Testing a sump pump/Drain water heater

[atgcpaul]

I got the crazy notion that I want to drain my gas water heater (first time for
me) and clear out any sediment. It's a 10 year old tank, I've "known" it for
almost 3 years. I conveniently have a sump pump in the basement where I
could dump the water and have it pumped outside.

The problem is the sump pit is sealed under the lid because the house has a
radon mitigation system. I'm sitting at work so I don't remember if it's sealed
with caulk or something else. I think there's a 4" screw plug on top of the
lid. (I'm also a little scared that all kinds of beasties have crawled down the
drain from outside and would just love to jump out and scare the bejesus out
of me. The thought of that alone makes we want to forget about this whole thing.)

So other than the pump not working when I start the drain (never needed it
to run), what else could go wrong? I've been told by a plumber before that
if you're not a regular tank drainer, don't start because the sediment might be
plugging holes that will be uncovered when it's drained.

Thanks, Paul

[master53yoda]

I the tank is ten years old and you have never drained it I wouldn't start that practice now unless your ready to change the tank. the plumber knows what he was talking about.

[rfisher7381]

If you just want to clear sediments then you don't need to drain a lot out of the tank. My drain is high enough that I can get a pan under it. I then give it a good flush (5 seconds or so) a few times and just dump the water outdoors.

[crokett]

I've been told by a plumber before that
if you're not a regular tank drainer, don't start because the sediment might be
plugging holes that will be uncovered when it's drained.

Thanks, Paul

I am going to move my 6yr old WH sometime in the next few months to a new location which will require draining. A plumber was here doing some work for me last month and he said the same thing. Budget for a replacement just in case.

[pecker]

I would be more concerned that opening a valve that has been closed for ten years will result in an open valve that is now broken and can't be shut off completly.