How to Repair a Leaky Water Heater Drain Valve
- Turn the gas control knob OFF and close the gas shutoff valve. If you have an electric model, shut off power at the main...
- Close the cold water supply valve and drain the heater completely. Watch the video below for an explanation of how to...
- If the drain valve has a removable handle, unscrew it and replace the washer...
Why is my water heater leaking from the drain valve?
- The cold water inlet pipe/valve
- The TPR valve
- Anode rod port
- The expansion tank
How to drain a water heater the right way?
Step-By-Step Guide for Draining a Water Heater
- Turn Off the Water Heater. To get started, turn off the heat on your water heater. ...
- Let the Water Cool. Draining the water when it is hot can be dangerous, so it is best to let it cool. ...
- Hook up the Hose and Perform a Quick Flush. ...
- Turn Off the Water Supply. ...
- Disconnect the Hot Water Pipe. ...
- Fully Drain the Tank. ...
- Turn On the Water Supply. ...
How to unclog a water heater?
- First turn OFF the fuel to your water heater. ...
- Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and run the other end outside (or to a drain). ...
- Open a nearby hot water faucet to allow air to enter the tank.
- Inspect the water as it drains from your tank. ...
How to fix water heater relief valve?
To replace a bad pressure relief valve on your water heater, you will need the following:
- The appropriate size adjustable wrench or pipe wrench
- A flathead and Phillips screwdriver
- A roll of Teflon plumbers tape
- A can of plumbers pipe dope
- A bucket or other container to catch water
- A garden hose to drain the water heater
- Rags or paper towels
Why is my water heater leaking from the drain valve?
Worn-out plastic – Some hot water tank drain valves are made of plastic. Over the years this plastic can become brittle, and when the valve is used to empty the drain tank, the plastic can crack, which can cause a leak. Failing gasket – Plastic drain valves also use a rubber gasket that deteriorates over time.
How do you fix a leaking water heater valve?
InstructionsTurn Off the Power or Gas. ... Turn Off the Water Supply. ... Drain the Tank. ... Remove the Old Drain Valve. ... Install the New Drain Valve. ... Fill the Water Heater. ... Turn on the Power or Gas. ... Check the Valve for Leaks.
Can you replace water heater drain valve without draining?
If You CAN'T Drain the Tank The answer, thankfully, is YES. IMPORTANT: If attempting to replace the drain valve without draining the tank (due to a suspected clog), make sure you shut off the water heater for 12-24 hours to allow the water to cool and prevent the risk of burns.
How do you tighten the drain valve on a water heater?
5:197:24Water Heater - Drain Valve | Repair and Replace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow screw the valve into place until it is hand tight use the adjustable wrench to tighten the valveMoreNow screw the valve into place until it is hand tight use the adjustable wrench to tighten the valve. Until it's secure and properly aligned.
How much does it cost to replace a drain valve on water heater?
Water Heater Drain Valve Replacement Cost Replacing the drain valve on a water heater should cost between $100 and $200. The drain valve is used to drain the tank and can be very important for general water heater maintenance.
Can I put a cap on the water heater drain valve?
Fix common water heater leaks from a temperature and pressure relief valve or a water heater drain valve by checking temperature settings and mineral deposits. A simple cap solves the water heater drain valve problem.
Can a plastic drain valve on water heater be replaced?
1:3415:20CHEAP PLASTIC VALVE??...Replacing Water Heater ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay.MoreOkay.
Can you replace a drain valve on a water heater?
0:163:23How to Replace a Water Heater Drain Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf your water heaters drain valve is leaking or doesn't allow for good water flow. It's time toMoreIf your water heaters drain valve is leaking or doesn't allow for good water flow. It's time to replace the valve.
How do you fit a drain valve?
2:396:45Fit Drain off point to central heating system. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere is already inside the radiator off the old valve nine nine times out of ten cases you can useMoreHere is already inside the radiator off the old valve nine nine times out of ten cases you can use that on the new valve now how to check that will fit is take the tail piece off the new valve.
What is the life expectancy of a water heater?
between eight and ten yearsHow Long Do Water Heaters Last. — The majority of water heaters last between eight and ten years. While ten is the age at which heater replacement is generally recommended, the actual need to replace a heater could arise before or after this timeline.
How long should a hot water heater last?
between 6 and 13 yearsIt would be nice to know when the time is right to replace your water before it springs a leak and causes an inconvenience or worse yet, damage to your home. Typically a residential hot water heater lasts between 6 and 13 years. Beyond 12 years, you are on borrowed time!
Why the relief valve at the water heater is leaking and what to do about it?
If a pressure relief valve for a boiler is accidentally installed on a water heater, it will leak like crazy from the start. These valves may look identical, but they're set to go off at 30 psi, not 150 psi. If a new TPRV is properly installed and it still leaks, you probably have a pressure problem.
Why does my hot water heater overflow keep discharging water?
Causes of Excess Pressure in a Water Heater Since water expands as it's heated, higher-temperature water occupies more volume, which, in the confines of a water heater, results in increased pressure. If the pressure increases too much, your relief valve will activate, releasing water through the drain pipe.
Why is water dripping from my overflow pipe?
When an overflow pipe is dripping or running with water, one of the most common causes is a problem with a float valve. Float valves are found in toilet cisterns, cold water tanks and central heating feed and expansion tanks.
How to tighten a valve?
Tighten the valve with a wrench, stopping when the valve outlet is pointing downward, in the same position as the old valve. Confirm that the valve is completely closed by turning the handle fully to the clockwise direction.
What to do when water tank is full?
When the tank is full, run all of the faucets in the house briefly to expel air from the water lines. The air and water will spurt loudly, so it's best to do this now and not be surprised by it later.
Do you have to drain the water tank before removing the valve?
Draining the Tank. The drain valve holds back all the water in the tank so, for obvious reasons, you must drain the tank completely before removing the old valve. Follow all of the necessary steps for shutting down your water heater before draining the tank. This ensures that the tank burner (for a gas heater) or elements (for an electric heater) ...
Can a water heater drain valve leak?
Like all water valves, the drain valve on your water heater can wear out and leak. Often this happens after you drain the water heater as part of the regular maintenance of the unit, but it can happen anytime. While you can repair similar valves, such as garden spigots, it's not a good idea to attempt a repair on a water heater drain valve;
How to Repair a Leaky Water Heater Drain Valve
Before we begin installing a new drain valve, let’s first try to repair it.
How to Remove a Water Heater Drain Valve
Fit a pipe wrench over the base of the drain valve and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew the valve from the tank.
Assembling a New Drain Valve
Because it is both durable and contains a washer (and can therefore be serviced), a sillcock valve is the recommended replacement for a water heater drain valve.
Installing a New Water Heater Valve
Apply pipe tape to the threaded end of the nipple on the water heater tank.
Aligning the Water Heater Drain Valve
Fit an adjustable wrench over the body of the sillcock valve (but not over its outlet), and turn it clockwise to tighten the valve. You want the spigot-end of the valve to face down toward the floor.
Final Thoughts
For some reason, many of our customers believe that water heaters are too complex or difficult to work on themselves. But some parts can be fixed or replaced quite easily.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help servicing or replacing parts on your water heater.
What is the purpose of a drain valve?
The purpose of the drain valve is of course to drain the hot water heater. Certain repairs that you might need to do on the hot water heater can only be done if you drain the tank. This is especially true for an electric water heater.
Do water heater drain valves have washers?
However, there is a danger that the problem could worsen. This is especially true, since drain valves are not the best quality valves, some are even made of plastic.
How Do You Fix a Leaky Drain Valve?
Fixing a leaky drain valve can be a DIY project if you have the right tools. Also, you can have a licensed professional service it for you at a fee. Since most cases of a leaky drain valve are down to loose fittings, tightening the drain valves would be enough. Still, there are other methods to fix a leaking drain valve:
How Do You Cap a Water Heater Drain Valve
Capping is a fairly straightforward process. You don’t have to drain the water heater to cap the valve.
How Do You Replace a Water Heater Drain Valve?
Before replacing the water heater drain valve, you need to make sure power and water are off.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Water Heater Valve?
Fixing a defective drain valve can be a home DIY project. However, there is always a risk of not doing it right and extending the damage. That is where hiring a plumber comes in. But even when you DIY the repair, you still have to buy a replacement drain valve.
Final Thoughts
The little bits and pieces that make your water heater can increase or decrease its lifespan. Therefore, you need to ensure they are always working. While you can always check for a periodic breakdown of such components, you can also call a home inspector to conduct a complete checkup of your tank.
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I've been conducting home inspections for 17 years. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance.
