If it takes forever to get warm water flowing through your taps, sediment buildup in your water heater could be the culprit.

Reduced Efficiency: Sediment acts as an insulator, making it harder for the heating element to transfer heat to the water. This results in the water heater using more energy to maintain desired water ...

Generally, if you have a water heater that is approaching the end of its lifespan or you live in an area with hard water ...

Step 1: Drain the tank Manufacturer guidelines vary, but most call for draining a water heater every six months or so. To drain, turn off your tank’s electricity or set the gas to “pilot.” ...

If, after all that, you succeed in getting the heater drained using the hose, you might try to run more water into the tank of the water heater so that you can drain it again and remove more sediment.

This is what can happen to your water heater if it has been collecting sediment for years, and you suddenly drain it: your water heater will spring a leak. According to Woodbridge Environmental ...

Find out why you might want to avoid draining your water heater.

Q. I have an electric water heater and a couple of years ago I had to put in a new bottom element. I had a heck of a time getting the tank to drain. Any suggestions on how to make it drain faster ...

: I read your column on draining a water heater and it worked great. However, as I went to turn off the plastic drain faucet, it continued to drip. Is there a washer or something I can replace, or ...

While draining a water heater for cleanliness I would leave the supply water on to give the drain spigot some pressure.