Draining Your Water Heater: Tips For Removing Water

Water heater drain pans are essential safety components designed to protect homes from potential water damage due to leaks from water heaters. While it is not ideal to have water in your water heater drain pan, it is not an automatic disaster. There are several reasons why your water heater pan might be filling up, ranging from minor to major issues. This article will provide an overview of the common causes of water accumulation in water heater drain pans and offer guidance on addressing this issue.

Drain the water heater

Draining your water heater is a simple process that can help extend its lifespan and improve its performance. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Turn Off the Water Supply:

Locate the cold water supply valve at the top of your water heater, which should be clearly marked and have a blue handle. Turn it off.

Turn Off the Water Heater:

For a gas water heater, turn the thermostat to the "pilot" setting. If you have an electric water heater, shut off the power supply by locating the water heater's breaker switch in the main electrical panel and turning it off.

Note: Electric water heaters must be completely turned off during flushing. The exposed heating elements can burn out if the water level drops below the elements.

Attach a Hose to the Drain Valve:

Find the tank's drain valve near the bottom of the tank. Some models may have a cover over the valve opening. Attach a standard garden hose to the valve. Place the other end of the hose in a floor drain or outside in a driveway to allow for safe drainage. Alternatively, you can use buckets, but be cautious to avoid burns from the hot water.

Open a Hot Water Tap:

Go to the hot water tap nearest to the water heater, preferably on the floor above. Open this tap to relieve pressure in the system, allowing the water to drain quickly from the tank.

Open the Drain Valve:

Use a flathead screwdriver to open the drain valve and allow the water to drain from the tank. Remember that the water will be hot, so exercise caution. Once the tank is empty, briefly turn on the cold water supply to stir up any remaining sediment. If your drain valve requires a screwdriver to open, repeat this process until the water runs clear.

Close the Valve, Refill the Tank, and Restart the Water Heater:

Close the drain valve and remove the hose. Turn on the cold water supply, and the tank will start to refill. Go back to the hot water tap you opened earlier and keep it open until cold water begins to flow. Then, turn off the tap. For a gas water heater, turn the gas valve back on from the pilot position. If you have an electric heater, turn the electricity back on. Be sure to check the valve opening to ensure there are no water leaks.

Now that your water heater is drained, you can perform any necessary maintenance or repairs. Remember to always exercise caution when working with hot water and electrical or gas systems. If you're unsure about any part of the process, it's best to consult a professional.

Lift the heater

Lifting the heater is a crucial step in installing a drain pan, but it can be challenging, especially if you're working with a large water heater. Here are some detailed instructions to help you safely lift the heater:

First, make sure you have drained all the water from the heater. This step is essential, as water can be heavy, and lifting a full tank can be dangerous and put unnecessary strain on your back.

Next, you'll want to gather your equipment. If you're working with a smaller heater, you may be able to get away with a simple bear hug lift, but for larger heaters, you'll need additional equipment. A hand truck, also known as a dolly, can be a worthwhile investment, as it is specifically designed to lift and move heavy objects like water heaters. If you don't want to purchase a hand truck, you can also try using a jack to lift the heater.

Now, it's time to enlist some help. Lifting a water heater is not a one-person job. Even if you're using a hand truck, you'll want an assistant to help guide the heater and spot potential hazards. If you're using the jack method, you'll need an assistant to help steady the heater and ensure it doesn't tip over.

Before you start lifting, make sure you have disconnected all the lines and pipes from the heater. You should also turn off the main water supply to prevent any accidental spills or leaks.

With your equipment assembled and your assistant at the ready, it's time to lift the heater. If you're using a hand truck, carefully tilt the heater towards you and slide the hand truck underneath. If you're using a jack, follow the instructions provided by the user on DIY.StackExchange:

> Place the jack in a position you can still slide the new pan in. I removed the side wall of the water heater closet to allow this access. Loop a ratchet strap under the back side of the water heater and over the lift part of the jack around the outside of the jack post (pulling the post into the water heater). Use cardboard between the jack post and the water heater jacket to protect the water heater from damage. Place a short 2x4 below the jack lift to space the water heater away from the jack. Jack up the jack, lifting the strap. CHECK STRAP TO BE SURE IT DOES NOT PUT PRESSURE ON DRAIN VALVE OR ANY OTHER ITEMS THAT MIGHT DAMAGE THE WATER HEATER.

Once the heater is lifted, you can slide the drain pan underneath. Make sure the discharge hole on the pan is pointing towards your drainage pipes.

Lower the heater into the pan, taking care not to tilt or drop the heater, as this could damage the anode rod and dip tube inside.

Now, you can begin reattaching the water lines and closing the pressure relief and drain valves.

Finally, reconnect the supply lines and attach the drain pipe to the drain pan's discharge pipe.

And that's it! You've successfully lifted the heater and installed the drain pan.

Place the drain pan

To place the drain pan, you will need to drain your water heater of all water. This is because the pan needs to be placed under the heater, and an empty heater will be much lighter and easier to manoeuvre.

If your heater is plumbed with flexible pipes, you may be able to detach these and slide the pan underneath. However, if the pipes are rigid, you will need to raise the heater. This may require several people, or you could try using a jack to lift it. If you do use a jack, be sure to protect the heater with cardboard and support it with wood blocks.

Once the heater is raised, you can slide the pan underneath, ensuring that the discharge hole is pointing in the right direction for your drainage pipes. Then, carefully lower the heater back down into the pan and reattach the water lines.

Reattach the water lines

Reattaching the water lines is a crucial step in the process of installing or replacing a water heater. Here is a detailed guide on how to reattach the water lines:

• Prepare the new water heater: Before reconnecting the water lines, ensure that the new water heater is in place and levelled. Place the water heater in an area that allows for adequate ventilation, maintaining at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides. Turn the water heater so that access to the burner and controls is unobstructed.
• Reconnect the water lines: This step may vary depending on the type of water lines used. If your water heater uses flexible hoses, you may need to reconnect them to the corresponding fittings. If your water heater uses rigid pipes, such as copper or galvanized steel pipes, you will need to solder or weld the pipes together. Ensure all connections are tight and secure to prevent leaks.
• Reconnect the water supply: Once the water lines are securely connected, you can reconnect the water supply. Open the main water supply valve and slowly turn on the water flow to the water heater. Ensure that the water heater's valves are also open to allow water to flow into the tank.
• Check for leaks: After reconnecting the water supply, carefully inspect all joints, fittings, and connections for any signs of leaks. Use a cloth or paper towel to wipe the connections and feel for any moisture. If you notice any leaks, tighten the connections further or apply pipe thread sealant or tape to the threads before re-testing.
• Fill the tank and test: Once you are confident that all connections are secure and leak-free, you can fill the tank with water. Open a nearby hot water faucet and let the water run until it flows steadily, ensuring that the water temperature is stable. Check the water pressure and adjust the thermostat to your desired setting, usually around 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Reconnect the gas or electrical connections: If your water heater uses gas, reconnect the gas line by coating the threaded ends with pipe joint compound and screwing them into the gas valve. Use two pipe wrenches to avoid applying excessive force on the valve. For an electric water heater, reconnect the electrical wires to the screw terminals under the access panel. Ensure that the power is turned off before making any electrical connections.
• Test the system: Once everything is reconnected, test the water heater system. Turn on a hot water faucet, and ensure the water heater ignites and heats the water. Check for any unusual smells or noises during operation. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific testing procedures and safety precautions.

Check for leaks

If you find water in your water heater drain pan, it means your water heater is leaking. Leaks can happen for several reasons, ranging from minor issues to more serious problems. Here are some steps to check for leaks:

Check the Water Pipe Fittings and Connections:

Start by inspecting the water pipe fittings for any signs of wetness or dripping. If you notice any loose connections, use a wrench to tighten them. This is a simple DIY fix that might solve the problem.

Inspect the Drain Valve:

The drain valve is located at the bottom of the water heater tank. Its purpose is to drain and flush out sediment from the tank. Check if the valve is fully closed by trying to tighten it gently with your hand. If the valve is still leaking after tightening, it needs to be replaced.

Examine the Temperature-Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve:

The TPR valve is a safety feature that automatically opens to release hot water when the tank gets too hot or the pressure becomes too high. It is typically located at the top of the tank, with a connected pipe that extends down a few inches from the ground. Use a paper towel to wipe the bottom of the pipe. If it's wet, the TPR valve needs to be replaced.

Check for a Leaking Internal Tank:

If the leak isn't coming from the drain valve, the internal tank itself might be the issue. Sediment buildup inside the tank can cause damage and cracks, leading to slow leaks. Inspect the water in the drain pan or around the base of the tank. If it appears rusty, it indicates internal corrosion, and the tank will likely need to be replaced.

Look for Condensation in the Flue:

If you have a gas-fired water heater, pay attention to any signs of condensation in the flue. Combustion produces water vapour, which should normally evaporate as it passes through the flue. However, if the flue is too long or doesn't get hot enough, the water vapour can condense and start dripping. This can lead to corrosion inside the water heater. Listen for any sizzling sounds and look for water dripping into the firing chamber. If this has been occurring for an extended period, you may see rust accumulation around the firebox.

Check for Leaking Pipes or Valves Above the Water Heater:

If you can't identify any leaks from the water heater itself, the problem might be coming from above. Leaky pipes or valves located above the water heater can cause water to drip down into the drain pan. Wipe around the top of the tank and the surrounding pipes with paper towels to check for any signs of wetness.

Remember, while some of these issues can be addressed with simple DIY fixes, others may require the assistance of a professional plumber. If you're unsure or unable to identify the source of the leak, don't hesitate to call in an expert.

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