any plumbers out there

[Tarsun2]

generic question.

if the dip tube goes in the water heater tank almost to the bottom, and the there is a drain valve at the bottom already; why not just run the water inlet into the drain valve?
youd never have to wonder if your dip tube is damaged.
you could keep the drain valve and simply branch off it. this way if you drain valve gets clogged when flushing, you can flush it out with the water inlet and then continue to drain the tank.

[Carlito[]

It would restrict flow for sure

[flyweightnate]

I wouldn't want the sludge from the bottom hitting sink and shower valves. I bet the dip tube is clear by several inches.
On an older water heater, a quarterly blow down will remove at least a pint of rusty water before clean water runs. It's time to replace it once you're there, but it gives warning. Shortly thereafter, faucets start leaking or get clogged from the particulate getting on the seats or in the seals and aerators.
I like the sludge to come out a different line than the water.

[Grendel]

https://www.hometips.com/how-it-works/hot-water-heaters.html

[punkncat]

Something else to consider here. The hydraulic pressure of all that water is going to be sitting on top of your inlet pressure. Your tank may or may not fill with a bottom mounted inlet until it's well low unless you have REALLY high water pressure.

[Tarsun2]

interesting.
Im going to replace a few things this off season like the heaters and dip tube, as well as do a flush. its bee three years since the last flush.
i also have to put a loop in the inlets.

just a thought that crossed my mind.