water heater

[LLOYD]

I AM GOING TO WINTERIZE MY BOAT ,NEVER DID IT BEFORE.WHENYOU DRAINE THE WATER HEATER IS ENOUGH TO OPEN THE DRAIN AND OPEN THE FAUCETS?IS IT EMPTY THEN?

 

[Paul Akers]

Here's what I do

I disconnect the input and output water line on the front of the heater and connect the two lines together. This closes the loop and isolates the water heater. It will also make winterizing the water lines easier. Then I open the drain cock on the water heater along with the vent valve and allow the water heater to drain into the bilge where it can be sucked up with a water vac. Remember: DO NOT TURN THE WATER HEATER ON WHILE IT IS EMPTY. It will burn out the heating element. In the spring, reconnect everything and add water to the tank and you will be set.Hint: Turn off your CAPS LOCK button. Your post indicates that you are SHOUTING at everyone.

 

[J. Tesoriero]

More advice

I don't remember the brand of water heater I have but it is a common type with a glass lined stainless steel tank. Anyway, I found out, quite by accident, that after removing all of the hoses and draining the tank, there is still about one to one and a half gallons of water inside. There is no separate drain plug. My winterizing routine now includes pumping the extra water out with a small pump attached to my electric drill. I then add pleanty of antifreeze to the tank just to make sure. In the spring, if you flush the water tank separately before reconnecting the hoses, it will take less time to get your fresh water clear of the fuzzy pink stuff.

 

[John K Kudera]

Still More

I don't like the anti freeze in the hot water tank, I remove the in and out hoses, join them together,to pump the anti freeze thru the plumbing, then drain the water heater into the bilge i will use the wet vac to be sure it is empty. Lifting the lever on the pressure relief valve lets more air into the tank allowing the tank to drain faster. hope these ideas help, good luck!