Low point drain question

I pulled my low point drains when we got home last Sunday. I just went out to drain the hot water heater because temps are predicted to drop over the next few days. When I took the drain rod out, the tank was empty. Seems as though the low points were able to drain the hot water tank. Just seemed odd, anyone else notice that?
Jim

It could draining through the cold water input at the bottom of the tank. As long as there is a CW valve open in one of the sinks, that should break any vacuum and drain the tank out.

I have always drained the HW tank before winterizing. That way I don't get any gunk in the cold water lines from the bottom of the HW tank. I usually drain my HW tank and then flush it really good with running water from the garden hose. I use one of those flushers that reach inside the tank and give it a good thorough flush. You'd be amazed at what comes out the anode rod hole after a season of camping.

I just winterized my 5er for the first time, and had the same thing happen to me, kwf.

Good to know.
Thanks

Ran into the same situation. We got back from our last trip for the season and I open the low point drains. Went to empty th water heater this past weekend and nothing came out.

Didn't work for me, yet??? (even with faucet open)

If your water heater has a check valve instead of a manual valve on the top (discharge) it won't drain since the check valve will not allow air into the water heater. I removed the check valve and replaced with a manual valve so my water heater does drain when I open the low point drain. I preferred that so I don't have to pull the anode each time except at the end of the season to check it.

Wouldn't that suck the crap out of the bottom of the water heater and possibly plug your plumbing with debris?

Earl

Hasn't been a problem so far...Also the water inlet isn't completely on the bottom of the tank so the sediment seems to remain in the bottom of the tank which I flush out via the anode port at the end of the season.

This was the first time it has happened to me. I usually drain the tank prior to pulling the low points. Well it is all set now. Filled the lines with pink stuff removed the battery and kissed her good night for the winter.
Jim