On Feb 13, 5:12�pm, wrote:
On Feb 10, 7:53 am, "Donna Ohl, Grady Volunteer Coordinator"

wrote:
Can I get some quick trusty advice on a dripping gas 40 gallon hot-water
heater?

Next time, do these 10 steps twice a year & your heater will last 20
years!
1. Shut the electricity/gas to your water heater
2. Close the cold water intake at the top of the water heater
3. Open a hot water faucet on any level above the water heater
4. Open the drain valve at the bottom of your water heater
5. Shut the drain valve when that water runs clear (approx 10 gallons)
6. Inspect the sacrificial anode (replace rod only if corroded badly)
7. Shut the water faucet that you had opened in the house
8. Reopen the cold water valve intake to the water heater
9. Run all faucets in the house for at least 10 second (or sputtering
stops)
10. Turn electricity/gas back on

add be prepared to replace drain valve, which may not shut or drip
when closed, espically the plastic ones. some valves will clog replace
tank drain valve with a ball valve at new tank install time

cycle the T&P valve yearly knowing it may not shut properly or drip.
good chance in 20 years it will likely need replaced at least once

add the anode may not come loose easily, and you need enough head room
to get the new anode in. might generate new troubles

in some areas draing may not remove much of anything.....

think of this if the tank does last 20 years you will miss
improvements of new tanks like better insulation.

be cautious of tanks that if they leak can damage finished spaces,
contents and carpeting.......