On Fri, 7 Feb 2014 16:20:33 -0600, James wrote:

As I've explained, I thought periodic
draining of a w/h was important. This is the first time anyone has ever said
otherwise and there are good reasons not to, apparently. Hope we can put
this thread to rest now

Couple of weeks ago I ran across a Youtube video made by a plumber. He
demonstrated the procedure to drain the WH. He addressed sediment
concerns, etc.

He implied, based of water hardness, to drain the WH twice a month -
all the way up to several times a year. Until the water runs clear.
With no more sediment coming out of the hose.

No way would I bother to drain the WH. I have hard water (some of the
hardest in the country). I do have a water softener for the hard
water, but still, I never drain them based on the one time I did and
the leaks started.