IIRC, up until the '80s, all water heaters in this country were factory set at 140*f. People would check the temp of the water before using it. I believe that people still do that, but maybe not since there is no requirement for a CAUTION label on faucets...
Raising the temp (and adding all the stick on caution labels necessary) is a much better solution than finding some way of putting bleach into a water heater once in awhile.
All water heaters have a T/P relief valve. Rarely to never do they fail to open when needed; although some do not like to shut off afterwards.
There is no need to drain a heater after raising the temp but along the lines of SAFETY; CAUTION, you must turn off the power or gas or oil before doing so AND remember that the water will be hot and can cause garden hose to fail and the hot water can kill plants, fish, worms, bugs etc. etc. etc..
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Gary Slusser
21 yrs in water treatment and well pumps, 12 yrs helping people on the 'net.
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