Tiffany Haney
A water heater drain pan is a crucial component of a plumbing system, designed to collect water from leaks or overflows, preventing water damage to floors and substructures. It is important to regularly check the state of these pans and maintain them by keeping them clear of debris. To replace a gas water heater drain pan, the water heater must be emptied, and all plumbing, gas, and vent connections must be removed. A jack can then be used to lift the water heater, allowing the old pan to be removed and a new one to be slid underneath. The water heater is then lowered into the new pan, and all connections are reattached.
How to Replace a Gas Water Heater Drain Pan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to replace | When the old pan is degraded, with cracks, scaling or holes |
| When not to replace | If the pan is functioning properly and there is no water damage, it may not need to be replaced |
| Drain pan function | Catches water if the water heater leaks or relieves water pressure |
| Drain pan position | Underneath the water heater |
| Water heater preparation | Drain the water heater of all water, disconnect plumbing, gas and vent connections |
| Jack position | Place the jack so that there is space to slide the new pan in |
| Water heater placement | Lift the water heater with a jack and strap, then slide the pan underneath |
| Pan material | Metal or plastic |
| Pan maintenance | Check for degradation, keep clear of debris, check nut on drain pipe for tightness |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Drain the water heater
To drain a water heater, you must first shut off the gas to the water heater at the gas valve. Then, shut off the cold inlet water valve that is going into the water heater. This will prevent the water heater from refilling with cold water as you drain it.
Next, let the water heater cool down for 20-30 minutes. The cooling time may vary depending on the heat of the water and the material of your garden hose. Hook up a garden hose to the spigot of your water heater and have the other end of the hose directed outside or to a tube or water drain. Use a screwdriver to open the water valve and begin draining the water. If the water is draining slowly, open the Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) to let air into the tank and speed up the draining process.
Alternatively, you can unplug the water heater and use the hot water until it runs out. This way, you won't have wasted the energy it took to heat the water. You can also run laundry or do dishes to use up the hot water in the tank. With the water heater turned off, it will refill with cold water, which you can then drain.
Once the water heater is drained, you can proceed to replace the gas water heater drain pan. To do this, first, make sure that the water heater is empty and that all plumbing, gas, and vent connections are removed. Place a jack in a position where you can still slide the new pan in. Loop a ratchet strap under the backside of the water heater and over the lift part of the jack, pulling the post into the water heater. Use cardboard between the jack post and the water heater jacket to protect it from damage. Place a short 2x4 below the jack lift to space the water heater away from the jack. Jack up the strap, being careful not to put pressure on the drain valve or any other items that might damage the water heater. With the water heater raised, you can slide the new drain pan underneath. Lower the water heater onto the new pan and remove the jack. Reattach the water heater and your new pan's piping.
Prepping a Body Pan for Welding: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Remove plumbing, gas, vent connections
To remove plumbing, gas, and vent connections, start by draining the water heater completely. If your tank is connected to the water supply pipes with flexible hoses, you're in luck—it'll be much easier to detach than if you have soldered copper pipes.
Next, you'll need to disconnect the water and gas lines. This will likely involve unscrewing some fittings. Make sure you have a plan for the water that will inevitably still be in the tank after you've shut off the supply. One way to do this is to disconnect the inlet, as previously mentioned.
Now, you'll need to detach the water heater from any remaining connections. This includes electrical connections, vents, and any other plumbing. This step may require some force, so be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your water heater. Loop a ratchet strap under the backside of the water heater and over the lift part of the jack, pulling the post into the water heater. Use cardboard to protect the water heater from the jack. Place a short 2x4 below the jack lift to create space between the water heater and the jack. Jack up the strap, being careful not to put pressure on the drain valve or any other items that might damage the water heater.
With all connections removed, you should now be able to gently tip and roll the bottom edge of the water heater off of its stand, slowly and gently.
Pan and Zoom in Cyberlink PowerDirector: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Position the new pan
Positioning the new pan requires careful manoeuvring. First, drain the water heater and ensure all plumbing, gas, and vent connections are removed. Place a jack in a position that allows you to slide the new pan in. Use a ratchet strap and loop it under the backside of the water heater, pulling it towards the lift part of the jack. Protect the water heater with cardboard and place a short 2x4 below the jack lift to create space. Now, jack up the strap, being careful not to put pressure on the drain valve.
With the water heater raised, you can slide the new pan underneath. Ensure the pan's drain opening is oriented correctly with the water heater. If needed, gently rock or jiggle the water heater to centre and align the pan and its drain to your liking. Once the pan is in the correct position, lower the water heater into it and remove the jack. Reattach the water heater and connect the new pan's piping.
The Art of Waffle-Making: Mastering the Cast Iron Waffle Pan
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Lift and place the water heater into the pan
To lift and place the water heater into the pan, you will need to drain the water heater of all water. If possible, ensure that the tank is connected to the water supply pipes with flexible hoses, not soldered copper. This will make it easier to raise the tank and slide the pan underneath. Depending on the size of the tank, you may need additional help. For example, even when empty, a 40- or 50-gallon tank will be awkward for two people to lift, so a third person may be required to slide the pan underneath.
To lift the water heater, you can use a jack. Position the jack so that you can still slide the new pan in. Loop a ratchet strap under the backside 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. Be sure to check the strap to ensure it does not put pressure on the drain valve or any other items that might damage the water heater.
Once the water heater is up about 3", you should be able to slide the pan through the side of the opening. Position the pan so that the pan drain opening is oriented correctly with where you want it, referencing the water heater, not the floor. If you need to rotate the water heater once you set it down, the pan will most likely rotate with the water heater.
Alternatively, you can tip the water heater towards you and "walk" it away from you so you can get the back legs up onto the wood behind the pan. Then, straighten it up and have a helper slide the pan into the circle. Then, tip the heater towards you again, resting the front legs in the pan, and walk it towards you until you can straighten it up and have all four legs in the pan.
Cast Iron Pans: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Re-attach the water heater and pan's piping
Re-attaching the water heater and the new pan's piping is the final step in installing a drain pan under your existing water heater. Before you can do this, you must drain the water heater of all water and remove all plumbing, gas, and vent connections.
To re-attach the water heater and the new pan's piping, first, use a jack to lift the water heater about 3" off the ground. This will allow you to slide the pan through the side of the opening and position the pan drain opening correctly.
Next, set the water heater down into the pan and remove the jack. You may need to gently rock or jiggle the water heater to get it, the pan, and the pan's drain centered and aligned.
Finally, re-attach the water heater and the new pan's piping. Shark-Bite type fittings are perfect for water heaters.
Please note that this process may be challenging and it is recommended that you enlist some helpers, especially when lifting and moving the water heater.
Hot Pot's Thinly Sliced Beef: A Costly Comfort
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
To replace a gas water heater drain pan, you must first drain the water heater of all water and disconnect all plumbing, gas, and vent connections. You should then place a jack underneath the water heater, ensuring that the strap does not put pressure on the drain valve. Lift the water heater with the jack and slide the new pan underneath. Rotate the water heater to position the pan's drain opening correctly, and then set the water heater down into the pan.
If your water heater is in a closet, you may need to cut the sidewall of the closet to access the water heater. Alternatively, you can cut sheets of plywood or particleboard to size, stack them, and place them underneath the water heater. You can then cut out a circle in the sheets slightly larger than the diameter of the drain pan and slide the pan through.
Drain pans are typically made of aluminum or plastic. Aluminum pans are more durable but plastic pans are easier to handle and install. For gas water heaters, you must use an aluminum pan.
You should check the state of your drain pan about once a year. If you notice any degradation of the pan, such as cracks, scaling, or holes, you should have it checked by a professional for possible repair or replacement.
