Water heater pressure

[RedriverD]

Whenever I need to drain and flush my water heater, there is quite a bit of pressure causing the plug to pretty much fly off when I get it loose and the water sprays pretty good... is there an easy and quick way to relieve the pressure before I remove the plug? I was thinking if I leave the pump off and run a hot water tap for a bit it would relieve the pressure, but just wanted some advice before getting sprayed with water again. Thanks.

[RedriverD]

Whenever I need to drain and flush my water heater, there is quite a bit of pressure causing the plug to pretty much fly off when I get it loose and the water sprays pretty good... is there an easy and quick way to relieve the pressure before I remove the plug? I was thinking if I leave the pump off and run a hot water tap for a bit it would relieve the pressure, but just wanted some advice before getting sprayed with water again. Thanks.

[Threevagabonds]

You are correct in the proposed method of relieving the pressure within the HWH. If you don't, the plug will become a missile and you will get a bath. If your unit has a water heater bypass, do not use it until you have have opened a faucet and relived the pressure.

[powerboatr]

here is my easy remedy
1. shut off the water heater gas and a/c
2. run the hot water faucet until the water temps drops to warm. ( good time to wash som edishes)
3. Shut off inlet water hose and water pump
4. open a hot water valve in kitchen to bleed off any pressure
5. remove water heater cover, slowly open the pressure relief trip valve, this ensures tow things, it gets excersized and it works.
6 remove the large plug anode and let her drain out.
asembly is reverese of removal.
. but eave a hot water valve open untilll you purge the air from teh tank, then turn the heater elements back on.