in the tank.
@KittyMandevill
11 жыл бұрын
Thank you!!! I had a valve like that on my water heater without a handle. It didn't occur to me that I should use a screwdriver to release the water. Its the little things :) Again, thank you! Very informative.
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jami. I've wondered why they don't install a valve with a knob on water heaters. Maybe it's a safety issue so kids won't turn the handle on and get burned by hot water?
@stanstolarski8325
4 жыл бұрын
Appreciate the tutorial . . .all the best & stay well !!!
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment and letting us know how flushing your water heater goes.
@etam1616
11 жыл бұрын
This video is really great. I think that I can honestly flush my take myself now! I'm going to try it this weekend and let you know how well it works out for me.
@WatchmanforChrist
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you, I will try this. very informative.
@wjkaiser11
12 жыл бұрын
Thanks, this is a good idea. Looking forward to other home maintenance videos.
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
Nice tip, thanks.
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
There might be a small piece of debris that is keeping the drain valve from shutting of completely. You could open the drain valve a few times and see if the debris will flush out and then try closing the valve again. It shouldn't leak. Probably should put the floor drain cover back on also. You'll probably have to relight the pilot also.
@JesseLockeHere2Do
10 жыл бұрын
Valuable video. Thanks a million. Flushing mine today.
@Iscaper
10 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jesse.
@Cliff-Notes
11 жыл бұрын
I was on the verge of getting a ball-valve with a lever handle; wondering about this myself. I'm sure you are correct! A child, an absent-minded adult, etc could "trigger" a serious scalding injury with a valve controlled by a handle. Thank you for raising that point. Although I'm partial to ball-valves - SAFETY FIRST - rules that out for me!
@Iscaper
10 жыл бұрын
Very observant, thanks for noticing. I'll tighten the packing a bit next time I drain the water heater.
@Kcwaterheaterpro
10 жыл бұрын
This is also a good way to keep your drain clean. Try to flush out the drain that the condensate drain feeds into. The condensate drain comes off the furnace and usually can create a gel like substance which causes the floor drain to backup.
@Jasper50
9 жыл бұрын
Very helpful. Looks easy enough. Thanks for sharing.
@Iscaper
9 жыл бұрын
+Jasper50 Thanks for watching.
@Iscaper
9 жыл бұрын
Dip tube is on the inside of the tank. The dip tube is a long skinny plastic tube that reaches down to the bottom of the tank. Incoming cold water travels through the dip tube down to the bottom of the water heater.
@awn263
9 жыл бұрын
iScaper1 I'm curious about something. I own a Bradford White - M2XR504T6FBN, and It's probably been 6 or 7 years since I flushed it out last, and the only way I have to drain it into, is a sump-pump. 1) Do I need to be concerned about the hot water draining into the sump pump, or should I let it cool before draining? Does hot water rinse the tank better than cool water? I don't want to damage the sump pump. 2) Also, instead of turning off the gas, can I just switch it to "Pilot" instead of turning the gas off completely? Thanks iScaper! :-)
@Iscaper
9 жыл бұрын
D F Turning the gas valve to pilot works. I don't think the hot water would damage the sump pump but I'm not positive, so after turning the gas valve to pilot run your hot water until it cools a bit then flush the tank.
@awn263
9 жыл бұрын
iScaper1 Thanks a bunch! I checked with a major sump-pump company (Flotec), and indeed, water over 77 degrees F going into the pump can melt the impeller and damage the pump. We're going on a sort of mini-vacation, so I'll turn it to "Pilot" so it can cool for a few days. When I get back, I'll clean that puppy right up.
@Iscaper
9 жыл бұрын
D F Good luck and let me know how the project goes for you.
@steeler3258
11 жыл бұрын
Hi. Thanks for the info. Others say you have to open the pressure release valve and turn on electricity and gas. Did you do any of that? Thanks
@Iscaper
12 жыл бұрын
Congratulations!
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
I haven't heard of a self cleaning water heater. What make is your water heater?
@SATXDONKEY
11 жыл бұрын
I never flushed by older model water heater since buying my house(over 7 years) and mine had a twist valve that was supposed to open while you twist it,of course with the hose connected. Well, there was so much deposit that I kept twisting till the valve fell off. I quickly turned off my water valve and was able to connect hose onto the pipe that the valve was screwed onto (crazy) but then I flushed it and had a bag of sand come out. I then attached the valve cover by twisting it back on.
@condor5635
4 жыл бұрын
Couple observations- replace your OEM valve with a 90deg handle 3/4 inch ball valve. That cheap one that comes with the tank suck and replacing is easy and allows much better drainage of larger particles. Also if you think you are getting all the sediment out you would be mistaken. Due to the domed construction and the flue of a gas water heater there is a large area around the perimeter where're sediment etc (and a rather large amount) gather and cannot be drained due to the location of the drain hole (higher) unless the water is very agitated - much beyond what the down tube supply line provides. If you have not removed the anode rod make that your next maintenance item. This will allow you to see down where I am talking about and see all the sediment that does not get flushed. Replacing the anode is easy and necessary every few years so it is an easy DIYer. You might need to use an impact wrench is the only problem to release it from the factory over tightening! Also, all you need to do is set the control valve to pilot. No need to mess with the dial! Thanks for posting!
@hermitsrule
5 жыл бұрын
Wonderful video!
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
I don't turn the water off. I use the system pressure to push out the sediment. When the water has drained out the hose for a few minutes the water heater lights up and starts trying to heat. This way there is a gradual temperature change in the water. The people who shut the water off and drain the tank are only using the weight of the water in the tank for flushing. Then when they turn the water back on they are running cold water into a hot ceramic tank. To me that is risky.
@Auror37
11 жыл бұрын
Mine claims to be self cleaning - so I have not flushed mine in 6 years, I can only guess what sediment might come out. This is a good video thanks!
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
Found any yet?
@autostyle3016
7 жыл бұрын
after the drain do you need to pressurize the unit ?
@djtrouble1980
5 жыл бұрын
Do you like to use system pressure to flush the tank instead of relying on the weight of the water in the tank?
@memirio5430
7 жыл бұрын
Do the Valves all leak like yours did? Shouldn't they be water tight?
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
Is this a trick question? That's like saying isn't the sky blue if the sun is shining. There is pressure is a hot water tank whether the water is hot or not. It would match the system pressure of the house.
@arranfinlayson3117
3 жыл бұрын
As a water technician this is a great video example to show people who never had done a blowdown or (flush) a calorfier
@Iscaper
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.
@FilmerOfBobcats
11 жыл бұрын
Is this flush water any good as "gray water" for the lawn or shrubs?
@richardfavara9441
5 жыл бұрын
i have a gas water heater. Shut off the gas valve, turn off the water, then turn the dial to pilot, then attach hose and slowly drain the water. am i correct on this?
@flagstoneave
10 жыл бұрын
So you don't turn off the cold water valve ? some video from others has the cold water valve turn off and the gas turnoff too.
@tbublz
9 жыл бұрын
Norman peters where is that pressure relief valve? I'm a firm believe in removing take sentiment I do it in the fall and again in the spring I didn't know to shut off the cold water I appreciate that tip make perfect sense for sure and turning down the heat. Cool enough video for me
@tgferg67
6 жыл бұрын
I get a tremendous amount of debris out of the tank by draining it first, then turning on and of the water supply to create splashing and movement on the bottom of the tank. Also those cheap plastic round drain valves are an actual advantage because they can be pulled out - leaving the large pipe diameter to get the debris out more effectively.
@dirtysailor49
8 жыл бұрын
awesome video. I need to flush my tank.
@cmdrefstathiusplacidus9003
9 жыл бұрын
Is this what is called the dip tube?
@frankreilly7858
9 жыл бұрын
Well done. thanks for the video
@Iscaper
9 жыл бұрын
Frank Reilly Thanks Frank, I appreciate the feedback.
@Nees1
11 жыл бұрын
Kerry, did you have to shut off the water supply into the water heater?
@neilwilliams8608
6 жыл бұрын
My bottom drain is all white plastic. How can I use a vacuum cleaner to clean the sediment out at the bottom of the water heater? Awesome video. Thanks a lot
@ssakhi10
9 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Well made video.
@Iscaper
9 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback.
@mikeyhatesit
5 жыл бұрын
Tried to do this...the water valve is so stuck it wont move more than an 1/8 turn...turned of electric drained water ...however the water that came out was cold and clear...does this have anything to do with the valve i wasnt able to completely turn?
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
No. I like to use the system water pressure to flush the tank. If you shut the water off then all that is flushing the tank is the weight of the water in the tank. There are a few people who have commented that say they shut the main water supply off to the tank when they flush. When they're done & turn the valve back on they're introducing cold water into a hot tank. Have you ever run cold tap water into a hot glass pitcher? To me it's risky with a ceramic tank on a water heater.
@wd8dsb
6 жыл бұрын
I have found the only real way to flush (remove sediment from the bottom of the hot water tank) is to unscrew the water faucet assembly from the bottom of the tank, and then use a flexible copper wire with small loop on the end to break up and drag sediment out of the tank as I run bursts of water back into the tank. I do this every year, and now I also check and replace my anode rod as needed (about every 2 years). It appears a lot of the sediment in the bottom of my tank is from erosion of the Anode rod. I have a water softener, and data suggests soft water promotes faster Anode rod erosion.
@tbublz
9 жыл бұрын
Sure am glad you guys showed me the canutin valve now I can become master plumber I have the butt crack to prove it..
@zilicao2686
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@memirio5430
7 жыл бұрын
I'm glad to see that my house isn't the only one with cracks around the drain in the basement.
@Kcwaterheaterpro
10 жыл бұрын
It just depends how hard your water actually is. Also makes a difference is you have a good water heater. Water Heaters like Bradford White have Hydrojet design to try to reduce sediment build up. I always suggest to flush your water heater every 6-12 months.
@Kcwaterheaters
10 жыл бұрын
Be careful trying to flush out a water heater that hasn't been drained in many years. Sometimes the drain valves, especially the plastic kind will either not drain properly or develop a leak. We have also seen the TP valve start to leak after flushing out the water heater.
@Iscaper
10 жыл бұрын
Good tips, thanks for posting.
@SuperOrangello
4 жыл бұрын
I have a question. I read one article where they first turned off the cold water supply then turned a sink on to hot water, set gas to pilot on tank, and then drained while sink was open to prevent vacuum. I’m wondering why they didn’t just do it this way. This is so much simpler.
@djtrouble1980
5 жыл бұрын
Hey do you think that running cold water into a still hot ceramic water heater tank is risky?
@SteelRhinoXpress
11 жыл бұрын
I did this to mine recently. I shut the valves off from the main water supply and the one on the water tank heater.Tthen i shutdown the electric water heater fuse since mine is an electric, opened up the pressure valve at the top of the water heater and drained all the water out from the bottom. I also took out the shower head and faucet screens because when you first turn the water back on the pressure can blow back excess sediment that can clog up your faucet and shower heads.
@szaki
10 жыл бұрын
I never flush my hot water tank, never mined every few months?
@WritersandFilmmakers
11 жыл бұрын
Isn't there pressure in a hot water tank if the water is hot?
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
From the comments it looks like there are a lot of different ways people use to flush their water heater. I leave the water supply on to use the system pressure to flush the tank. I turn the gas temp to low while flushing. No electricity on my gas water heater.
@bambambullies764
8 жыл бұрын
Sometimes you must remove drain valve in order to flush out big chunks of minerals that block the hole and pick into it with a long screw driver ,,
@jdjeep98
3 жыл бұрын
But don't' do that with the cold water feed turned on or a full water heater!
@uglyblackhindusbyebye5045
6 жыл бұрын
Can water sediment cause health problems?
@Emillthe111
4 жыл бұрын
? What about turning the water of on the water heater... and turning the faucet on to release pressure when draining the water heater ????
@ogstuart8693
4 жыл бұрын
Good job I did mines today
@JohnWilliams-em2zz
3 жыл бұрын
I watched another KZitem video where this plumber recommended attaching a scale removing device to prolong the life of the water heater. Is this truth or myth? Also do those electronic scale removers really work? What about a water softener? If you have a water softener already, would you really need an electronic scale remover?
@titop6152
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks 🙏 I am going to do the same.
@Iscaper
3 жыл бұрын
Good luck!
@cindyperez5142
2 жыл бұрын
Good to know this!!!
@sajidullah
8 жыл бұрын
Did you turn the cold water intake valve off before flushing the heater ?
@Iscaper
8 жыл бұрын
+Sajid Rafique I left the water valve on so that the system pressure would aid in flushing.
@ninawade3055
10 жыл бұрын
Thanks I am going to clean my hot water heater now. I was wondering how they did this.
@Iscaper
10 жыл бұрын
Thanks Nina. The plumber I talked to about flushing a water heater recommended doing it every 3 months.
@johnnovie3168
8 жыл бұрын
thanks
@jeremywhite394
9 жыл бұрын
so if u do it this method, will you have to mess with the pressure valve or anything like that or worry about air getting into the tank or the line??
@Iscaper
9 жыл бұрын
No, that's one of the reasons I use this method and don't shut off the water supply to the tank.
@goldenboyproductions7229
8 жыл бұрын
in some videos it shows to turn off the gas... any reason why you didn't do this to this one? Is it necessary?
@Iscaper
8 жыл бұрын
+Eddie Regory Turning the gas off on my water heater means I have to relight the pilot. That's why I turn the gas valve to a low temperature setting or to pilot.
@normanpeters7169
9 жыл бұрын
you should exercise the temperature/pressure relief valve also at least once a year
@Iscaper
9 жыл бұрын
Good tip, thanks for posting.
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
That would be great if you never had to flush the sediment out. I've heard Rheem makes good water heaters.
@Jakeandhaylee
9 жыл бұрын
This is an OK video but if you have a calcium build up at the bottom of your water tank you need to remove the valve and stick a piece of PEX or something on the inside to break up the calcium deposits just a little bit more complicated but it will definitely change the efficiency of your water heater
@Iscaper
9 жыл бұрын
Jake Bob Good tip, thanks for posting.
@sombongi
6 жыл бұрын
My heater is 7yrs old and at some time it run on direct city water no water softener ,so on flushing had to remove the drain valve because it was clogged from all the calcium deposit (1/4 bucket full that looked like big chunks of sea salt and slime)
@dschephigh1
10 жыл бұрын
Looks like u need to tighten your packing nut on your water heater drain valve leaks alot when u turn the valve open.
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
I disagree. The way you describe would only use the weight of the water in the tank to flush out the sediment. Plus after the tank is empty and you turn the water valve back on you would be running cold water into a still hot ceramic water heater tank. Risky! My way after opening the drain the system water pressure aids in pushing sediment out of the tank and the water heater kicks on to heat when water temperature drops. Not the drastic change in water temperature as your method.
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
Sounds like you had a couple of close calls.
@KINGsizeWINNER
7 жыл бұрын
Did you turn off the cold intake before you did all this?
@Iscaper
7 жыл бұрын
No, I left the cold water supply on and used the system pressure to flush the water heater.
@chatonthego5101
4 жыл бұрын
You don’t turn off the water on top?
@michael25cook
11 жыл бұрын
I work on water heaters daily. the way I have always flushed tanks is 1.turn the water supply off. 2.hook up your hose to the drain valve, and open the valve. 3.make sure your hose goes to a drain or gutter (the water and sediment will kill your grass/plants). 4.turn off the t-stat (vacation/pilot lighting is fine). 5.turn on cold water supply for about a minute, check for clarity. 6.turn water off and wait for a minute or 2 (let debris settle). repeat 5 & 6 till clear. reverse 4-1. DONE!
@Iscaper
11 жыл бұрын
I would bet if you asked 20 plumbers how to drain a water heater you would get 20 different answers. I've had good luck doing it the way I describe in the video. I like using system pressure to push the sediment out. For me I would be nervous running cold water into a hot tank so I won't being doing it that way at my home. You can decide for yourself which way is best for you.
@doglog18
11 жыл бұрын
I was told a hybrid of both of your instructions. I would told to turn off the inlet and let the water drain as Filthy described. Then after it all was drained turn the inlet on at run the water until it was clear.
@bobbimphotography8721
10 жыл бұрын
I've never flushed mine either but I've been noticing more scum build up on the tub and around the sink than usual. Would this solve my problem? Also, why only flush the tank for several minutes rather than the whole thing and let it refill to get the entire tank clean?
@Iscaper
10 жыл бұрын
Flushing couldn't hurt for the scum build up problem but I would guess it's more to do with your water. Do you have hard water? Sediment in the tank will naturally go to the bottom, so by the time the water turns clear the tank will be pretty clean. You could let the tank fill up and do it again.
@5r93
11 жыл бұрын
I found that if your valve leaks when trying to turn it off, just put a bowl under it and it will stop leaking after a day. I was trying to crank on it to stop it from leaking and found I was only destroying the valve. Fortunetly, I did not cause damage before finding out you can just let it quagulate to stop the drip.
@jenniferrainwater9065
10 жыл бұрын
I am wondering if this will help clear out sediment in my cold water pipe coming into the house. Some sites way it will, but myself-having no plumbing experience what-so-ever, am confused as to why would sediment from the hot water heater, clog the cold water lines? Does it 'back-up' somehow into the cold-water line? Thanks for any input in advance.
@Iscaper
10 жыл бұрын
Hi Jennifer. This won't clear sediment coming into the house. The water comes in then goes to the water heater, and your hot water lines are separate from cold water lines in the house. If you have a sediment problem I would install a filter as close to where it comes into the house as possible, maybe by the main water shut off valve. Are you on city water? Most city water supplies are pretty clean with not a lot of sediment.
@JPEBeard
10 жыл бұрын
What if the sediment is to large to go through the small drain valve? What do you do??
@Iscaper
10 жыл бұрын
Might have to remove the drain valve. Careful though if it's corroded badly you run the risk of breaking it off in the tank fitting.
@jimdavidson5208
9 жыл бұрын
Turn the gas down to the PILOT setting when doing this.
@DrZenphy
6 жыл бұрын
Did not you shut the water pipe first?
@XxowendanxX
8 жыл бұрын
my plumber said people complicate this too much, and that all you really need to do is attach a hose to the bottom, and open up the drain valve on the bottom, and let the water run out into the yard or someplace for 20 minutes...no need to turn off the gas or cut off the water flow. does that sound correct?
@Iscaper
8 жыл бұрын
+Owen Daniels Yes. That's basically what I do in the video other than I have the water run into a floor drain and I turn the gas valve down to the lowest setting
@XxowendanxX
8 жыл бұрын
iScaper1 i was wondering when it gets to be too long a time; after 20 minutes i put my hand on the tank and i can still feel these small, muffled "explosions" so to me that signifies that gunk is still exiting the tank; but i shut it off anyway just because i figure "20 minutes is enough"; i wonder if i should keep going til maybe 30 minutes...
@Iscaper
8 жыл бұрын
+Owen Daniels I just check the water coming out of the hose, when it clears up I stop flushing the tank.
@XxowendanxX
8 жыл бұрын
iScaper1 interesting. i almost always do it at night so i'm never aware of how cloudy or clear the water is. does calcium affect the water's appearance?
@Iscaper
8 жыл бұрын
+Owen Daniels Not sure about the calcium visibility, but on mine the water started coming out with a reddish tint which I assume was the rust from the galvanized fittings.
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