Cody Casey
A water heater drain pan is a pan or small container that sits under a water heater. It is designed to catch water in the event of a leak or the release of water pressure through the Temperature and Pressure (T&P) Valve. Pans are typically shallow and not meant to hold a large volume of water. They can be self-contained or piped. Piped pans are considered superior as they allow water to run off via an attached drain pipe. This article will explain how to drain a water heater pan.
How to Drain a Water Heater Pan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation | Cut the electric supply to the water heater. If it works on gas, turn off the gas supply. Shut off the water supply by locating and turning off the water pipe. |
| Detach the pipes connected to the heater. Remove earthquake straps connected to the heater. | |
| Drain the hot water from the heater. | |
| Use a jack to lift the heater. Place the drain pan under the heater. | |
| Position the pan so the drain opening is oriented correctly. | |
| Set the heater down into the pan. Remove the jack. | |
| Re-attach the pipes to the heater. | |
| Maintenance | Check the state of the pan about once a year. |
| Look for degradation such as cracks, scaling or holes. | |
| Maintain the pan to be clean and clear of debris. | |
| Check the tightness of the nut holding the drain pipe in place. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the water heater
Preparing your water heater for draining is a crucial step in maintaining your water heater and preventing water damage. Here are the steps you should take to prepare your water heater:
Turn Off the Water Heater
Before you begin any work on your water heater, it is essential to turn it off. For electric water heaters, shut off the power supply at the breaker or unplug the unit. If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas supply valve. This step is crucial for safety and to prevent damage to the heating element.
Drain the Water
The next step is to drain the water from the heater. Place a towel or a shallow catch basin in front of the water heater to collect any water that spills. Locate the drain valve near the bottom of the unit and attach a hose to direct the water towards a drain or outdoors. If there is a nearby washing machine, you can use its hose as well. Make sure to open a hot water faucet in the house to allow air into the system and facilitate water flow.
Detach Pipes and Earthquake Straps
To access the water heater and drain pan, you will need to detach any pipes connected to the heater. Earthquake straps connected to the heater should also be removed. This step may require some plumbing knowledge or the assistance of a professional. Remember to shut off the water supply to the heater before detaching the pipes to prevent water spillage.
Lift the Water Heater
Once the pipes and straps are detached, you can carefully lift the water heater. This step may require multiple people, depending on the size and weight of your water heater. Use a jack to lift the heater securely, and ensure it is stable before proceeding. Place a drain pan underneath the heater, ensuring the pan's drain opening is oriented correctly.
Reattach Pipes and Adjust the Water Heater
After placing the drain pan, gently lower the water heater back into position on the pan. Reattach the detached pipes to the water heater, ensuring they are secure. Adjust the water heater as needed, rocking or jiggling it gently to centre and align the pan's drain with your preferred setup.
By following these steps, you will have successfully prepared your water heater for draining and installed a drain pan, which is an important safety feature to prevent water damage. Remember to test your setup by turning on the heater for a short period to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
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Position the pan
Positioning the pan correctly is essential to ensure your water heater functions properly and any leaks are contained. Here is a detailed guide to help you with this process:
Firstly, you need to decide on the exact location of your water heater drain pan. It should be placed directly under the water heater, catching any water that might leak from the heater or its pressure valve. This strategic placement ensures that the pan contains the water, preventing it from spreading to the surrounding area.
When positioning the pan, it is crucial to orient the pan's drain opening correctly. Reference the water heater's position rather than the floor to ensure the opening is aligned with the desired drainage path. This step ensures that any water collected in the pan can be effectively directed and drained.
If you are using a jack to lift the water heater, make sure the jack's position allows you to slide the pan into place. You may need to adjust the water heater's position slightly to ensure the pan can be easily inserted. Use a ratchet strap to secure the water heater during this process, and always protect the heater from potential damage by using cardboard or similar protective materials.
Once the pan is in position, carefully lower the water heater into it. You may need to gently rock or jiggle the heater to centre and align it perfectly with the pan and its drain. This step ensures the stability of the setup and confirms that any leaks will be captured by the pan.
Finally, re-attach the water heater's piping, ensuring that the pipes facilitate the flow of water outdoors. Shark-Bite type fittings are often recommended for this purpose. If your pan has PVC fittings, use good-quality PVC cement to secure the pipes and fittings, and consider using a PVC strap to hold the pipe securely in place.
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Rotate the heater
Rotating a water heater is a tricky and dangerous job, especially if it is a gas water heater. It is best to hire a professional to do it. There are many regulations about how close to walls these types of appliances can be installed, and a professional can take the entire area into consideration and suggest the best course of action.
If you are handy with plumbing, you can attempt to rotate the heater yourself. The copper water lines coming into the top of the water heater will have to be cut and reattached. You can use fittings that attach copper to PEX or PVC pipe, such as Sharkbite fittings.
However, working with copper pipes can be challenging as it requires a blow torch. It is recommended to call a professional unless you are very confident in your plumbing skills.
If you decide to proceed with rotating the heater yourself, be sure to carefully plan the new position to ensure it complies with all relevant regulations and allows for proper functioning of the heater and any connected appliances.
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Re-attach the heater
Re-attaching your water heater after draining the water heater pan involves several steps. Firstly, ensure you have labelled the wires before reconnecting them to the circuit breaker. This will save you time when reattaching the wires to the correct screws.
If you are replacing the thermostat, ensure you have an identical model from the manufacturer. Once the new thermostat is clicked into place, reattach the wires to the matching screws. Form hook shapes at the end of each wire and wrap the wire hook underneath the matching screw head.
If you are replacing the valve, screw the new valve into the water heater by placing the threading of the valve in the hole of the old one. Screw by hand and then tighten with channel lock pliers. Ensure the lever on top of the valve is horizontal and that the valve is pointing in a direction where you can easily attach the run-off pipe. Reattach the run-off pipe to the valve.
If you are reconnecting the water lines, wrap the threads of two galvanized plastic-lined nipples with plumber's tape. Thread the nipples into the cold water inlet and hot water outlet openings using channel lock pliers or a pipe wrench. Depending on your plumbing configuration, you may need to reconnect flexible tubes or prepare new pipe assemblies.
Finally, ensure the water heater is level and shim under the legs if necessary. If you live in an area with earthquake danger, secure the water heater with brackets or straps.
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Check for leaks
A water heater drain pan is an important safety feature that can help catch water in case of a leak or pressure release from the water heater's T&P valve. These pans are typically shallow and not meant to hold a large volume of water. However, they should be able to hold enough water to prevent it from spreading to the surrounding area in case of a small leak.
To check for leaks, it is recommended to inspect the state of the pan about once a year. This can be done through a simple visual check for any degradation, such as cracks, scaling, or holes. If any issues are identified, it is advisable to consult a professional for repair or replacement. Maintaining the pan clean and clear of debris is also important to ensure that its water-holding capacity is not compromised.
If your water heater drain pan has a drain attached, it is important to periodically hand-check the nut that holds the connection in place. Over time, or due to vibrations, this nut can become loose, potentially causing the drain to detach. A properly functioning drain will allow water to run off through an attached drain pipe, preventing it from accumulating in the pan.
Some drains are attached to the pan using glue or copper fittings. These connections can be checked with a quick visual inspection. If you suspect any issues with your drain pan or wish to install a new one, it is recommended to consult a professional plumber for assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
A water heater drain pan is a pan or small container that sits under the water heater. It is an important safety feature as it catches water if your water heater leaks or relieves itself of water pressure through its Temperature and Pressure Valve.
To drain a water heater pan, first cut the electric supply to the water heater. If it works on gas, make sure to turn off the gas supply as well. Then, shut off the water supply to the water heater by locating the water pipe and turning it off. Detach the pipes attached to the heater and remove the earthquake straps that are connected to the heater. Finally, drain the hot water that might be stored in the water heater.
To install a water heater pan, first follow the steps outlined in the answer to "How do I drain a water heater pan" above. Then, while lifting the water heater, simultaneously place the water heater drain pan under the heater. Ensure the heater is elevated securely and then gently place the elevated heater back in position on the drain pan.
