Hot water heater maintenance

[Connie Saenz]

I've just had work done on my hot water heater (2001 Santa Fe).  What do I need to do to refill the tank?  I think I heard it just doesn't fill automatically.....something about turning on one of the valves full blast, but I can't remember what I was told.

Also, do I drain it periodically?  Or just when it won't be used for a month or so?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Connie
San Gabriel, CA

[AustinBoston]

I've just had work done on my hot water heater (2001 Santa Fe).  What do I need to do to refill the tank?  I think I heard it just doesn't fill automatically.....something about turning on one of the valves full blast, but I can't remember what I was told.

Also, do I drain it periodically?  Or just when it won't be used for a month or so?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Connie
San Gabriel, CA

Actually, it is simple.  Turn on the hot water faucet in the sink until water comes out.  Always do this BEFORE lighting it.

Austin

[tlhdoc]

What Auston said.  Open the hot water faucet so that the air in the tank can escape.  Once the water heater is full, you can light it.  I drain mine after every trip.  I don't want to haul around an extra 50 pounds of weight and you can develop a funky smell/taste to your water if it sits for a while after being hot.  Your anode rod will not dissolve as quickly if you drain the tank.