[Shop-talk] Water heater quality

[Randall]

> If yours is sitting on concrete, like a basement, the stuff 
> is alkaline 
> and often has water vapor coming up through it. You've probably seen 
> tanks with the bottom of the housing corroded out. I laid 
> down some of 
> the plastic used for tile shower stalls under it as a vapor barrier.

They were a bit tough to find, but HD had galvanized catch pans designed to go under the heater and be plumbed to a drain.  I think
they are actually required by building code around here for installations inside the house.  Hopefully when the heater does spring a
leak, it will help keep the water away from the wood floors.

> The el-cheapo plastic drain valves like to clog up, leak, and 
> are slow 
> to drain. Before you fill the thing, buy a brass pipe nipple, ball 
> valve, and hose bib fitting and replace the plastic junk for 
> easy flushes.

Or look for a heater like the one I got, which came with a brass globe valve for the drain.  IMO the globe valve is easier to
control, which is important if you are draining to a mop bucket (as I usually do).  Less hassle (and mess) than dragging a hose
through the house.

Randall