What is the proper way to maintain a hot water heater?

by Water Heaters on May 7, 2010

We have an 80 gal hot water heater and after just 2 wash loads and 2 showers, we’re out of hot water. My husband has never drained off any sediment (I think you’re supposed to do that), and I have no idea how old it is. What maintenance is supposed to be done on a hot water heater and how can we improve its performance?


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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

ROGER W May 7, 2010 at 12:16 am

Near the bottom of the water heater you should have a valve that you can hook a garden hose to, First hook a garden hose to this valve and open it, keep the water supply on, this will force all the sediment out of the drain. I would let it run for about 20 minutes. Also you want to make sure that the heating elements are still good if it is an electric water heater. You should flush you water heater about every 6 months.

KirksWorld May 7, 2010 at 12:16 am

If it is electric, I’d bet money the bottom element needs to be replaced.

Anyway, depending on the mineral contents of your water, bleeding off the drain valve at the bottom of the tank monthly or once a quarter. Probably only a couple gallons, just until it runs clear.

Every three years check your anode rod, if you have an easy to remove one.

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