Servicing electric water heater

[elmaur]

I have a GE 50 gal electric water heater manufactured Dec 2006. About 3-4 years ago was the last time I flushed it. I'm trying to flush now. With cold supply turned off there is no water coming out of the drain valve at the bottom of tank- hose attached going to the outside. When I turn on the cold water supply the water flows at what seems like a good rate. We do have hard water and I am thinking there is too much sediment built up at the bottom of tank and drain valve. I did let the water run for a good few minutes to see if it would clear sediment. Still no flow with cold water supply turned off. What are my options?

 

[journeyman]

Turn cold water off open drain bib loosen flex line on top of heater to let air into tank and it will drain

 

[Diehard]

Or just open a hot water faucet somewhere.

 

[Mikey]

Or open the cold water inlet. Often the pressure will pop out the clog at the drain valve. But often not, too.