: My hot water smells and I am sure there is a bit of sediment in the tank. However, I cannot seem to get the tank drained all the way. I open up a water faucet or two, but it never seems that enough water is coming from the drain to completely drain the tank - and the smell persists. Is there a way to test water for exposure to that sediment - or an alternative way to get the sediment out of the tank??

Reply:
If the problem is definetely only from the HW, it could possibly be from a deteriorating anode rod, which is located inside the tank. You may need a plumber to confirm this and to find out which approach to take to correct it.
In order to thoroughly drain the tank, you may need to replace the drain valve or while the drain valve is open, turn the cold water to the WH on, the pressure may help flush debris from the WH drain valve and the bottom of the tank.
Good Luck. e-plumber