The Water Heater Drain Pan: Easy Installation Guide

Water heaters are an essential part of any home, but they can also pose a threat in the event of a leak. A simple solution to this problem is to install a drain pan under the water heater. Drain pans are safety tools designed to protect your home from water leaks by providing a mechanism for the water heater to drain out water. While it is not always legally required to install a drain pan, it is highly recommended, especially if your water heater is located in an attic, interior living space, or above the ground floor. The installation process is straightforward and can be done by a professional or as a DIY project. Drain pans are typically made of durable materials such as steel, aluminum, or plastic and should be at least two inches wider than your water heater to effectively contain leaks. Regular maintenance and inspections of the drain pan are important to ensure it is clean and free of any cracks or damage.

Drain the water heater

To drain a water heater, you will need a garden hose, a flat-head screwdriver, heavy-duty rubber work gloves, and safety glasses. The process should take around 1-2 hours and is recommended to be done annually to increase the unit's lifespan, save energy, and reduce costs.

First, locate your home's main water shutoff valve in case something goes wrong and quickly shut off all water. Turn off the water heater several hours before you plan to drain it. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses. If you have a gas water heater, shut off the gas pipe near the water heater. For an electric heater, shut it off at the control panel or circuit breaker.

Next, perform a quick flush by connecting the garden hose to the drain valve. Run the hose outside or into a bucket to catch the water and sediment. Open the drain valve for a few seconds, then close it. Now, shut off the water supply using the valve in the cold-water pipe above the heater or the main water supply valve. Check that the pressure is off by turning on the hot water taps in your home.

With the garden hose still attached, open the drain valve again. The water will begin to gush out, so ensure the hose leads outside or into a bucket. As the bucket fills, close the valve, dump out the water, and repeat until the water runs clear. You can take a few buckets of water out of the tank to remove sediment at the bottom.

Once the outflow is clear, shut off the drain valve, disconnect the hose, and close all hot water taps in your home except one—the one in the bathtub closest to the heater is best. Turn the water back on to the heater, slowly re-energizing the system by partially opening the valve. Once the system is fully energized, open the valve fully, and monitor the open tap. Once water begins flowing from the tap, turn it off.

Finally, relight the water heater pilot or turn the power back on for an electric heater. You should have hot water again within an hour or two. Check the drain valve for leaks by looking for leaks at the spout. If it did not close properly, put a threaded hose cap over the hose thread of the outlet or replace the valve.

Lift the heater

Lifting a water heater is a crucial step in installing a drain pan underneath it. Here is a detailed guide on how to lift your water heater safely and effectively:

First, ensure that you have turned off any water lines leading to and from the water heater. This includes shutting off the cold water supply and hot water pipe. It is also advisable to turn off the main water supply to prevent any water pressure while you work.

Next, drain all the water from the storage tank. Opening the relief valve will allow the tank to drain completely. This step is crucial, as moving the tank before draining can be dangerous due to the weight of the water.

Now it's time to enlist some help. Lifting a water heater can be challenging, and it's always safer to have an extra pair of hands. Attempting to lift the tank by yourself, especially with a bear hug method, is not recommended by professional plumbers as it may cause serious injuries.

Instead, consider investing in a hand truck or a tool specifically designed to lift water heaters, such as a strap kit. These tools will help you lift and lower the water heater more easily and reduce the risk of injury.

Once you have the necessary help or equipment, you can begin the process of lifting the water heater. Carefully lift the heater, making sure it is secure, and place the drain pan underneath it. Ensure that the discharge hole in the pan is directed towards your drainage pipes.

Finally, lower the water heater into the pan, ensuring it is securely seated. You can now proceed with reconnecting the supply lines and attaching the drain pipe to the pan's discharge pipe.

Remember to exercise caution throughout the process, as water heaters can be heavy and awkward to handle. With the right preparation and assistance, you should be able to lift your water heater safely and effectively.

Place the pan

To place the pan, you must first drain your water heater of all water. If your tank is connected to the water supply pipes with flexible hoses, you can simply detach them. If not, you will have to drain the water through the Temperature and Pressure (T&P) Valve.

Once the tank is empty, you can begin to raise it. Depending on the size of your tank, you may need multiple people to help with this. For a 30-gallon tank, two people should be enough, but for a 40 or 50-gallon tank, you may need three or more people. If possible, use some 2x4 or 4x4 blocking to support the tank, slowly removing the blocks as the pan is inserted.

If you are unable to lift the tank, you can try using a jack to lift it. Place the jack so that you can still slide the pan in, and loop a ratchet strap under the back of the water heater and over the jack. Use cardboard to protect the water heater from damage and place a short 2x4 below the jack to space it away from the heater. Slowly raise the jack, checking the strap to ensure it is not putting pressure on the drain valve or any other parts of the heater. Once the heater is raised, you can slide the pan underneath, being careful not to knock over the heater.

If your water heater is on bricks, you can tip and roll the bottom edge of the heater off its stand and place the pan underneath. You will need to determine the height of the new stand, allowing for a slope of at least 1/8" per foot for the pan's pipe to drain properly. Place the new stand and roll the bottom of the heater onto it, using a ramp if necessary. Then, tip the heater to insert the pan and roll it into place.

Finally, reconnect the water lines, close the valves, and attach the drainage pipe to the discharge hole in the pan.

Reattach the water lines

Reattaching the water lines is a crucial step in the process of installing a drain pan under a water heater. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

• Shut off the water and gas supply: Turn off the gas supply valve near the water heater by turning the handle a quarter turn. The handle should be perpendicular to the pipe when it is in the "off" position. Also, shut off the main water supply.
• Drain the water heater: Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and route it to a floor drain. Open the drain valve to allow water to drain from the tank. Be cautious, as the water will be extremely hot.
• Disconnect the gas line: Use a pair of wrenches to disconnect the gas line at the union fitting. If the gas supply line is copper, disconnect it at the flare fitting. Cap the gas line to prevent any gas leaks.
• Disconnect the water lines: Ensure that the heat source (gas or electricity) is turned off before proceeding. For electric water heaters, shut off the power at the breaker box. Gas and tankless water heaters usually have a cut-off valve along the line leading to the hot water heater. Use two adjustable wrenches or pipe wrenches to disconnect the piping above the tank. If the piping has been soldered into place, use a tubing cutter to cut it.
• Prepare the new water heater: Place the new water heater in the desired location, ensuring it has at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides for proper ventilation. Turn the water heater so that access to the burner and controls is unobstructed. Use a level to plumb the water heater and adjust it with plastic shims if necessary.
• Reattach the water lines: Slide the new water heater into place, ensuring it is level and stable. Reconnect the water lines by soldering copper adapters to the hot water outlet and cold water inlet ports on the water heater. Use copper slip couplings to connect the old and new water lines, or offset the lines with pairs of 45-degree elbows if necessary. Ensure all connections are tight and secure.
• Reconnect the gas line: If you have a gas water heater, reconnect the gas line by coating the threaded ends with pipe joint compound. Screw the first nipple into the gas valve, using two pipe wrenches to avoid stressing the valve. Reassemble the remaining nipples and finish with the union.
• Test for leaks: Once all the connections are made, test the system for any leaks. Turn on the gas and water supply valves and check for any signs of leakage. Brush a mixture of dish soap and water onto the connections. If you see bubbles, it indicates a leak, and you should tighten or reconnect the joints.
• Final adjustments: After ensuring there are no leaks, open an upstairs faucet and fill the tank. Leave the faucet open until water flows out, then shut it off. Adjust the temperature setting on the water heater according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically to a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Attach the drainage pipe

Now that you have successfully drained the water heater, disconnected the service lines, and placed the drain pan, it is time to attach the drainage pipe. This step is crucial, as it will ensure that any water collected in the pan is safely directed away from your home, preventing water damage.

First, you will need to determine the type of drainage pipe your water heater requires. The most common types are PVC and metal pipes. PVC pipes are usually white or light grey and are often used for drain, waste, and vent applications. Metal pipes, on the other hand, can be made of copper or galvanised steel and are typically used for water supply lines. Check your local plumbing codes or consult a professional plumber if you are unsure about the type of pipe needed.

Once you have the correct pipe, measure and cut it to the appropriate length, allowing for any bends or turns needed to reach the nearest drain or floor drain. If your pipe needs to be bent, you can use a pipe bending tool or a heat gun to carefully bend it to the desired angle. Remember to wear protective gloves when working with hot pipes.

Next, you will need to attach the pipe to the drain pan's discharge hole. If your pan has a threaded fitting, you can simply screw the pipe onto it. Ensure that you tighten it securely to prevent leaks. If your pan has a glue or copper fitting, follow the manufacturer's instructions for attaching the pipe securely.

After attaching the pipe to the pan, you will need to secure it in place. Use pipe hangers or straps to fasten it to the wall or nearby structures, ensuring it follows a slight downward slope towards the drain. This slope will ensure that water flows smoothly through the pipe without pooling or backing up.

Finally, reconnect the supply lines to your water heater and turn on the water supply. Test your setup by pouring some water into the drain pan and observing if it flows smoothly through the drainage pipe. If you notice any leaks or blockages, address them immediately.

By following these steps, you can effectively attach the drainage pipe to your water heater's drain pan, providing essential protection against water damage in your home.

Frequently asked questions