Thanks for watching! WARNING: Jim shares a controversial (to some in our community) troubleshooting solution to foul-smelling water in OLD water heaters. Everyone has an opinion, so please share yours below. Thanks again for watching and CLICK SUBSCRIBE for more plumbing advice.

@donnahubler881

3 жыл бұрын

I have ALWAYS wondered what that horrible smell is/was...doesn't happen in propane water heater only in electric water heater. THANK YOU!!

@1982nsu

3 жыл бұрын

Never flush your water heater??? I'm always skeptical of anyone who uses the term "never" or "always." Not all, but most areas have lime/calcium in the water. You will see evidence of this as white water spots on your drinking glasses and as a white crust on shower heads. Lime is corrosive. The accumulation of lime will eventually create pin-holes in the water heater vessel. At that point, replacement of the water heater is the only option.

@milotorres6894

3 жыл бұрын

Anode replacement should be replaced.

@clivegrayston1939

3 жыл бұрын

Change the standard magnesium rod to an aluminum one. Some water chemistries make the rods gas off as they breakdown.

@TheGrumpyPlumber

3 жыл бұрын

DimebagVision, you are a guy after my own heart!!

About electric models: 99% of anode rods are factory installed as Aluminum. If you get a smell, change it out to Magnesium [$13 +/-] with a impact wrench and a 1-1/16 socket. After 10 years, change the rod no matter what. Usually it is gone. If you still get odors, change to a electric anode. They work, and are what keep underground gas pipelines lines from leaking. Without an anode, end of life is near. Flushing: Some of us have very hard water- my water heater produces about 5 gallons of calcium sediment every 5 years. I always remove the factory crap drain valve and install a ball valve. Now you can open the valve and go to work with a coat hanger while the inlet is partially on. Indeed, some homes can go 20++ years without a flush and maybe just a few elements and an anode. Anodes don't flake off and fill cracks in the glass or epoxy lining. Rather the anode is sacrificial and is there to be the easiest metal to 'rust' -when the rod is gone, the tank becomes the target of corrosion. Electric water heaters used to be very cheap until recently, like $189 at Ace hardware. Now they are well over $400+. For some peculiar reason Costco had a closeout on GE electric water heaters, 50 gallon for $99 delivered. Bought three as the detachable parts alone are worth more than that! Go figure.

@roberta9950

2 жыл бұрын

Are you a plumber because you make more sense than him

@RRaucina

2 жыл бұрын

@@roberta9950 Thanks, I am a builder and try and get deep into the nuances of each trade.

@frotobaggins7169

2 жыл бұрын

I would like to add that sediment swirls inside a water heater abrading the plastic fill tube, Especially on the fancy heaters with the curved fill tube. As the heater replenishes the water used, it introduces the cold water at the bottom so as to keep the hot water at the top for use. when the fill tube gets perforated, the cold water dilutes the hot water making warm or worse, cold water. I've seen fill tubes that looked like swiss cheese with literally thousands of holes in them. Eventually the fill tube will just disintegrate and the cold water will fill on the top and go right out the hot side giving a no hot water impression. Obviously this is all worse on a well system that may get fine sand in the tank but any sediment in the tank will work the same.

@TW14137

2 жыл бұрын

Richard is spot on. I have been in the building business for 45 yrs and I'm a critical bastard.. like to do things right. Being a builder, with many personal friends who are/were plumbers, this is the consensus in the industry. Situations can very, depending on your water, from a little to a lot of build up. I feel sediment build up will effect a gas heater more, as the heat transfer surface is starting to be covered/affected right from the start. In an electric, it takes quite a few inches to reach the bottom element. Put in the better drain valve when it's new, and clean every year, if needed. You'll be able to get a feel how often yours needs it after a couple times draining. He is also correct on the sacrificial anode.

@RRaucina

2 жыл бұрын

@@TW14137 Thanks. So many plumbers just dont really care about or understand water heaters. Builders that provide a complete product are more likely to have a deeper understanding of a homes components.

Been a plumber for 30 years in Maine and 2 years in AZ , I’m now in Florida. My professional opinion, if you have bad water , sand, hard water . You will want to flush the water heater , it WILL last longer . I Recently bought a house and the water heater is older , I flushed 5 gallons of calcium out of the bottom , the heater was “kettling “ . I solved all the issues and also lowered my electric bill . Yes, I did change the valve at the bottom to help clean properly and also removed the lower element to gain better access to flush with water and used snake camera to see what I was doing.

@MindzEye03rd

2 ай бұрын

Was thinking I need to clean mine because it sounds the same, popping after turning on for a few minutes. I live in Las Vegas and the water is very hard, a lot of calcium. I'd say it really depends on the water.

@-Erebus

2 ай бұрын

Def necessary in Florida I had a 5 gallon bucket of milk come out. Then everything heated quicker

@uweheine9079

2 ай бұрын

We have hard well water. The first time our lower heat element burned out I removed it and was amazed how much calcium was piled up on the bottom. I made a spatula out of a piece of copper pipe that fit into the hole for the heating element and carefully scooped out most of the crud. Flushing would not get it out. Now I do this every couple of years and the heating elements don't burn out because they don't get buried in sediment and overheat. The unit is still working and it's 30 years old!

@benderenns

2 ай бұрын

Would you recommend flushing a gas water heater and changing the valve on the bottom to facilitate cleanin?

@benderenns

2 ай бұрын

What would be the typical cost of flushing ?

The magnesium rod is a sacrificial anode. It is there to save your heater from corrosion. Dissimilar metals will create electrolysis and will disintegrate the metals. Replace this anode every 5 or so years. That's why you have dielectric fittings on your inlet and outlet as well.

A couple comments; Number 1, If you have water pressure coming into your house over 60 psi, you should install a pressure regulator. This is a common practice in many areas. Number 2, depending on you water quality (especially pertaining to calcium), sometimes flushing the tank does help. I attach a small piece of garden hose to a shop vac and use it to suck sediment from the bottom. Overall though dad is right, way too much emphasis placed on flushing, but in some cases and areas it is necessary. With the correct pressure and a little maintenance, I have had tanks last 30+ years.

@GRRRRRRRRRRME

Жыл бұрын

What about orange or brown water? I have it coming out of my bathtub for a few seconds. In called my water tank company they said to flush it

@Steve-kl3mo

Жыл бұрын

@@GRRRRRRRRRRME Assuming your water supply is good, I would guess this is more a problem with your supply lines than the hot water tank.

@thecsucihai

Жыл бұрын

I wonder if the tanks in the old days are made with thicker steel? No one seems to mention this aspect. I never flush my tank just because I didn't know there was a the tank life expectancy...new home owner. I purchased my new home in 2002 and the water tank leak exactly the year it was stated on the tank and then the tank I replaced leaked exaclty 1 year before it was support to expire. I was going to replace it based on the life expectancy year stated on the tank so now I don't trust that number anymore. It seems like the manufacturer know exactly then the tank will leak if you don't flush it regularly. I live in Southern California so I wonder if flushing the tank would help.

@Steve-kl3mo

Жыл бұрын

@@thecsucihai You are probably correct in your thinking that old hot water tanks may have used thicker steel. I really don’t know for sure. I do know some new tanks are better than others. I always recommend spending a little more on a better quality tank, since installation labor is a big part of the equation. I personally have a gas hot water tank that was installed in 1990 and it has never been flushed. It still works great. My high end water pressure is set at 60psi and I have a water softener.

@thecsucihai

Жыл бұрын

@@Steve-kl3mo I have a Rheem Performance Platinum 12 years life. I will update the status of my tank in 2032 :) I suggest people with tank that are still going strong after 20-30 years let us know what brand and model they have.

My Dad was a plumber & he never flushed the water heater. He never told me it needed to be flushed either. If he were here, he would be 85. I appreciate your Dad.👏

@sealyoness

2 жыл бұрын

My dad wasn't a plumber, but had a couple of friends in different trades. One was a plumber who told him not to bother flushing it. My dad is 88; a Marine, and still not too proud to listen to advice. I appreciate this guy's dad too.

@UTAH100

Жыл бұрын

The mechanics car is always the last to get fixed. Just because he didn't do it does not mean it is not a good idea. Common sense- get the dirt out...unless you enjoy showering and brushing your teeth with that type of cruddy, smelling water. I flushed mine a few times and the water did not look very good. It can also get into your new washing machine, dishwasher, etc.

@strikerj4810

3 ай бұрын

I think it depends on your region.

Being a plumber in Fl, I have drained plenty of water heaters, especially the once’s on well water. Not unusual for me to get a couple gallons of sediment out of them. By flushing and back flushing numerous times, sometimes the sediment gets so high in the tank that it shorts out the bottom element. Just saying, it can help.

@chillville5571

2 жыл бұрын

Herd, im a tech at apartments and i flush every tank i put new elements in. Also, elements are like brake pads, change both at the same time!

@jimborambo958

2 жыл бұрын

Agree 100%. I get a bucket of sediments every two years! If I don’t clean the sediments the bottom heating element gets toast!

@jascatt3341

2 жыл бұрын

I drained mine and I got nothing but water that came out what a waste!

@hazeleyezluv

2 жыл бұрын

Where in Florida do you reside? Do you disclose prices for your work? Mine is well water. I'm in Wesley Chapel. My husband tried & couldn't figure it out.

@hhazelhoff1363

2 жыл бұрын

@@hazeleyezluv you can KZread it. It’s not a difficult procedure. All you really need is a garden hose to drain the tank.

I just got a new A.O. Smith 40-gallon gas water heater to replace another brand water heater that lasted from 2001 to 2024 until it failed. It had never been drained---and for about half of that 23 years the water was unsoftened---but A.O. Smith, a well regarded brand, is very firm about the wisdom of annual draining. I certainly can do that myself, so given the expense of water heater replacement compared to the relatively minimal hassle and expense of draining, I'm going to drain it annually. If I discover that the drain valve stinks, I'll replace it, too. As for the sacrificial anode rod, it is hard to imagine why a person would not replace that when it fails---or, more logically, before it fails---when its purpose is to keep the tank from flaking away. If the water heater is on the point of death and replacement, maybe just forget it, but I wouldn't expect much out of a water heater with no anode in it.

I had a new water heater installed about 5 yrs ago and was procrastinating about draining it. I’m glad that I did not drain it. I saw somewhere on KZread channel AmplifyDIY that it’s recommended to drain it once per year and the Anode Rod every couple of yrs. This service running about $200-$300 which is touted extend the life to 30-40 yrs of use. Both proponents of draining and not draining state that doing gas or electric water heater tanks are rated to last 8-15 yrs. I don’t think I’ll be draining mine but will change the Anode Rod myself. Thanks for this info.

Worked as a plumbers helper in high school (mid to late 70’s), North of Houston. We did new houses, Houston was growing due to most of the big oil companies moving here. Anyway the boss was a crusty old Polish guy from New Jersey, named Louie. He would say “hot water heater”, how do you heat (insert colorful language) hot water! Ever since I call it a water heater. On a high note I learned life skills in that job. Thanks for the video.

@louf7178

3 жыл бұрын

Water heater / hot water tank. You heat hot water similar to taking heat out of cold air. - It's a relative argument, so it's not exactly wrong as the educated philosophers may maintain ☺.

@leeclark6102

3 жыл бұрын

@@louf7178 It's a COLD water heater......

@louf7178

3 жыл бұрын

@@leeclark6102 You missed the point, and I know there's no point in arguing with you. It's a circular argument since hot loses temperature. Also, it can be understood as a state and function title - hot water (state) heater (function). And, yes, "hot" water does need to be heated.

@robertallain8966

2 жыл бұрын

thats because most plumbers keep shit real . not like these safe space colored hair new plumbers we got these days , or the flip side of that is a guy who thinks he is hot shit cause he can make a turd go down hill and do it faster than others .. in the end , its just shit rolling down hill at 1/8 inch per foot , dont chew your finger nails and payday is every friday .. oh by the way fuck plumbers ! i was one off and on for over 15 years . commercial and residential new build and service side .. fuck plumbers !!

Great video! But - the magnesium rod is actually there as the anode to prevent the higher metals from rusting. On boats, we attach a zinc plate to the bottom, then it takes all the stray electrical current and can be replaced instead of having all the other metal on the boat rust.

@northwexpress

2 жыл бұрын

Christopher Westfall, you're right about anode design. Old Grumpy Plumber shouldn't be passing on bum info.

@johnwaldrop3211

2 жыл бұрын

Yes he really didn't why the Anonde rod is there, also didn't talk about well water as opposed to city water.

@gbjr5732

2 жыл бұрын

Correct. I'm a plumber of 18 years. I like Grumpy Plumbers attitude but I can't agree with his beliefs on this topic.

@cindyhenry1410

Жыл бұрын

Even our little tiny camper (6 gallon tank) water heater has an anode rod. Makes sense that larger tanks also have one. To not replace it makes no sense....it’s there for a reason!

@milliesuko

Жыл бұрын

How can I get rid of “hammering?” I’ve already tried opening all spigots and then turn it on again. Didn’t work. Help!

After 62 years on this planet- I can say that based on my experience, due to the difference in construction and design, your gas water heater will usually last 6-10 years, where electric water heaters last 10-20. My father installed his 80 gallon electric water heater in 1948 and it lasted until 2006! Our homes have always had electric water heaters, where as our business building my father owner had gas-which we replaced at least 4 times in the 42 years I can recall before he sold it. They always end up leaking. As far as the anode rods-like your father says-IF you get the hydrogen sulfide gas coming from your water heater, remove the rod. I have always just pulled it and cut the rod off of the plug fitting at the top and reinstalled the fitting. No more odor after the residual in the tank is gone! Bless your father-he is priceless!

I live in California. My gas water heater is still going strong after 18 years. I've never flushed it or replaced the anode. It's gas. My plumber told me the secret is to keep it on low and to keep the closet it's in dust free. He said that dust is their number one enemy.

We had a 44 year old natural gas water and never flushed never changed the magnesium rod . So I totally agree with what was said.

@r.j.martin1818

2 жыл бұрын

I have a 16yo electric in SE Alabama and a 30yo gas water heater in Western PA. Never flushed either. Was going to this week until I saw this video.

@joesanchez4895

2 жыл бұрын

@@coolcanuck2570 It was a John wood

The whole reason the bottom element will burn out is the sediment which means flushing out any of that junk will prolong the life of the tank. Mine is 18 years old and still works great. Flush once a year.

@mikej238

2 жыл бұрын

I have two. One is 19 years old other is 11. Never been flushed....as recommended by my father in law. The retired plumber

@Robinhood179

2 жыл бұрын

@@mikej238 So your retired father who was a plumber recommended that you do NOT flush?

@dwightneisler3844

Жыл бұрын

My house is 17 years old with original water heater, never been flushed.

@Robinhood179

Жыл бұрын

9 months later and still going strong. 19 years old.

@fuzzyelm1

Жыл бұрын

@@mikej238 it depends on what kind of eater you have , we have lots of lime so we have to flush and take out the sediments ! And anyone that tells you not to is a n idiot ! And the water pressure coming to a home is never 150 pli and it’s not going to cause a water heater to go bad ! Water heater is set to a 150 psi pop off valve ! I bet tgis old man would tell you that you can’t replace the cathode rod in a water heater too !

Flushing makes a lot of sense depending on the water quality. If you get the rotten egg smell, switch from magnesium to aluminum, OR get that new electric anode solution which works incredibly well.

I am a 78 y/o widow living remotely in a new-to-me cabin with spring water. I try to keep up with cleaning the filter, but sometimes, like with guests & increased water use, it can get pretty muddy. I was using my favorite partner in crime, KZread, to get the best way to flush my electric hot water tank, when I found your video, with all the wonderful comments. Thanks a bunch! Saved me time & effort I can surely use on some other project!

I've been a plumber for 30 years and I think it's very important to flush the hot water heater especially gas that sediment sits on the bottom of the heater which acts like a insulator therefore the gas water heater doesn't work as efficient and believe me the ones I have drained or flushed a lot of crap comes out of them

@scomeau66

2 жыл бұрын

It is called a water heater, not a hot water heater. Why would anyone want something to heat hot water? Add a water softener and a water filter the sediment will no longer be an issue.

@frankhoward3120

2 жыл бұрын

@@scomeau66 soft water does nothing for the water heater except speeds up process of destroying it saltwater is not good for the water heater and when the soft water pops you get these beads through out the whole house and in every fixture. water softeners no good now get a water treatment system is a lot better

@scomeau66

2 жыл бұрын

​@@frankhoward3120 First of all you clearly have no idea what is inside a water softener. If you have ever opened one you would know that there is no possibility of beads or more appropriately resin, breaking out and circulating through the pipes. Someone would have had to purposely damage the secondary screen after somehow screwing up the resin bed strainer. After that, the beads which resemble glass would have to somehow float through over two feet of water. Marbles don't float upwards through water neither would the resin beads inside a water softener. You are making an unrealistic claim to impose an unrealistic fear. Do you have any clue what water treatment is? I guess not. Fundamentally water treatment is filtration. And the more filtered the more pure your water is. The first step is physical filtration with a mesh or fabric then series of ever reducing sized aggregate called a media filter. Then a water softener to remove minerals that would otherwise quickly clog up your next step, a carbon filter. The water softener primarily removes Calcium and Magnesium however it is fundamentally a filter, a water treatment filter. Then an Activated Carbon (AC) filter which removes so very much. Like Organic chemicals, Pesticides, chloroform, VOC’s Solvents, Industrial cleaners and most importantly Chlorine. Without a water softener, your Carbon filter will capture the Calcium and Magnesium. it will also foul up pretty quickly. The removal of chorine with the AC is important to protect the Reverse Osmosis membrane. A quality RO membrane that resembles spaghetti, not one of the Thin Film Composite versions. Now you will have very clean water. To go further would be to de-ionize the water with an EDI system and purge it with Ozone. At that point it would be USP water suitable for pharmaceutical manufacturing. An Ozone destruct unit would be installed before any use point. With fewer than 100 cfu, an a TOC of less than 500 and conductivity of 1.3 TS. (For reference drinking water has a specification of only less than 500 CFU.) This cleaned water is good for Pharma but still dirty as it would have bacterial endotoxins. There is no criteria for the number of endotoxins allowed in drinking water. To remove endotoxins you need to take your pharma water (USP Water) and distill it. Then you get Water For Injection or WFI’y water. Which is what is in your vaccine injection. This is very clean water but still dirty for one last industry which would be microprocessors. They require ultra-pure water 18.2 meg. ohm. Water so clean that it goes bad when exposed to air. It absorbs CO2 which destroys/contaminates the water and lowers its resistivity. If you were to drink ultra-pure water it would suck minerals (electrolytes) out of your organs. That is what water treatment is. Some, all, or parts, water treatment removes contaminates. Back to the water softener, you know the thing that removes contaminants like calcium and magnesium. Your sad argument (yes truly sad) doesn’t hold water. While what you are saying makes perfect sense in that soft water is bad for a water heater. It is like saying the Fifth nuclear bomb will hurt. The hard water is worse for your water heater and your household fixtures. It is a frivolous argument because the minerals that a water softener removes are far more damaging than the softened water. I get ten-plus years out of every tank-style water heater. Well over 100 water heaters with no maintenance whatsoever. Some with water softeners some without. If a water softener was as bad as you think, the resolution would be to simply spend $40 to replace the anode rod every so often. While I find all water heater services to have diminishing returns. If you are worried about a water softener's adverse effects on your water heater, then $40 is certainly a very small price to pay to counter those effects that come with the benefits of softened water which are lower scale buildup inside your water heater and the reduced scale build up on your household fixtures. Softened water is better for your skin and your hair and for washing your clothes. Yes, my friend without a water softener there are numerous drawbacks in addition to the increase of scale in your entire water system. Which requires far more effort to remove than it would to replace the $40 anode. (By the way, for some odd reason, all of my anodes have lasted the full life of the water heater. So, even the basic claim that soft water is bad for water heaters appears to have been considered by the manufacturers and the anode rods are properly sized to counteract the small negative effects of softened water, negating your claim of damage, ultimately making your comments to be that of unrealistic fear.) Not to mention the water softener incidentally removes sediment which would otherwise compromise your water heater (creating an insulating mass on the bottom of your tank as well as your entire plumbing system.) In either case, the cost of servicing a water heater far exceeds any benefits as they are specified to last 10 years. They meet that specification easily without any service. And when it fails after its expected lifespan are you really going to be surprised that it didn’t last longer than the manufacturer specified it would? By pure physical action, the water softener removes particulates that would otherwise settle in your water heater. Sediment which can never be fully flushed without significant effort. Obviously, it degrades the efficiency and lifespan of a water heater. Fundamentally anyone installing a water softener should be bright enough to install a water filter before it to remove the entrained sediment. With that being said, the water you consume should be full of minerals. When installing a water softener a knowledgeable person will run a separate line of hard water to the kitchen sink.

@JG-tt4sz

2 жыл бұрын

​@@frankhoward3120 Whoa, you really got schooled hard.

@robertjohns5153

Жыл бұрын

@@frankhoward3120 Water softeners do not produce salt water. The brine is used to clean the resin bed which is then flushed out, removing the brine.

Glad you have your father to teach us something valuable. i am 53 and my dad died when I was 15...still a lot to learn in my life.

@TheGrumpyPlumber

3 жыл бұрын

C L, I’m 18 years older then you and I still have a lot to learn. Thanks for your comments.

@aphysique

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheGrumpyPlumber never to Ole to learn!

@aphysique

2 жыл бұрын

Cl, sorry bout your loss!

I joined your channel on one piece of advice alone, ..."and if you don't like you can go to hell!" I've never laughed out loud to anything on KZread except by that!

AO Smith HW heater installed 1987, still going strong in 2024 (so 37 years), flush once year (not really needed anymore, but was helpful in the early 1990's when i first bought the house), check & replace the anode every 5 years or as needed based on condition of the rod. Neighbor across the street does no maintenance and his tanks get replaced every 8-10 years.

I drained my waterheater once, about 7 years ago, because I had read somewhere, that it would prolong the life of the waterheater. I never did it again because I didn't want to deal with it. Now I'm glad I didn't do it. Won't feel guilty anymore. 😄

Depends on your water quality. Also depends on whether you waited 10 years to flush it or if you have done it regularly.

@generfeld

2 жыл бұрын

exactly this- water quality is probably the biggest determining factor.......

@scomeau66

2 жыл бұрын

That is the big variable that is so important but so ignored, water quality. The same water heater in several different water-sourced locations will result in very different results.

Water pressure in CA-San Francisco Bay area averages between 50-60 PSI.

My Dad was a Union Plumber in New Jersey. We never flushed our gas water heaters. In Florida you are now lucky to get 8 years out of a 6 year Rheem tank. I know because I work part-time at home depot and hear it every day. BTW...MY PLUMBER DAD WAS GRUMPIER THAN YOURS. Love the Old School Plumber! NJ LOCAL 14

I had no frickin idea Jeff Bridges knew so much about water heaters.

@latenightlosers420

3 жыл бұрын

He's not the dude 🤦‍♂️ there's only one dude 😂

@lastmanstanding2622

3 жыл бұрын

Spot on! That was a good one Dave! LOL.

@dennislock9019

2 жыл бұрын

😆

@sarahdurrett1205

2 жыл бұрын

He won't stand for aggression, man.... ;)

@pappysproductions

2 жыл бұрын

or that Paul Rudd is good son!

The mag rod is a sacrificial anode. It redirects the electrolysis from the steel tank to the mag rod. In California, we have pressure regulators that reduce the pressure to 65 psi or so. I get 20 years or more out of my water heaters. My current 50 gallon water heater was installed in 1997. It works great and on last flush, my inspection camera showed it was clean.

@Steven-xs8ie

Жыл бұрын

💯. You are doing it the right way

@bee_ron

Жыл бұрын

Thank you thank you... Well done Mark

I flushed mine and amazing amount of sendiment and what looked like dirt came out. Solved my issue and saved me from buying a new tank.

@bongo646

Жыл бұрын

Notice you didn’t get a heart for your comment that’s because this guy is a complete crack pot. Do not listen to him!!!

@davidray4128

Жыл бұрын

@@bongo646 I didn’t. 😀

You are so lucky to have your Dad with you! What a sweet man.

Thank you for the info sir, just had a new water heater put in, the plumber put a big valve on the bottom and said I needed the heater flushed every year. Cost $248.00. Will not be paying for that service now. Thanks again.

I have the 34 year old original water heater in my garage that came with the house new, never drained/flushed! Works great!

@LouieXI0I

3 жыл бұрын

THE SAME HERE , 1985 AO SMITH !

@robertthomas5906

3 жыл бұрын

@@LouieXI0I You guys know you're calling the gremlins to your water heater, right? Look guys, we missed two! Let's break 'em!!! woo hoo. Now you have water everywhere.

@LouieXI0I

3 жыл бұрын

@@robertthomas5906 ABSOLUTELY, I'M RESEARCHING WHAT BRAND TO BUY, TO DO AN R&R NEXT WEEK.

@jerryrojas6198

3 жыл бұрын

Water heaters life span nowadays 5-7 years. Unless you replace the anode rod, then you’ll get your money’s worth.

@jerryrojas6198

3 жыл бұрын

@@LouieXI0I A.O.Smith.

I have a self cleaning water heater, it has a 9 year warranty. It's way beyond that warranty cutoff by 14 years, yes it's 23 years old and still running excellent!

@broodyking

5 ай бұрын

care to name it? thanks!

@shermanhofacker4428

4 ай бұрын

I'm sure the poster with the self-cleaning water heater is using a pot on the cook stove for their hot water!😂

Thank you! I was just getting ready to flush my water heater due to it being only a year old. The one i had in before it lasted 14 years and I never flushed it. The installer said I needed to flush the new one every 6 months but I was think more like a years due to I am the only one using it and why waste the water. I feel better now knowing it is not really necessary. again thanks!!!

Deterioration of a water heater depends as much on the water characteristics as anything else.

@rexsheeley8177

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly

@milotorres6894

3 жыл бұрын

Municipal water supplies are all different considering sources have tested gives you a heads-up on intervals on anode or tank replacements agree strongly good guys advice on topic of oxidation and corrosion of water heaters in home's...😔

@wyomarine6341

3 жыл бұрын

True, here in Wyoming we have a lot of calcium buildup which kills a WH in short time. I'm lucky, mine is over 20 yrs old while friends have gotten as little as 7 yrs from one.

@rustyme1122

3 жыл бұрын

Yep. Hard water WILL create sediment in the bottom of a water heater. All a water heater is is a low temp boiler after all. When I put a new water heater in I remove the junky valve in the bottom and install a stainless nipple with full port ball valve. Attach a hose to that will give you good flow when flushing. I'm in the midwest with city water which is very hard. I also have a good quality softener. When I do flush, I never really have anything bad coming out.

@azaslavs1

3 жыл бұрын

I love the plumber and his knowledge about that rod. This rod is actually has a name ANODE ROD. If you buy the 6 years warranty heater - it has only 1 ANODE ROD. 12 years - will be almost the same heater with 2 ANODE RODs. Why? Because ANODE has a 2nd part in every battery - cathode. Chemical reaction is going from cathode and anode - and anode is being destroyed by the reaction protecting cathode. In the water heater cathode is all heater and anode is that anode rod which is being destroyed by the chemical reaction and PROTECTS your cathode - heater body. So - DO NOT TRUST this guy! Change your $20 ANODE ROD every 4-6 years to protect your heater. and.. YES - it is like 27 mm socket and best is impact wrench - if this is not a hot water nipple with the rod down there. II need also to mention - this anode rod is originally like a rod 3/4" in diameter and 4' long/ In 5 years it all almost gone... Where is it going to? It is going to that sediment that you MUST to flush. If you did not flush for a long time - YES it may clog you faucet down there. This is going to be a fun part - you have to use a piece if hard wire to push that clog thru the open faucet and have a fun with the hot water on your hands. After the 1st time fun - you will not forget to do it next year. 2 more thing about the water pressure. HE IS RIGHT. YOU HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION TO THAT and not only because of the water heater but ALSO not metal piping like to dishwasher, refrigerator and washer. 1st - I have a water valve upfront of my house with 55 psi set and I am checking it often 2nd - I have a water expansion tank that protects from pressure building up inside the house due to the hot water expansion in the water heater.

I put a 5 micron particulate filter on my cold water line and have never had to flush my 21 year old water heater, I just replace the filters every so often.

@gabrielbruzzi1962

3 жыл бұрын

if you have a gas one, that works perfect, great idea. Mine is electric and the element corrodes inside over time and it breaks apart losing metal, so that would need to be flushed and replaced, but still a great idea to add a filter inline on the cold as it may really help on either type system. Our friends just added a WHOLE HOUSE filter and that would be the most expensive way but best for everything in the house that has water like the toilets, faucets, showers, drinking water, Fridge ice, etc., especially if your water is hard (more minerals in it). Thanks for that nugget!

@lastmanstanding2622

3 жыл бұрын

Does a 5micron filter remove the minerals in the water? I have hard water from a well.

Thanks a bunch. I live on the east coast and have a 10-year-old electric water heater. I was seriously thinking of draining it and now I won't. I appreciate your knowledge.

Ramblings from a grumpy power plant engineer: The magnesium rod preferentially corrodes instead of the steel tank. They do the same thing with metal ship hulls in the ocean. It does work very effectively, but they eventually dissolve away and soon after the tank fails (they are designed to be a size that's very well understood, the tank with longer warranties? They have bigger magnesium rods) If you can, replacing from time to time is not a bad idea. The rotten eggs smell is from hydrogen-sulfide gas produced by iron-eating bacteria that can live in your well water or pipes. It has nothing to do with the water heater. The water heater being set >120F kills it all, but the gas is still in solution from the well. Hot water can't hold as much gas as cold, so you notice it more in your hot water because it moves along the pipes from the heater with the water and comes out immediately once it leaves the faucet or shower head. Where we do agree is that draining the heater is pretty pointless. Especially electric ones. The sediment that forms is far too large and coarse to "flush out" the tiny drains they put on the tank. Think, broken shells at the edge of the shore line and you've got a pretty good idea what hard water deposits look like. They form more in electrics because the elements cause local boiling (and swell when hot) and then when they cool they shrink again and all the deposits the just formed break off and sink to the bottom. My previous experience with an electric on very hard well water was it made about 5-gallons of crushed shell like deposits every 4-5 years... it also tended to wear out the heating elements faster due to the hard water. So I'd replace them, and while the hole was open, i'd stick in a bendy fitting on the shop vac and suck out the broken up deposits. I also agree messing with your pressure relief valve is not worth the trouble. They do work, but they are cheap and cycling it is not going to do you any favors.

I know I might be risking the retribution from the Grumpy Plumber, but here goes anyways. RE: The Anode rod (another name you will here which means the same things as the "Magnesium Rod" Grumpy refers to), which is usually made out of magnesium (there are different kinds) can, IMO, extend the life of your water heater and may be well worth the effort to replace it after a year or so. Grumpy Plumber had said that the rod is supposed to flake off and then fill in the small holes that start to form on the inside of the tank, which is basically rust spots that start to form and eat through the tank wall. In reality, the rods are in the water heater to attract all the minerals, etc. in the water that would normally start attacking the tank walls. Instead, they attack the magnesium and eat away at the rod (often referred to as "sacrificial rods" for obvious reasons). 2 things. If you have a water softener - water heaters and water softeners do not play well together. The soft water that goes into the water heater accelerates the "rusting" process by 2 or 3 times. The harder the water you have (with or without a water heater) - the faster your anode rod is going to get eaten up. Once it's gone, and if you don't check it and replace it, then that means your water heater is going to go BUST on you a lot quicker, and even must faster if you soften your water. So by paying attention to the condition of the anode rod, and replacing it say every 2 years or so, you're going to get much longer life out of your water heater AND you'll keep getting the "soft water" you expect with you water softener. The anode rods are not that expensive. I just replaced mine in my 40 GAL electric water heater, and it cost me a little under $20 Bucks ! Grumpy Plumber is right, they are a bi*ch to remove. You're going to need a socket (most likely a 15/16" socket, about a 4 or 5 foot pipe and a friend to hold the tank and prevent it from moving on you. The pipe IS NOT OPTIONAL, you'll never get it freed up without it. There is another replacement option, not one that I think it worth it, but they have anode rods that are electric, so basically they use an electric current (small) to do the attracting of minerals, etc. These are not sacrificial, but you should pull them every year or so and clean them because they will build up scaling, etc. These are EXPENSIVE - figure about $150 and it's a split on whether or not they are worth it. I have pretty hard water, and in a little under 2 years, my anode rod needed to be replaced. The rule of thumb is to replace the rod when about 2/3 of the rod is gone. So, $20 bucks every 2 years, might get me an extra 6 or 7 years out of the water heater... probably worth it. I hope Grumpy Plumber kind of agrees!! Hope this helps someone!!!

@Sankeyite

2 жыл бұрын

The resolution is worth it.... you are correct in your answer and the grumpy plumber is just that a grumpy plumber cutting corners to "save money" I would NEVER take advice from the grumpy corner cutter....other people shouldn't either after this video...

@rjo49

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I was wondering if I would have to chime in. I burst out laughing when he said the magnesium would "plug holes".

@stevenringer9286

2 жыл бұрын

yes the mag. rods are meant to be sacrificial rods to protect tank deterioation. the longer warantee water heaters usually have a second rod tube for the cold water intake in the old days. i am not sure they do that anymore. I ran across a copper water heater in the 80's that was 30-40 years old.

@chrish7336

2 жыл бұрын

@@rjo49 What he explained is kind of the same thing though not Scientifically accurate. When looking inside the water heater what he sees is the effect of the Magnesium Rod. It is protecting the insides of the tank and deteriorating. He just sees it from a different angle and not using the Science. No different than those in Electronics potentially learning 2 different methods of Electron Flow (positive or negative). They both get the job right but only one side is commonly used and taught scientifically.

@johnwagner8465

2 жыл бұрын

What about using a impact tool...to remove the nut to get the rod...that might work...if you have to use a 4 ft. Pipe..that's really in there..and why is it in there that tight...?well love all the comments...

If you have 150 psi in your water system, you need a pressure regulator so you can reduce it to 45 psi.

@oneselmo

3 жыл бұрын

Bruce Doxey My plumbing code requires me to have a prv set to 60 psi. (PressureReducingValve) equipped with a stop/check valve to prevent any back flow. I inspect the inlet screen every few years, and the only time it's been dirty is when the water main has been opened to do work/new hookups on it.

@jo2lovid

3 жыл бұрын

Grumpy Pb is full of sh!t. Pressure reduction valve regulator on the inbound reduces his '150 psi' supply. A pressure relief trips itself everytime the tank heats (water expands as it heats). If it leaks when you manually trigger it, it will also leak when the tank heats up. Sacrificial Anode protects the copper fittings, and the "glass" lining. The crap lying in the bottom of the tank speeds up corrosion, but so does chlorine in the water supply. Frankly, anyone whose tank only lasts 5 years needs a better plumber.

@brustertootwopointo4644

3 жыл бұрын

150 psi?? not a single water appliance in your house would last long like that! definitely get a pressure valve!

@jamesbills5998

3 жыл бұрын

No utility would send 150 PSI water to a residential neighborhood. Average Is 75 to 80 PSI

@eb6195

3 жыл бұрын

Homes in our neighborhood have a pressure regulator on the main right after the meter. Takes pressure down to around 60 psi. When it goes out, pressure shoots up to 120 psi.

Save your money for a pressure reducer valve. Have one by the meter. It's 150lbs in the street, and 40lbs after the reducer valve. Saves all the plumbing in the house from excess pressures. Like the hoses to the dishwasher, ice maker, and clothes washer.

Nice video, he reminds me of some of the guys I learned from. As a tradesmen (not a plumber by first trade but plumed my own house) I learn something from everyone. I know one thing I would be putting a pressure regulator on my line if 150psa was coming from the street. 60 is normal for municipal water. Now I know what to tell ‘em when they smell rotten eggs.

@eleventy-seven

8 ай бұрын

Our mains run at around 95 PSI as they go up a hill.

I was told a long time ago by a plumber not to set the water temperature too high. He said it's not necessary and will prolong the life of the water heater. I set it lower and my gas water heater is now 21 years old. I'm in California and the water heater was installed by the builder of my subdivision in 2001.

I like the Grumpy Plumber, he is a Straight shooter and tell it like it is. Over the years I learned, if its not broken don't touch it. Everything your Dad said is true.

@lechatbotte.

3 жыл бұрын

@@larryzeka5011 lol

@PJM454

3 жыл бұрын

I agree with the theory 'if it's not broken, don't touch it' sometimes but with something's a little maintenance that costs nothing really goes a long way. Plumbers who tell you not to maintain your equipment, seem to gain the most. Would you believe a mechanic if he told you not to bother doing oil changes on your car?

@tammyf8326

3 жыл бұрын

@@dave8599 there is no warranty issue to worry after it expires and the anode rod wouldn’t even need to be changed out within the first 4 or 5 years or more.anyway! I believe his explanation of the purpose of the rod is incorrect. The rods purpose is for the minerals in the water to attack the rod instead of the tank walls. If it’s changed out every 4 or 5 years or so it supposedly can double the life of the water heater. How often they need to be changed depends on the source of and type of water. There is another video tutorial on you tube that shows the removal of the sediment from the bottom of the tank using a wet vac with slender clear hose attachment to fit through the heating element port (on an electric water heater). you’ll know when it needs to be cleaned out because it sounds like rocks tumbling around and it’s annoying to hear. It’s a very helpful video to watch and learn. Also, water softeners can erode a anode rod faster because of the salt used. My dad attempted to change his anode (Arizona water with a water softening system) and found there was only a stub 1” long of the 3’ long rod left and the water heater was only 6 years old!

@conradkentucci1113

3 жыл бұрын

@@larryzeka5011 Tell us why

@john2510

3 жыл бұрын

You should apply that theory the next time you think about changing the oil in your car. Let us know how that works out for you.

I'm in CA pressure is usually about 70psi because water appliances are designed for about 70psi. And water heaters last 12yrs easily. But a lot last 20yrs

My water heater is 30 years old and has never been flushed. Still going strong 💪

Doesn't even know what a sacrificial anode rod is...now he's made me grumpy

@davegeorge9538

2 жыл бұрын

Always bothers me when people say" hot water heater" why would you need a device to heat hot water? An anode is softer and more reactive to corrosion, this the name "sacrificial" ...

@53C52

2 жыл бұрын

@@davegeorge9538 If you don’t periodically apply heat the water will eventually get cold, so you need to heat hot water if you want it to stay hot.

Funny and informative...A great combination...Thanks for doing this...I do HVAC and have told people when they ask about flushing a water heater , Don't....Usually it creates a leak at the drain valve and they will need to cap it...I feel better knowing there is better reason and will share it...Again, thank you guys.

Your dad is absolutely right! Everything he said matches my experience with my 24-year old gas water heater. Same with my brothers. I pulled the anode out when it was brand-new, too.

What he's saying applies if you have an older water heater and it's never been flushed. Then, it's probably too late. But if you start with new and do it regularly, you could prevent the buildup, especially if the rod were replaced as well.

I completely agree with Grumpy. My present water heater is approximately 20 years old and other than the percolating sounds, it is still working flawlessly and I've never done any maintenance to it. I live in rural Missouri and have very hard water. My house is around 50 years old and the original water heater lasted over 20 years with no maintenance. I'm convinced that the best thing is just to leave them alone and replace them when they finally fail.

@TheGrumpyPlumber

3 жыл бұрын

Chris, you are so right!! Thanks for verifying my view.

@F4CreationsNJ

2 жыл бұрын

15yrs and going strong.. no maintenance on mine since install

@sealyoness

2 жыл бұрын

You and me! Years back we moved a few blocks from our first house to our new home and within a week, we purchased a water softener. The difference between the aquifers between those two towns was an eye-opener. Couldn't believe the scale that formed seemingly overnight. I think it might have saved our water heater a lot of trouble too.

@johnmac7883

2 жыл бұрын

Dude if you think percolating sounds are ok wait till you hear the boom after the relief valve fails to operate properly. This advice here is dangerous and unsound.

@jb888888888

Жыл бұрын

What happened in between the "over 20" year old original heater and the "approximately 20" year old current water heater in your 50 year old house? Did you go without hot water for 8-10 years?

Loved how he said, "Save your money. Meet me at the bar and buy me a drink", lol

You sure nailed it on the "grumpy" thing. LOL 😅😂🤣👍👍 I love the ending... "If you liked the video hit the like button. If you didn't like it, go to hell." ROFL LOVED THAT 😅😂🤣👍👍

Neighbors house was flooded in last freeze. They replaced everything in the house, gave me their Elect water heater. (not sure how old it is, but MUCH newer than ours) Mine is leaking (wet insulation just underneath the bottom heating element-no other leaks at intake or outtake joints), wet soil and wet wood where it sits. Is it OK to use a used heater? I'm hearing about potential standing water in the neighbors heater and possible bacteria, contaminating our water lines etc... OR should I just buy a new one? ALSO-water and electricity don't mix-how concerned should I be? It'll pop the breaker if there's a short-correct? Thanks

I wasn't gonna like the video until he said 'if you didn't like it go to hell'. Liked.

@dondeyoung6456

3 жыл бұрын

I agree that hell comment just proves dad is ignorant.

I’m a plumber for 40 years and for 40 years I’ve been saying don’t flush the water heaters !!!! 👍👍

@jalfred1612

3 жыл бұрын

I habe have an low peak electric water heater any idea why it would not be working?

I never liked the idea of the rod in the center and that's what erodes and damages the coil. Thirty-one years ago, I built a new house and I removed the rod from the water heater and plugged it. I still have the same water heater today. I replaced the coils last year and it's still working great!

Most houses have water pressure regulators set at about 55 psi. Also if you also have a whole house water filter, you can eliminate most of the sediment that enters home from street repairs, plus a good carbon filter will also help to eliminate high chlorine levels in your water supply.

@eleventy-seven

8 ай бұрын

55psi? My 75 PSI, commercial copper lines and drilled Speakman Shower heads allow for 3 minute showers.🤔

I have an 80 ga. electric water heater and flushed it the first year and replaced the lower element as it was damaged (open circuit). It's about 25 years old and still works. Most amazing thing it's the present cost of those heaters like it was gold-plated. This one had good insulation all around.-

In Vocational school we learned real quick a plumber only has to know four things. Shi* goes down, steam goes up, water goes all over the place, and payday is on Friday.. I’m sure Grumpy has heard that before lol. VOTECH 1972 Electricity

@leegraves101

3 жыл бұрын

Hots on the left, colds on the right and shit don’t run uphill

Great advice! As far as water pressure, most modern homes have pressure regulators located on the main incoming line. Too much water pressure causes all types of issues!

@explorenaked

Жыл бұрын

Yeah that was a head scratcher to me too. I've never owned property in California but every house I've owned elsewhere (Colorado, Washington State) has always had a pressure regulator installed. I thought it was code.

@danielvoulkos8274

Жыл бұрын

30 to 50/60 lbs is plenty and ALL you should ever go with. YES...get a regulator on that line coming in NOW. Your faucets are going to be energy efficent and will throttle down how much pressure you get anyway..

@bigredgreg1

Жыл бұрын

Yes, the pressure I need to get water to all the valves in my house is far less than the pressure required to move water from the water treatment plant to the subdivision where I live. My 50 gallon gas fired water heater is 25 years old and still reliable, in part, because I have a water pressure regulator located where the water comes in from the street. If my water heater had a life span of 5 years, I would be sure I had a water pressure regulator ahead of it.

@scottsuhr2919

Жыл бұрын

Note that most pressure regulaters installed these days are junk. After 5 yrs or so, it is probably bad and should be replaced with a quality regulator.

@davidlof8179

5 ай бұрын

Besy use for a hot water heater drain is to put a water pressure gage on it so you can monitor your water pressure. My 10-15 year old pressure regulator went out and because I wasn't paying close enough attention and not monitoring pressure I ended up having to replace it along with my water softener and thermal expansion tank. Fortunately I was able to do most of the work myself.

Hi, thanks for the video. I have a gas water heater tank in San Diego, would the sediment cause my hot water having less force/volume reaching to the second floor if a tap is opened on the first floor? Thanks.

Jim, you remind me of my Dad, I lost him 15 years ago. I really appreciate your advice and knowledge. He taught me to be a DIY girl and I try to get these things done myself. You are a big help…thank you, thank you thank you!

@dennishassler605

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I used a plumber to clean out a clog and he charged me an insane amount. You CANNOT trust plumbers - they only want to gouge customers.

@bobb.6393

Жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear about your dad.

I didn't understand why you would call him grumpy. He has a low tolerance for stupid people. It comes with age and experience.

@DragonPilot

3 жыл бұрын

I would say "He doesn't suffer fools easily."

@ralphchristianson

3 жыл бұрын

As Scotty says, you can not fix stupid....

@GregSr

3 жыл бұрын

Well said! I'm 67. My tolerance for BS is getting lower and lower. But, my ability to spot BS is getting stronger and stronger.

@Ryarios

3 жыл бұрын

Get off the lawn ya damn kids!! (BTW, I’m 58 and my tolerance for BS is exactly nil.) (I also don’t yell at the neighborhood kids playing on my lawn... 😬 )

@lil69mikey

3 жыл бұрын

dumbass stupid no count idiots drive me batshit crazy....ignorance is NOT bliss

Haha, My DAD was a licensed Master plumber in Michigan. He said EXACTTLY this! “Don’t bother.!” 😅😂 The gas water heater in my house, which gets a LOT of use, is over 17 years old, never been drained or flushed, it works great.

@m42037

Жыл бұрын

Why do they make a "clunk noice when only 4 year's old? Mine is a AO Smith 30 gallon gas heater in a mobile home

@longmeadow9706

7 ай бұрын

but if not used as much, replacing rod and flushing WILL extend tank life

You are awesome!! Thank you for your expertise experience & sharing it with me❤ I put in my first water last night . This morning on top of the water heater there is a pool of water flowing out of i guess what’s called the Anode. it’s a black rubbery circular hole i guess. it’s dripping water so much it’s filled up the drip pan & flowing into the gutter . This is an AOsmith 40gallon gas tank just placed in last night . what would cause this to happen?? to much pressure??

@TheGrumpyPlumber

3 ай бұрын

Make sure the two pipe nipples on top of the heater are screwed in tight and the hot and cold connections are good and tight. If you can get to the anode rod, tighten it with a 1 1/8” socket. If you don’t want to do this work, take it back where you bought it and have them give you another one. It’s not the first time a brand new water heater leaked out of the box. Sorry you have this problem.

Electric American Supreme water heater is 20 years old, no flush, no anode rod replacement. Just starting to 'sweat'; I assume it's from pin hole leaks. Will replace soon. Even with that duration, here's what I would (probably will) do... Before installing, replace plastic drain valve with a brass high flow ball valve. Mark install date on the water heater. Every 2 years flush the grit out - Turn off electric supply. Turn off cold water supply. Open a hot water valve at a sink to avoid stressing the plumbing with negative pressure. Begin draining (presumably with an old hose attached). Once initial grit is flushed out (or is greatly reduced), open and close the cold water supply valve several times to stir up and flush some more. You know the rest. I think most newer water heaters have the cold water supply tube curved near the bottom so water swirls around the bottom to disturb the sediment. If the valve clogs you may have to remove the hose and clear the valve (water supply off or you'll get a surprise. I recommend jabbing with a length of string trimmer line. If the hose is clogged you may need another hose, or drain into a container. During the 2nd flush (year 4) inspect the anode rode for possible replacement. Depending on condition, either replace the rod or determine when you should next inspect it.

As a handyman in Michigan, when replacing the lower element I tape a 2 ft piece of garden hose to my wet dry vac and suck as much of the lime and calcium scales out of the tank as I can. It works quite well. Then the new element doesn't have to sit in the residue and lasts slot longer.

@forgiven2812

3 жыл бұрын

Len in MI So glad you mentioned vacuuming the lime out. We do this and it really makes a difference. The first time we tried it, my husband cut an old hoola-hoop and attached to wet vac hose. The hoop was stiff enough to dig into the lime and break it up. Took about 30-45 minutes but lime was thoroughly removed from bottom of tank. We have hard water and no softener, so we usually have this job to do every 10 to 12 years.

@leninmi7579

3 жыл бұрын

@@forgiven2812 Great minds think alike. Good job Dowden Crew 👍. PS. I was making so many house calls, repeat customers every year for elements burning out. I knew why, but there wasn't any way to remove the crap in the bottom of the tank. And we made a way didn't we🎉. Pay it forward, knowledge is everything.

@johnthree1611

Жыл бұрын

Good idea, I was wondering what the easiest way to remove that lime was.

@leninmi7579

Жыл бұрын

@@johnthree1611 It takes a while, 20 minutes or so, better than a 200 or $1200.00 bill from a plumber. Yes the hose will plug once in a while, just pull it out and break up the chunks. You'll get it.👍

What's you feeling about changing the anode rod? Thanks for the video.

Used a shop vacuum and cleaned the piss out of it. The deposits were covering the lower element . Made a rubber hose to get inside and stuck a light in the top hole. ✌️🇺🇸

Anyone that has 150lb water pressure needs to install a pressure reduction valve and gauge on their water main. Adjust it down to 50lb and your water heater and faucets will last a whole lot longer. Side benefit is you can shut the water main valve and watch the gauge. If the gauge doesn't drop you know you have no leaks in the house without having to run around looking. (dripping faucets, running toilets, etc) If you don't know what your water pressure is, you can go to a plumbing supply store and purchase a valve you can thread onto a hose bib and get a reading.

@jeffreyplumber1975

2 жыл бұрын

you can also look at water meter to check for leaks

@PapaPugs

2 жыл бұрын

@@jeffreyplumber1975 True, but it won't tell me what floor its on like the pressure gauge will.

Thank you, I always feel guilty not flushing my water heater , now I don't !

@louf7178

3 жыл бұрын

And this is a bit misinformative.

@Brocko2891

3 жыл бұрын

To change the anode rod you need to partially flush anyway. Flushing at least every few years can only help.

@landongooding7461

3 жыл бұрын

Bad information

Thanks for this I live in California , my water heater was leak in the ground, we got if fix, and replace it(water heater). They told us to flush the new water heater 1 pre year. But are old water heater was 20 years old (install in 2003). We never flush it. Only why we replace it because the age.

Thanks for the detailed rationale on this controversial topic. The comments section is sporty. Like many things, my conclusion is: it depends. Many (most?) of these dependent variables are mentioned by your lively commenters. Thanks for getting this conversation started!

I just replaced my gas water heater, the one in the house was a GE 6-year heater from 2005. I'll say this, the anode rod is important to replace if it is heavily deteriorated; because that is the sacrificial component to help prevent corrosion on other components not to fill cracks. Just like the on boats and ships, when you have tow types of metal interacting with an electrolyte (water in this case) it will act like a battery and the electrons from the weakest bonding metal will leech off and attach to the other metal. They use magnesium to shed the electrons to keep the steel tank from shedding electrons. As they electrons are shed, tiny pieces of the material a removed with them, a process called electrolysis. Ask the US Navy about the USS Independence, they excluded the Cathodic Protection System (a system to prevent electrolysis between the aluminum hull and the steel prop shafts). The result that the ship began to disintegrate. The hull was literally being dissolved one atom at a time.

@nskmda

2 жыл бұрын

@ last some more or less scientific (since coming from real life experiment) observation. I don't think 'not replacing the anode rod' advice is absolutely correct. Neither is the 'don't touch the tpr valve' advice. None of the advices he gave (nothing personal, i do respect the opinion) is *absolutely* correct. Simply, because there's not such thing as *absolute* truth. :) It *always* depends. Type of a heater (electric vs gas), model of the heater (they are *all* different), type of the rod, age of the heater, age of the system, kind of water (hard vs soft). Even temperature in the heater room. *All* those factors should be taken into consideration. Plus, there's no such thing as 'abstract spherical flushing in vacuum'. What about stirring up the sediment during flushing briefly opening the intake valve? And what's most important? Actual, real life-based scientific research. If there are statistical results we would talk. This 'small talk' is based *only* on one person's observations. That's not statistics... Btw... I was *re-e-e-e-e-e-ally* surprised to hear about CA's 150 psi in water heaters... Like, their building codes (yeah, CA is not a single molecule, it's *a lot* of localities w/their own codes) don't even consider using pressure reducing valves on the incoming main line? Would be real bizarre.

If you live in a place where there is lots of lime in the water when it builds up lime inside the bottom of a gas water heater it heats up the bottom of tank and over heats it because the lime layer acts as an insulator then the cooler water hits the hot spots and thats what makes it popping noises. 145 ° is the magic temp where lime drops out of the water.

@OneWildTurkey

3 жыл бұрын

It's safer and a lot more economical to set the temp at about 130.

@ALSomthin

3 жыл бұрын

@@OneWildTurkey It will get even hotter than that where the water in the tank gets insulated from the lime layer. So when it builds up to a certain degree what the setting is at doesnt really matter any more as far as drop out but 135° is a safer setting. Water at 125° is sufficent and even safer for children. Some areas have such a high lime content it doesnt take much to drop it out especially if you have an on demand tankless water heater but they are designed to be cleaned. In an electric waterheater the lime will build up directly on the elements and drop the lime to bottom. Then the elements will usually over heat and burn out and require change out. At that point the lime can be removed with a wet dry vacuum with a piece of pex hose ir tubing of some kind onthe end of the hose. Flushing doesnt do much except in a tankless where you have to do that with a recirulating pump kit using an acid solution to clean out the heat echanger yearly.

@rosaamarillo2110

3 жыл бұрын

We swapped out a 30yo WH in South Texas, high lime content, was 1/3 full of sediment... our 5 yo WH is popping right now..

@wdtaut5650

3 жыл бұрын

Lime will deposit just fine at room temperature, depending on local water chemistry. Heat just accelerates the rate of deposit.

@ALSomthin

3 жыл бұрын

@@wdtaut5650 yup

A true professional of his trade…I’m a C-54 in California…Yes a tile contractor…I’ve been in the tile trade for 40 years..I’m 62 years old and still installing tile..Your father knows his trade just like I know mine….Old school but also new school….We still progress with new codes and equipment…

I had a pop off valve problem, which had to be replaced…then the plumber replaced the pop off valve by draining the tank, but did not turn the electricity off. New water tank. After 2 water heaters later, I bought a pressure gauge and found that my problem was 105 psi water pressure. Always have the plumber check your water pressure first. An expensive lesson for me.

@c0rnd0g_19

Жыл бұрын

Going through that right now (replaced T&P valve...problem remained). Hope the plumber bought you a new water heater! I didn't even know I had a pressure reducer under our house that appears to be 40 years old (and I'm sure it's bad). Luckily I'm only out about $30 (new T&P valve plus supplies) and about another $100 for the new pressure reducer that I'll install this weekend.

The Mg rod is a sacrificial anode. It is there to corrode before the other metals. Flushing here in Fl does work and if you cycle the water into the water heater it will breakup most of the material inside of the water heater. I personally have flushed visible sand and sediment out of the water heaters in my rentals.

Thank you because my WH is 7 years old and I just had a company come telling me I had to flush up but they will not take responsibility if it goes wring causing me to buy another hybrid WH which as a retiree cannot afford 5800! Thank you for the advice!

I got a manufactured home with a 30 gal electric and the water is not getting hot enough. I am thinking about changing the bottom electrode. Do I have to drain the tank first or is it in a tube and can be replaced with out draining? THANKS

Respect his experience and knowledge. I live in the southwest. You can't imagine how hard our water is. I have drained our electric water heater. The calcium had built up so much that the lower element was deep in the sediment. Had corroded the element and needed replacement. Since I had to replace the element, took advantage and vacuumed out about five inches of calcium. Worked well and extended the life of the heater. Ours lasted 15 years.

@mikewithers299

3 жыл бұрын

Same here in south Florida. Calcium and sediment have been in most heaters I've replaced

@flagmichael

2 жыл бұрын

Same in Phoenix.

@KnightsofChristendom

2 жыл бұрын

How did you manage to vacuum it out? I think I have the same problem. Tested the lower element and it’s gone. My heater is only three years old.

@jaimefc1107

2 жыл бұрын

@@KnightsofChristendom Basically drain of course. Remove bottom element or what's left. Get a shop vac and you'll have mend a smaller hose that will fit through the bottom element opening. Had to rig a sturdy gauge steel wire to use as a pick. I had at least most of the element covered in sediment and pretty much shot. Replace element . Just tedious. But you'll reap fast results as you are not heating the buildup your tank fills correctly. Normally, I can tell the tank has buildup by the hot water may not last as it normally does. Extends your heater's life.

Thank you for this video!! I'm a single mom and HATE getting ripped off when completing maintenance on my home. I've started doing a lot of maintenance myself! I REALLY appreciate you sharing your advice and coming from someone doing this a long time... I trust what you're saying!! Thanks again!!

@TheGrumpyPlumber

2 жыл бұрын

Shelly Burrow, glad you are doing your own maintenance on your home. If you have any questions in the future, please ask and I’ll see if I can help.

@elliottpeabody1287

Жыл бұрын

@@TheGrumpyPlumber Hey grumpy, isn't her name Shelly TRIBETT? Not Burrow?

@fuzzyelm1

Жыл бұрын

You would get ripped off if you hired this clown ! He is a fool he doesn’t know a damn thing ! Yes it does help to flush your water heater if you live in an area with a lot of lime ! It’s easier if you have electric water heater you can vacuum out the lime buildup in the bottom ! We have tanks that have gone 30 years doing this ! Mine right now is over ten years old and it’s cleaned each year

@stevematda976

Жыл бұрын

@@fuzzyelm1 agree 100%. After 9 years (2009 install), we had sediment that was 3 inches OVER the lower element. I flushed it in 2018, and plan to do another flush this fall after 5 years, as well as replace the anode. Two choices here...either do the regular flush and maintenance (however often it needs depending on the water) or write a check for $750-$1000 for a new water heater install. For me, I'll be happy keeping that money in my pocket.

@stephanmacfarlane1151

Жыл бұрын

You have been fooled again

Hi there. I would like to add my 35 to 40 years of plumbing experience and knowledge to Jim's comments. Not to take away any of his advise or years of knowledge and experience, but to add additional thought to the issue at hand. The magnesium rod in the water heater is designed to prevent electrolysis between the elements in the water and the galvanized tank. The minerals will react with the magnesium rod before it will with the tank. The rod is sized for the region of the water heater installation and gives the tank a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. If a heater that was produced for a certain region with soft water with less minerals in the water and installed in a region with hard water, the tank will fail in less than 10 years. The temperature setting and the constant use of the heater also affects the lifespan of the heater. Commercial heaters run at higher temperatures and are used very frequently and have only a 2 year warranty on the tanks as apposed to 6 years on the residential tanks because it will leak sooner. Removing the magnesium rod will also cause the tank to fail prematurely. The rotten egg smell is due to the hydrogen from the water in the tank, when the tank has not been used for a while. If the space is seasonal or vacant for a long period of time, the hydrogen will come out of solution and rise to the top of the tank. When the water in the tank, that was sitting in the tank for a long period of time, comes out of a faucet, the hydrogen gas, which is flammable, will come out of the faucet first, smelling like rotted eggs. Running the water will flush out the gas and the tank will be safe to use. The rumbling in the tank is due to the calcium build up on the bottom of the tank over the years, causing the rumbling when the 38,000 BTUs plus, depending on the size of the tank, heats the surface of the tank and starts to super heat the bottom of the tank, causing the rumbling. The calcium also is an insulator and decreases the efficiency of the heater and reduces the amount of hot water coming from the tank. At that point, it is a good sign to replace the tank before it starts to leak. Jim and I agree that leaving the water alone and let a qualified professional deal with the plumbing issues.

@valindaznidarsic6253

13 күн бұрын

Yikes. You can't fix the rumbling/ popping problem?

I’m an Plumber in Arizona and your Dad couldn’t be more wrong for anyone watching this who lives in AZ, flushing and replacing anode rod are crucial to extending the life of a water heater. The sediment will destroy your heater years early! And at $1400-$2000 replacement cost it is absolutely wise to get all the years you can out of your water heater! Oh and most water heaters come with aluminum anode rods not magnesium. And replacement cost on those are very minimal!

@tempestv8

Жыл бұрын

Most water heaters in Australia come with magnesium anodes, which is a little less hazardous for your health compared to water coming from a tank where aluminium anodes are in use.

@ericgardner5548

7 ай бұрын

EXACTLY!

@Peter-od7op

7 ай бұрын

You can still get magnesium rods in USA

@mind.your.own.beeswax5416

6 ай бұрын

Remember he’s a plumber. If he’s not coming to your house, he’s not getting paid.

@jessesaffell9971

6 ай бұрын

I came hear to say the same thing. Dudes dad is not a plumber or a professional 😂😂😂

I had a water heater 10 years old and my wife complained the hot water was smelling like rotten eggs - installed a new water heater and it still smelled rotten eggs. The only answer I got from numerous plumbers was "well that`s the well water you have so live with it or move". But my wife told me neither answer was satisfactory to her so I researched on the internet and finally found the right answer. I replaced the brand new anode in my new water heater with a Corro-Protec electrified anode and with a fresh tank of water , the problem has never come back. It also claims to extend the life of the water heater. My opinion - happy wife ... happy life.

@jackgiordano1608

3 жыл бұрын

To get rid of a smelly water smell you must change the anode tube to a aluminum one I Now I had this problem. It solved the problem

Flushing may well work for some applications. We’re on a well and we get allot of mineral crusting. I will continue to flush ours annually.

@lilianshepard3783

3 жыл бұрын

How do you know when it’s time to flush the water tank?

@CC-te5zf

3 жыл бұрын

@@lilianshepard3783 I just do it annually.

@mr.mister4071

3 жыл бұрын

I'm on a well also. Just replaced mine after 27 years. I think I flushed mine once and I pulled and cut off the bar then replaced the plug. No more stink. Bottom was starting to rust out. Time to replace.

@benplummer8866

3 жыл бұрын

I grew up on a farm and was on a well and lived in the same house from 5 to 35 yrs old.we dint do one thing to that water heater and always had good hot water. They just dont make things like they use to. Things today are made to break.

@CC-te5zf

3 жыл бұрын

@@benplummer8866 Amen to that. My Grandfather would be shocked at how cheaply things are made and just how much we throw away.

Hey grumpy, l am a Master plumber in VA for 45 yrs. I too have been telling people for yrs that it's a waste of time and money to flush a water heater. Awesome video. l am retired now , wish l had thought of doing same to have people to donate for my advise. Lol.

@TheGrumpyPlumber

Жыл бұрын

Welbie Frazier, nice to hear from a fellow plumber. Isn’t retirement great?!! People have a lot of questions for me and I thoroughly enjoy answering them. Keeps me sharp.

Dad's are the best! God makes dad's in love and with wisdom, grace and love!

I had a gas water heater last me from 1982 to 2012. I flushed it regularly. I live in California. I strongly believe in flushing. It also depends on where you live. Water conditions are different depending on area.

@simongchadwick

Жыл бұрын

Seconded. I'm on a well with about 50psi, and my gas water heater is now 27 years old and working perfectly. It gets flushed every year or so, from the lower drain valve into a garden hose. The flushed water runs brown for a minute or two, then cloudy, and then clear. It doesn't cost me anything.

@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb

Жыл бұрын

Our water heater lasted almost 25 years with zero maintenance. As did just about everyone else's in our neighborhood. Never heard of water heaters needing to be replaced in 5 years unless you buy the cheapest pile of crap available.

@wholeNwon

Жыл бұрын

@@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb 35 yrs for my parents. Never did anything to it.

@ral19777

Жыл бұрын

Another California homeowner who has never flushed our water heater, going on 28 years. Zero maintenance.

@jeffwarn4275

Жыл бұрын

I agree 💯 I also do it to my camper one every I use it and pull the plug and rod every time and put it up dry

Man, I appreciate professionals like your Dad who share this information freely like this so much! Thank you!

I love your Dads - Grumpy old man - routine... That said, I am wondering if he ever encountered a Hot Water heater that was 50% full of Calcium, had the lower Element completely encased in Calcium and eaten completely through? Well, there is a time and place for everything - Including Flushing, Cleaning and replacing the Elements. Sure it's a bit of work, but with a little ingenuity the tank can be 99% cleaned and the Heater brought to top performance for many years. For those on a tight budget, it sure can save on the Hundreds a replacement would Cost and the frustration of installation and disposal of the old unit. I'm 70yrs old now and I can honestly say I have saved tens of thousands of dollars by educating myself and extending the life of things around the home. With 4 children, 11 grand children and 3 Great Grand children.(several raised in our home) I can attest to the expenses already a burden on a family.

Hi Jim, Thanks for the video. I replaced my magnesium anode rod (it made the water smell) with an aluminum one. Was that better than removing it and just putting in a metal plug?

@TheGrumpyPlumber

Жыл бұрын

@stevel9308, wait and see. Hopefully the smell goes away for good. If not, remove the rod and plug it.

I live in a high calcium area. Plus my plus my rod was not magnesium to begin with therefore there there were aluminum oxide Build-up from the aluminum rod. What I did was change the valve to a big 3/4 inch valve so that when it flushes it really flushes. Next I changed the rod to a magnesium rod so no more aluminum oxide build-up. My heater is now 10 years old with no popping, and no sentiment build-up… also also there is no smell.. And it works like a charm it's like a charm with lots of life lefthe life left. Just changed the valve, comma put in a rod That is conducive to your area.. And flush it twice a year. You you extend the life tremendously

*I’m surprised he didn’t bark at his son for calling it a “hot water heater.” But I DID notice that ‘Grumpy’ properly referred to it as a “water heater”- he’s a good Dad.* *After 30 years in my medical profession, I find that regardless of how many times I try to teach some caregivers of my patients how NOT to screw up my ventilator equipment, it seems UNLEARNABLE to some of them- and yeah, I get a bit grumpy too...*

@johnwidell8092

3 жыл бұрын

You caught that too. My father always said " Why would you want to heat hot water. You want to heat cold water." Maybe a proper term would be a cold water heater. I have been in the trades for over 40 years and become very grumpy and intolerant of so much misinformation being spread by so called experts.

@adamgusse9484

3 жыл бұрын

Both are good. Matter of perspective. My question for all is when does cold become hot? Consider this.... Put your hand in 45 deg water for 5 mins and then place them in 70 deg water.... How does it feel? Now place your hands in 115 deg water for 5 mins and then place them into 70 deg water? How does it feel? Kind of a rhetorical question. Just something to think about. Coming from refrigeration industry.... as an example.... when you have Ammonia that boils at - 27 deg F at atmospheric pressure. Well normally to us... that is pretty damn cold!!!! but to Ammonia.... its pretty damn hot because you are boiling. Food for thought....So do you call it a fridge or refrigerator? More to think about.... yes the original water put in is colder to the touch.... but once hot.... and it stops heating.... until the tank drops below it setpoint which is still hot.... you are just adding heat to water at 110 deg (which to most is still hot to the touch) just a little bit hotter until you hit 125 deg. Now you drain the tank or at the start of install filling it will what is cold water to the touch maybe 45-65 deg well water. So it is both.... but then 65 deg water to the touch feels really hot after hands sitting in 35 deg water for a few minutes.... So now 65 deg is hot! So from that perspective.... it is always a hot water heater.

@rogermounts4199

2 жыл бұрын

Why would you want to heat hot water anymore? Ha ha lol

@luvdady

2 жыл бұрын

A hot water heater would be a boiler I guess

@PeterLawton

Жыл бұрын

Technically, once the heater has the water up to temp, shuts off the element, and the water loses heat to the low threshold of the thermostat, the water is still hot, just not hot enough. So when the element is turned on again, it really is heating hot water. 😀

Hi, tks. For the info. My water heater is electric and 6 years old, from my washroom faucet I have a mineral smell. So if I don't flush do you have an a vise what I should do. Tks

@TheGrumpyPlumber

2 ай бұрын

You might try flushing your heater to see if it gets rid of the smell.

I decided to drain my hot water tank and messed up the drain. My brother-in-law came over and changed the drain. He told me to leave it alone. I tell people to leave the tank alone. Good advice.

I have told people exactly the same thing but they don’t believe it. He is absolutely correct. I have been a plumber since 1967.

@victoriacousins4501

3 жыл бұрын

A you from mi?

@clivegrayston1939

3 жыл бұрын

@@victoriacousins4501 no, bc Canada.

@phiksit

3 жыл бұрын

yeah, but your lively hood depends on shit breaking :-P ie: people being lazy about doing maintenance.

@larryzeka5011

3 жыл бұрын

No disrespect but you’re wrong here and so is he. I repair water heaters, boilers etc all day long and there are issues that come from not draining and flushing your water heater.

@stroys7061

3 жыл бұрын

@@larryzeka5011 What kind of issues? I have a residential, natural gas water heater that’s about 2 years old and I’ve been considering whether to flush it or not. It operates perfectly right now. Flushing is real easy since it’s in the basement near a drain.

Grew up with 6 siblings. My dad and I would vacuum out the bottom of the electric HW heater every other year. It lasted for 17 years. We were on well water that was very hard.

Oh man, feeling so much better now; I've been feeling guilty after having a home built 3 years ago and not flushing the water heater once. 😅Great info, thanks for the video and thanks to dad!

I bought a five-year-old condo and I decided to flush the water heater. It ended up plugging every aerator on the faucets in the house. That was not a big deal, I just unscrewed them and cleaned them, and reinserted them. However, the kitchen faucet was another matter, it was a Delta so I had to disassemble the faucet. I had parts all over the counter and I finally thought piss on it, I went to HD and purchased a new Moen kitchen faucet.