Okay To Flush 13 Year Old Hot Water Heater?

Is it okay to flush my 13 year old hot water heater, if I don’t know if its ever been done before?
Moved in to the house six months ago. I’d like to keep the home well maintained, but I don’t want to cause unforeseen damage.
Thanks!

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Posted in: Water Systems Q & A Comments(6) November 2009


6 Responses to “Okay To Flush 13 Year Old Hot Water Heater?”

  1. rangedog Says:
    November 21st, 2009 at 3:41 pm

    At that age, you are best to let it be.
    Besides, most of what is in there is caked by now, and very little would flush out.

  2. Corky R Says:
    November 21st, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    Yes, it’s okay to flush a water heater that old, but if it’s never been done before, it’s an effort in futility. The OE drains on water heaters aren’t designed to allow anything much larger than a BB to come out. In most areas with any lime, calcium content whatsover in the water, it takes about 6 mos. for the sediment to accumulate into chunks larger than that. So at 13 years, you’d probably just be wasting your time.

  3. Eric H Says:
    November 21st, 2009 at 10:23 pm

    Most hot water heaters do not last much longer than 10 years.
    If the drain to flush from is plastic I would let it be. But if it is brass you should be ok. If it drips when you go to shut it back down get a hose bib cap. Good Luck

  4. Moxie Says:
    November 22nd, 2009 at 3:54 am

    I am sure it is but why would you want you to? Please check into grants towards a more efficient unit before you go to further expense to maintain something that is much less efficient.

  5. rosco Says:
    November 22nd, 2009 at 9:07 am

    Hi, My rule is when it is not broke do not fix it.I would get a fresh money saving one and not worry about what you know is going to happen soon. Good Luck

  6. bugear00 Says:
    November 22nd, 2009 at 11:19 am

    Yes,,,, I flush mine once a year. You may find quite a bit of calcium build up in th bottom.

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