"Snuffy "Hub Cap" McKinney" wrote in
message news:7eadnfXAiqZ2IF7LnZ2dnUU7-I have always heard this and never
done it. Unless there's something I don't know, which is very likely, the
sediment would be in the bottom. If the valve is in the bottom, sediment
would flow out first. If the valve is 6-inch above the bottom like mine and
unless there is a pipe inside taking water from the very bottom of the tank,
the sediment would never drain out.

I did test the pressure relief valve every few months on a previous water
heater as recommended, starting when it was a couple of years old. Within
a couple of years it got so it wouldn't reseat completely and always
dripped after that.

Latest water heater sits in the corner of the garage with a drain pan
underneath that is plumbed outside, and the relieve vent plumbed to
outside. I'm not touching it until it stops working or blows up.

I have never drained a water heater either. Heard it is good for them,but
never did . Last house I lived in for 35 years and had to replace the
heater one time due to a leak. Bought this house about 10 years ago with an
electric heater and never touched it either.