Draining water heater while winterizing

[DGBPokes]

I like the information regarding vinegar. When I open my low point drain, and the hot water tank drains pretty well. But then, I remove the electric anode rod....Lastly, I take my large wet/dry vac and with a small nozzle suck all remaining water out. AND almost all of the calcium deposits that have accumulated in the bottom of the tank. In the spring I will use the vinegar trick.

[1mainiac]

The better option is to drain the water heater several times a year and not have the buildup problem to begin with. most people do not flush the water heater and as such build up a ton of deposits which only come out in the fall when they winterize.