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Cracker · 03-30-2008, 11:10 AM

I keep thinking that I asked this question once before (---terminal CRS) - but with Spring fast approaching I can anticipate same problem that I've had before. My water heater will invariably be loaded with a greyish gunk that will clog all of the faucet nozzles untill I let it work through by removing the nozzle diffusers. This occurs after I switch the by-pass valves back to normal and let the tank fill (---having drained it for winter.) It helps to leave the outside tank drain unplugged for awhile during the re-filling process - but that doesn't cure the problem 100%. Is there a good way to clean the tank through the drain hole? My thinking is that this condition may have developed due to the previous owner simply filling the HW tank with anti-freeze along with the rest of the system - rather than using the by-pass and draining the tank???

ticki2 · 03-30-2008, 01:12 PM

You can open the relief valve manually by fliping the lever all the way up. With this open connect to city water and let it run , it will really pour out . That should give it a good flush as all the water is going thru the HW heater. After it runs clear you can sanitize the system as usual.

ScottW · 03-30-2008, 01:43 PM

Most camping supply houses carry a small nozzle that attaches to your garden hose. Remove the drain plug, insert the small nozzle and turn on the water. Let it run, pointing the nozzle toward the base of the tank until the water runs clear out of the drain. Remove nozzle and replace plug (use tape or putty). You'll be good to go for another year.
Before the Lewster tells us...it is a water heater, not a HOT water heater.

Cracker · 03-30-2008, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottW

Before the Lewster tells us...it is a water heater, not a HOT water heater.

Yeah - I'm sure he's out there lurking - just waiting to ponce! I had that one shoved down my throat way back in the '60's when I was a student at the
U of F studying building construction. Water heaters were always identified on plans as HWH. I'll look for the spray nozzle mentioned.