Long Term Water Heater Storage-Water In Or Water Out?

[velvetfoot]

Is it better to store a water heater or indirect tank with water in or water out? I figure it has to be flushed out because of the potential Legionella, but just running it in the sink, which I did just now because there was water in my electric heater, I imagine could kick out some baddies. Then also, how do you know when it's totally flushed? Maybe put a hose on it, open the relief valve and drain it that way.

Would there be less corrosion stored with water or without water? It's non-moving potable water in a tank for months.

 

[BoilerMan]

I say empty it. Connect hose to drain, valve off, open the drain and open the relief for air in. Close the relief when empty, and open the cold in to "power rinse" it. Let it drain out again, repeat if you want.

In the dormant state, I drain as completely as possible. If electric TAPE OFF the breaker in the panel so as to not energize the elements in an empty tank!

TS

 

[velvetfoot]

If electric TAPE OFF the breaker in the panel so as to not energize the elements in an empty tank!

Funny you should say that! When I started burning oil to lighten up the tank for moving, I valved off the electric water heater, did NOT drain the tank (thankfully), and threw the breaker.
Well, the oil tank is getting near empty and an hour ago I turned off the oil boiler, valved off the indirect, and ran a faucet to flush the tank. Guess what-HOT water! At some point over the months, maybe after a power failure, I must have thrown the breakers! All's well that end well, but tape over the breaker it will be in future!

 

[mustash29]

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