Dennis,

My oil-fired water heater is, according to the installation tag on it, now 32 months past it's 30th birthday, it was installed in May 1982.

The previous owner swore by the practice of flushing the tank twice a year to remove any sediment in the bottom of the tank. Since buying the place in 1999 I've done the same thing.

The theory is that when sediment builds up in the bottom of the tank it does a bad thing, it insulates part (the bottom) of the tank causing unequal expansion and contraction when it calls for heat, or fills with cold water. This is a recipe for a crack.

As back up though my heater is sitting in a large tray about 4" deep, and as you mentioned, there is a water & oil shut off and power disconnect if the sensor in the any moisture, water or oil.


Best of luck.

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