Hot water heater

[Gubs]

It's been two years since we brought out 3121RL home and got thinking abut that anode rod in the water heater so I purchased a water wand and a new rod. WOW, I'm surprised that the water heater worked at all. The Rod was shot and stuff that came out of that water heater was awesome to say the least. It's still making it's way down the street!!!! I guess from now on I'm cleaning it out and replacing the anode rod every year!!!!

[rohrmann]

The worst part of that debris in the water heater tank is, if you've been on some rough roads prior to stopping and go inside to run some hot water, the debris can get into your faucet aerators and restrict the water flow. I try to drain the water heater tank at least a couple times a year in addition to the annual drain and anode replacement.

[ChuckS]

Personally I drain my water heater after every trip as well as low point drains. This takes only a few minutes and helps keep the junk out of the water system from the anode rod doing its job

It also keeps the water from souring

And .. on the backside of the water heater is a check valve on the output side.. If enough anode particles and such stick in that check valve the the check valve wont open and you have no hot water