Install A Water Heater: Use A Pan For Safety

Water heater drain pans are an important safety feature that can help prevent water damage and costly repairs. They are placed under the water heater to catch any potential leaks and divert the water away from your floors and belongings. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in getting a water heater into a pan, including preparing the water heater, placing the pan, and reconnecting the pipes. We will also cover some of the common issues that can lead to water collecting in the pan and how to troubleshoot them.

Drain the water heater

To drain a water heater, you must first shut off the water lines leading to and from the heater. If you want to be thorough, you can also disconnect these lines. Next, disconnect the service lines attached to the heater. If your water heater is electric, turn off the main power supply.

Now, you can drain the tank of water by opening the Temperature and Pressure (T&P) valve. It is important not to attempt to move the tank before draining the water, as the weight will make lifting dangerous. Once drained, find a helper to lift the water heater with you and place the drain pan underneath. Ensure that the discharge hole is pointing towards the direction of your drainage pipes.

Place the heater inside the drain pan and reattach the water lines. Close the T&P valve and the drain valve. Place a paper towel over all your connections to check for any leaks. Reconnect the supply lines. If your heater is electric, turn the main power back on. If it is gas, relight the burner.

Finally, attach the drainage pipe to the drain pan's discharge hole. This pipe will remove water from the pan so it doesn't overflow.

Detach the pipes

Detaching the pipes from your water heater is a crucial step in its removal and should be done with care. Here is a detailed guide on how to safely detach the pipes:

Locate the gas control valve on your water heater and turn it to the OFF position. This is an important safety measure to prevent any accidental gas leaks.

Identify the gas line supplying your water heater. It is usually a copper pipe that connects directly to the unit. If your water heater has a knob on the gas line, simply twist it so that it is perpendicular to the pipe to shut off the gas supply. If there is no knob, you will need to use a wrench to tighten the square-shaped knob and shut off the gas.

Now, you will need to break the gas line at the union. Using two wrenches, firmly grasp the small nut at the union with one wrench and hold it steady. With your other wrench, slowly turn the larger nut to loosen it. Pull the two pipes apart, exposing the gas line.

To secure the gas pipe, wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the pipe (the one sticking out of the wall). Three wraps should create a good seal. Then, use a wrench to tighten a gas pipe cap onto the gas line, making sure to hold the line securely to avoid any wiggling.

Next, locate the box where you turned off the gas control valve. There will be a flexible pipe attached. Using two wrenches, disconnect the gas pipe from the water heater's control valve by loosening the two nuts on this line.

Now, we will move on to detaching the water pipes. Identify the cold water inlet and hot water outlet pipes. If you have copper pipes, use a hacksaw to cut them about four inches away from the unit. Alternatively, if your pipes are galvanized and fitted with unions, use a pipe wrench to loosen and detach them. This step will completely separate your water heater from the plumbing system.

If your water heater has any additional pipes or valves, such as an overflow pipe or pressure relief valve, use an adjustable wrench or pipe wrench to remove them. These can be reinstalled on your new unit.

Remember to always exercise caution when working with gas and water lines. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any of these steps, it is recommended to consult a licensed professional or refer to your manufacturer's manual for detailed instructions specific to your water heater model.

Lift the water heater

Lifting a water heater can be a challenging task due to its large size and weight. Here are some detailed instructions to help you safely lift and move a water heater:

Prepare the Work Area:

• Clear the area around the water heater to create a safe workspace.
• Gather all the necessary tools and materials, such as a dolly or hand truck, lifting straps, transfer pump, and a garden hose.

Turn Off Utilities and Drain the Water Heater:

• Turn off the power or fuel source to the water heater. For electric heaters, shut off the electricity at the breaker. For gas heaters, close the shut-off valve on the gas supply line.
• Shut off the water supply to the water heater by closing the valve at the water inlet and the main water supply valve near your water meter.
• Open the pressure relief valve at the top of the unit to release excess pressure.
• Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the unit and open the valve to drain the water from the tank. You can direct the water flow through the hose to a floor drain or outside.

Detach Connections and Attach Lifting Straps:

• Remove the cold water supply inlet and hot water outlet connections. These can usually be loosened by hand, but you may need a crescent wrench and WD-40 if they are stuck.
• Detach any earthquake straps or other connections to the heater.
• Wrap lifting straps around the water heater and through the supports. Even out the strap so that you are holding one end in each hand. Ensure the straps are rated to carry the weight of your water heater.

Lift and Move the Water Heater:

• With a firm grip on the straps, lift the water heater. Follow safe lifting techniques: keep your legs shoulder-width apart, lift with your knees, and know your limitations.
• Place the water heater onto a dolly or hand truck rated for its weight.
• Wheel the water heater to its destination, using the straps to keep it secure, especially when going up or down stairs.

Place the Water Heater in the Pan:

• With the help of another person, lift the water heater and place it into the drain pan, ensuring it is secure and elevated correctly.
• Reattach the water, gas, and electrical connections to the water heater.

Remember to work with caution and always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when handling water heaters.

Place the pan

Now that you've gathered all your tools and drained the water heater, it's time to place the pan. Ask your helper to help you lift the water heater. While lifting the water heater, simultaneously place the water heater drain pan under the heater. Do it with the utmost caution and make sure the heater is elevated securely.

Before placing your water heater on the pan, use a level to ensure that the pan is perfectly flat. This step is crucial as it prevents water from pooling and enhances the pan's effectiveness.

With the drain pan in place, gently place the elevated heater back in position on the drain pan. Make sure the water heater sits squarely on the pan and that the drain opening aligns with the PVC pipe.

Gently rock the water heater back and forth to ensure it's stable on the drain pan. If it wobbles, adjust the pan's position or add shims under the water heater to level it properly. A stable water heater reduces the risk of any leaks occurring.

If you're installing a pan under a water heater that's on bricks, you'll need to slowly and gently tip and roll the bottom edge of the water heater off its stand. Then, put down your new stand and roll the bottom of the water heater onto it. Use a ramp if needed—a section of 2x4 or wider is usually sufficient. Then, tip the water heater to insert the pan under the tipped side.

At this point, do an edge roll again to get the water heater into the pan. Then, gently rock or jiggle the water heater to get it, the pan, and the pan's drain centred and aligned.

Re-attach the pipes

Now that you've successfully placed the water heater pan underneath your water heater, it's time to re-attach the pipes. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Prepare the Pipes:

Before re-attaching the pipes, ensure that they are clean and free of any debris or residue. You may need to cut the pipes to the appropriate length, especially if you are using new pipes or have made adjustments to the water heater's position. Use a tubing cutter or a pipe wrench to cut the pipes.

Apply Thread Sealant or Tape:

It is important to create a watertight seal when re-attaching the pipes. Apply a pipe thread compound or thread seal tape to the pipe threads. Wrap the tape in the direction of the arrows on the fittings, ensuring a tight seal.

Re-attach the Pipes:

Now, you can begin re-attaching the pipes to the water heater. Use two pipe wrenches or adjustable pliers to tighten the connections. Ensure that the pipes are securely attached and there are no leaks.

Re-attach Earthquake Straps:

If your water heater has earthquake straps, now is the time to re-attach them. These straps are important for safety, especially in earthquake-prone areas, as they help prevent the water heater from tipping over.

Connect the Vent Pipe:

If you disconnected the vent pipe during the process, now is the time to re-attach it. Secure the vent pipe to the draft hood with sheet metal screws. Ensure that the vent pipe is the recommended diameter for your water heater, and that it rises as high as possible before installing the adjustable elbow.

Turn on the Water and Gas Supply:

Once all the pipes are securely re-attached, you can turn on the water and gas supply valves. It is important to do this slowly and carefully to avoid any leaks or issues.

Test the Water Heater:

Finally, turn on the water heater and test it to ensure that it is functioning properly. Let the water heater run for a while, and check all the joints and fittings for any signs of leaks. If you notice any issues, tighten the connections as needed.

By following these steps, you can confidently re-attach the pipes to your water heater, ensuring a safe and proper installation.

Frequently asked questions