To those wise folks,

I just learned today that you need to do maintenance on your water heater once a year (basically turn off electricity, drain water, then fill up and turn on electricity). And since water here is very hard (lots of minerals), it is even more important. Now, I haven't done any maintenance for last 5 years since I've lived in my place. I don't know if there has been any. I know my water heater is about 10 years old. Is it wise to start doing any maintenance?

Thanks a bunch!

 

Yes, all you are trying to do is flush the sediment so the capacity is the full tank, not (full tank- displaced area of sediment). this allows for heating the full tank of water and impoves efficiency and longevity,

 

i would drain every 6 months depending on how much line/calcium/other buildup is in there.

Mine is easy since it sits a few feet from the patio door.

 

im probably going to have to just replace my HWH when the weather warms up more... last time i tried to drain it, the sediment i was able to get out of it clogged my drain... and it seems like there is alot left in it... probably about time tho, the thing is probably 15 yrs old...

anyone know on good deals to source hwh other than the big box stores?

 

Tankless have really dropped in price and i am sure there are some rebates out there. I don't know how those hold up to hard water though.

 

Thanks for your input.

I live in a condo, so I'll probably have to get a bucket and drain that way. As for tankless water heater, I've looked into that since I've heard the efficiency is quite good. Most of them run on gas, and costs around $1000.

 

is the gov't still doing rebates on switching to more energy efficient furnaces and HWHs?

 

Credits were reduced for 2011.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?...edits.tx_index

 

Had my lower heating element replaced today (under my home warranty). Need to be better and doing the 1 gal drain every few months.