I've drained my hot water tank and won't be using hot water for about three months. The water supply is turned off at the tank, and I live in the hot, dry area of Phoenix. Should I keep the tank empty or fill it back up? Also, should the drain valve on the empty tank be left open or closed? I should mention that the water here is quite hard, which might affect my decision.
3 Answers
For extra safety, I pull the fuse from my panel to ensure it can't be activated. I leave the drain plug in its socket but keep the drain open—that way, it's ready for when I turn it back on. Just know that it’s important to keep it all sealed up to avoid problems later!
You definitely want to keep it filled with water. Leaving it empty can lead to corrosion since the air can cause buildup and flake off the protective layer. If you fill it up, just make sure to turn off the water supply and the heating element after flushing the pipes—don’t want any air pockets that can contribute to corrosion or mineral buildup.
It’s true, but when dry, the sacrificial anode rod isn’t protecting anything. So, it’s like a double-edged sword. Water has its own issues, but it might be safer in the long run to keep it filled.
I wouldn’t leave the drain valve open, that's for sure! Keeping it closed helps prevent any unwanted dirt or debris from entering the tank while it sits. You don’t want to make any accidental mess when you return.
What’s the reason for not leaving it open, though?
But wouldn't leaving it full just allow those minerals to settle at the bottom too? The water here is super hard!