Draining hot water heater

The owners manual says to remove the anode to drain the hot water heater.  Is this really necessary?  I had the low point drains open and then opened the pressure relief valve which seemed to drain the hot water tank.  I then pumped a small amount of pink antifreeze into the water heater.  Should this be adequate? 

If you take the drain plug out of the water heater, there is no reason to pump any anti freeze into the heater.

That's what mine looks like. Open your relief valve and then take that plastic plug out and you should get some water.

First of all I agree with all the above. No need to put the antifreeze in the WH. I have heard it's not good for it. Use the bypass valves inside at the water heater tank to bypass when using the pink stuff. Second, with every camper I've owned. The first thing I do is replace my plastic plug with a brass plug that you can open and close without removing the plug everytime.(See picture below). Just open the valve on the plug and flip up the pressure relief valve. Saves alot of time and scratched knuckles. You can take your plastic plug to about any auto parts store. There are several differant size threads; so take the plastic plug for reference. Make sure you use plumbing tape on the plug threads when replacing so you have a tight seal. Good luck.



Edited by Deputydog - 20 Oct 2011 at 7:00pm

Petcock. Couldn't remember what it was called. You're right. Here is a better picture.