Tiffany Haney
A water heater pan, also known as a water heater drain pan, is a useful tool to keep underneath your water heater to collect water in the event of a leak. If you find water in your water heater pan, it could be due to a leaky drain valve, internal tank corrosion, or sediment buildup. Before attempting to fix the issue, turn off the appliance's water supply and power, and open a hot water faucet to relieve pressure in the tank. To empty your water heater pan, you can attach a hose to the drain valve and run it outside or into a container. Alternatively, you can use a transfer or sump pump to remove the water. Remember to always have a pan underneath your water heater to avoid any potential water damage.
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What You'll Learn
Turn off the water heater and power
Before you begin to empty your water heater pan, it is important to turn off the water heater and its power source. This is a crucial step to ensure your safety and prevent any damage to the heating element or other components. Here are the detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Locate the Breaker and Switch it Off
Find the breaker dedicated to the water heater. It is typically labelled as "water heater" or may bear the manufacturer's name. If you're unsure, refer to the breaker panel diagram or the user manual for your water heater. Once you've identified the correct breaker, firmly flip it to the "off" position. This action cuts off the power supply to the water heater. Make sure to push it in the opposite direction to ensure it's completely turned off.
Confirm the Power is Off
To ensure that the power is indeed turned off, try running hot water from a faucet. If there is no hot water, it confirms that the electric water heater is successfully disconnected from the power source. This step is important for your safety and to avoid any issues during the draining process.
Turn Off the Water Heater
If you have a standard gas water heater, locate the gas control unit near the bottom and turn the control knob to the "off" position. For electric water heaters, locate the power switch and turn it off. Some hybrid water heaters have a power cord, so make sure to disconnect it from the outlet. This step ensures that the water heater is completely turned off and will not cause any issues during maintenance or repairs.
Shut Off the Water Supply
Locate the cold water supply line valve near the heater and close it. This step ensures that no more water enters the heater while you're working on it. It is important to prevent any accidental spills or flooding during the draining process.
By following these steps, you will successfully turn off the water heater and its power source, ensuring a safe and controlled environment for emptying your water heater pan. Remember to wear protective gear, such as heavy gloves, to protect yourself from scalding water and follow other safety guidelines specific to your water heater model.
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Relieve tank pressure
It is important to relieve the pressure in your water tank before draining it. Start by turning off the power to the heater. Do not turn it back on until the tank is completely full again, otherwise, the heating element will be ruined. Next, turn off the breaker for the water heater at your electrical panel. Then, turn off the water shut-off on the cold side of the water supply line.
Now, you can relieve the pressure in the tank. Locate the pressure relief valve, which is usually on the side of the water heater. It may be a valve with a blue line descending from it. Attach a hose to the valve and run it outside or into a container. Open the valve and allow the water to flow out until the pressure is relieved. You can also open a hot water faucet to help the tank drain quicker. Remember to leave the faucet open when you turn the cold supply back on, and then open your other faucets one at a time until the water flows freely.
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Drain the water heater
Draining your water heater is a regular maintenance task that removes sediment or buildup at the bottom of the water heater tank. This sediment buildup can reduce the efficiency and capacity of your water heater, as well as plug the drain and interfere with maintenance.
Before you begin, make sure you know what type of water heater you have, gas or electric. It is also important to note that you cannot drain your water heater without turning off the water. However, you do not need to turn off the main water supply to your entire house.
- Put on heavy-duty rubber work gloves and safety glasses for protection.
- Turn off the water heater several hours before you plan to drain it. For gas water heaters, locate the mid-line shut-off valve on the gas pipe near the water heater and turn it off. For electric heaters, shut off the power using the control panel or shut off the circuit breaker that controls the water heater.
- Open a hot water tap near the water heater, preferably on the floor above. This alleviates pressure in the system, allowing the water to drain more quickly.
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve. The drain valve is typically located at the bottom of the water heater, a few inches from the floor. Run the hose outside or into a bucket to collect the water and sediment.
- Open the drain valve and allow the water to drain from the tank. Use a screwdriver to open the valve if necessary.
- Once the tank is empty, briefly turn on the cold water supply to stir up any remaining sediment.
- Repeat the draining process until the water runs clear.
- Shut off the drain valve and disconnect the garden hose.
- Leave only one hot water tap open and slowly re-energize the system by partially opening the valve.
- Once the system is fully energized, open the valve to a fully open position.
- Monitor the tap and turn it off once there is only water coming out of the fixture.
- Finally, relight the water heater pilot or turn the power back on.
Depending on your water source and mineral content, it is recommended to flush your water heater every one to two years. If your water has a high mineral content or your water heater is older, consider draining it twice a year.
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Remove the water heater pan
To remove the water heater pan, you will first need to drain the water heater of all water. The water heater should be disconnected from the water supply and power before you begin.
If your water heater is on bricks or raised in any way, you will need to slowly and gently tip and roll the bottom edge off its stand. If it is not raised, you can simply slide the pan out. You may need to enlist some help as this can be awkward for two people to lift, and a third person may be needed to slide the pan out.
If you have a floor drain, you can lay the heater on its side with the hot water outlet on the low side, and unscrew the drain valve. If the drain is clogged, you can try using a wire or backflushing to clear it. You can also use a transfer or sump pump to drain the water.
Once the water heater is empty, you can slide the new pan underneath. Make sure the pan drain opening is oriented correctly with the water heater.
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Clean and replace the pan
To clean and replace your water heater pan, begin by cutting the electric supply to your water heater. If your heater works on gas, ensure that the gas supply is turned off as well. Next, shut off the water supply to the heater by locating and turning off the water pipe. Detach the pipes attached to the heater before removing the old water heater drain pan.
Now, you can slide the new pan into place. If your water heater is on bricks, drain the water heater of all water, and then slowly raise it with the help of a jack. You can then slide the new pan through the side of the opening. Position the pan so that the drain opening is oriented correctly with where you want it, referencing the water heater, not the floor.
Alternatively, you can use a drain pan with a detachable front. This makes it easy to slide under the water heater without having to lift it completely. Slide the pan under the heater and then rotate it so that the detachable side is towards the front.
Once the new pan is in place, gently lower the water heater back into position on top of the pan. Turn on the water and gas supply, and turn on the heater for a test run to ascertain whether the new water drain pan has been installed correctly.
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Frequently asked questions
A water heater pan sits underneath your water heater to collect water in the event of a leak. If you need to empty it, first turn off the appliance's water supply and power. Then, open a hot water faucet inside the house to relieve pressure in the tank. Finally, drain the water into a bucket or outside.
If you find water in your water heater pan, it means your water heater is leaking. A leaky internal tank causes water to slowly seep out and pool at the bottom of the tank. Check the valve’s outlet with a paper towel to see if this is where the water is coming from.
To prevent your water heater pan from filling with water, regularly flush and drain your hot water heater to flush out any sediment. On average, having a plumber flush a water heater costs between $75 and $200, but it is also possible to do it yourself.
