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All hot water tanks have rust after 4-5 years. If you are a sensible homeowner, drain and clean it every 3-4 years.

You first turn OFF the power to tank, now remove the anode rod, ( a large bolt head on top of the tank, attached to what may remain of your rod) . then attach a hose pipe to the bottom fitting, lead it outside or to any drain, turn on the valve by it, turn OFF your inlet valve and open the relief valve so air can enter the H/W tank. Let the whole tank empty -takes about 30 -40 minutes. Next, when empty turn ON the inlet valve and let cold water run through the tank and out the hose, now you will see the sludge coming out. Let this run 5-7 minutes or until water is coming through clean. Now you are done . Let it fill, and fit new anode rod as it fills ( weight of the water helps) then turn on power when full.

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Q: Why does your hot water tank have rust in it?
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Related questions

Why can steel not be used to make the hot water tank?

You can't use steel to make a hot water tank because steel can rust.


What are brown bits in my hot water?

This could be rust particles from your hot water tank. This is not healthy and you should have a plumber check this out.


Is water heater rust harmful?

No, but it will wreck your hot water tank. Every tank should have the gas or electrical shut off, the water valve to tank shut off, and the tank drained ONCE EVERY YEAR!!! The rust buildup on the bottom of the tank enhances the speed of the tanks demise.


How do you get rid of brown water in the bath?

The most usual cause for brown water in the bath is a growth of algae in your hot water tank; it could also be rust in the hot water tank. The simplest solution, although very expensive, is a new hot water tank. Personally, I would be willing to bathe in brownish water.


What would cause hot water to be brown?

Older heater with rust build up in the bottom of the tank.


How do you maintain a Natural gas water heater?

As with every hot water tank, shut the power and water supplies and drain the bottom of the tank once a year to get the residual rust out of it. To keep your tank running for years without problems, change the sacrificial anode every few years. Sacrificial anode takes the brunt of the rust so the inside of the tank does not. Companies will NOT tell you this, so they can sell you another hot water tank.


To flush the hot water heater do you need to drain all the water out?

It would help as most of the rust accumulates at the bottom of the tank.


Why did your water heater make a knocking sound even when the hot water not on?

It is time to replace hot water tank before it starts leaking. Try and drain tank and see if that helps. It is rust that is poping inside tank. If your tank is over 8 years old i would just replace it


Do you need to drain all the water out when flushing an electric hot water heater?

It would help as most of the rust accumulates at the bottom of the tank.


Can you tell if your hot water tank is about to pack it in?

Shut the power or gas off to the tank. Drain the tank through a hose from the bibb at the bottom of the tank to remove all the rust inside the tank. If the water/rust mixture does not come out, the bottom is full and I would say to buy a new one. Also, check the year of the tank, determined by the serial number.


How do you stop rust in a steel water tank?

don't put water in a tank


What water will rust the fastest cold or hot water?

warm water will rust metal faster