[Slufoot733]

Great information. One note to add if I may. When I drain my hot water tank I use a three foot piece of clear vinyl tubing (available at most any hardware store) and siphon the water from the bottom of the tank. The drain is about 1" to 1.5" ABOVE the bottom of the water tank. There is always a little water left behind. By using the tube I am able to remove the last little bit of water and suck out some of the calcium debris left behind. Then I allow a little RV antifreeze into the tank for good measure. Come springtime I just flush the tank like the rest of the water system.