6.5 yr old A O Smith Water heater - never drained. Drain it now?

[keg312ua]

Howdy,

I'm as far from a plumber as one can be. But I've got an AO Smith 50-gallon gas heater (XCG-50 400). Replaced about 6 years ago. House was built in 2008 so that would have been about 11 years on the first heater - a cheap builder grade, but I don't remember the model. It (the old one) sprung a leak from the expansion tank, so I replaced the heater and the cutoff valve. I've never drained the new one. It's working well, and in the Atlanta area we don't have a problem with hard water (family in TX and they have damn near abusive water).

My question is - with no problems at this time, is there any strong reason that I should drain it? Any strong reason against it?
Process looks straightforward enough, I just need to see about how to turn off and back on the pilot light, but that aside, just wondering if it's worth it.

Thanks in advance,
~j~

 

[Reach4]

Yes. No need to kill the pilot... just put the control in vacation mode if there is a standing pilot. Pilot does not go out, but the main burner does not fire.

See https://terrylove.com/forums/index....o-flush-a-hot-water-heater.79444/#post-576623 post #7.

Consider catching the first water in a bucket if you want to see what is getting flushed out.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[keg312ua]

Thanks for the reply @Reach4

 

[Fitter30]

I'd flush it.

 

[Slomoola]

Yes flush it. You need a full flow 3/4" boiler drain to get all the junk out. The factory drain is too small and doesn't allow all the junk out of the tank. Look for full flow valves. I bought a coupe off the internet. They are a full 3/4" inside.

Remove all anodes. Replace with the electric style.