http://www.bing.com/search?q=zoelle...H&pq=zoeller%20m53%20pump&sc=4-16&sp=2&sk=AS1
I object completely, because you'll plug and ruin the pump with the crud that comes out of the drain. You ALREADY have a wet vac, or get one for 39 bucks at true value. Drain into your turkey pan and suck it up.
Your chosen pump is made for 100 foot of head... as the one reviewer mentioned, he hears the plastic impeller busting up the calcium - he'll soon discover that the impeller is busting up just as much. Its a great pump- but NOT for pumping debri, no matter what the MFG says. The Zoeller uses a vortex action that allows it to pump without disturbing the impeller at all. and the head is about 20'. I recall.
Then if you want to continue, duct tape a garden hose on the vacuum, and rod out the inside of the tank. you will be shocked at the TONS of crap you will find. THEN turn the inlet cold on a bit and continue, flushing it properly.
And THEN if you tire of carrying water, get a 9$ drill attached pump with rubber vanes that will pass the small crud.
Hell, for 139$ you can get a USA Zoeller m53 sump pump and set that in your pan, and it passes huge solids. And you can resell it anywhere. OR you can use it to drain your flooded basement after the flood.
Be sure to get rid of that joke plastic drain valve and do this thru the hole, replace with a ball valve or plug.
Dana, I use your rubber impeller pump to move wine around, it will absolutely be plugged in a moment. Even with wine, a seed plugs it and I have to wrap the inlet with Stainless or copper scrubber pads. Even the 9$ drill pump will need you to settle out the solids or filter the pick up.
Also see that your chosen pump is a brush motor - 5 to 10,000 rpm - CA-CA! the Zoeller really is US made and is a real motor.
http://www.inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Hot_Water_Tank_Drain_Procedure.htm