Tillie Doyle
Water heater drain pans are designed to collect water that may escape due to leaks or overflow. They play a crucial role in plumbing systems, preventing water damage to floors and substructures while redirecting leaking water to a proper drain. Installing a drain pan under an existing water heater can be challenging, and it is generally easier to install one when replacing the water heater. However, it is possible to retrofit a drain pan by first draining the water heater tank and detaching it from plumbing, electricity, and vents. With the water heater raised, a drain pan can be slid underneath, and the water heater can then be lowered into the pan. The pan's piping can then be connected, and the water heater reconnected to the plumbing and vents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to install a drain pan | When installing or replacing a water heater |
| Ease of installation | Not easy, best done when installing or replacing |
| Preparation | Drain the water heater of all water, disconnect plumbing, electricity and vent |
| Tools | Jack, ratchet strap, cardboard, short 2x4, strap |
| Water heater pan materials | Metal (aluminum), plastic |
| Water heater pan advantages | Metal: Durability, ability to withstand high temperatures and impacts; Plastic: Rust-resistant, lightweight, easy to handle and install |
| Water heater pan considerations | For gas water heater installations, use aluminum; for electric heaters and washing machines, use plastic |
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What You'll Learn
Drain the water heater
To retrofit a drain pan under your water heater, you will first need to drain the water heater of all water. This is because you will need to lift the water heater slightly to fit the drain pan underneath.
To drain the water heater, you will need to disconnect the hot and cold supply lines. You will also need to cut off the TPR copper discharge pipe. If you are replacing the water heater, you will need to solder the TPR discharge pipe.
Next, you will need to detach the water heater from plumbing, electricity, and vent. This will allow you to slowly and gently tip and roll the bottom edge of the water heater off its stand. Be careful not to damage any internal components, such as the anode rod and dip tube.
Once the water heater is drained and detached, you can begin the process of installing the drain pan.
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Detach the water heater from plumbing, electricity and vent
To detach a water heater from plumbing, electricity, and vent, you will need to take the following steps:
Firstly, for safety purposes, turn off the unit's power or fuel source. For a gas water heater, close the shut-off valve on the unit's gas supply line. This will usually be found at the bottom of the heater. The valve is typically closed when it is perpendicular to the gas line, but modern gas valves may have a simple "on" and "off" button. Verify that the pilot light goes off before moving forward. For an electric water heater, turn off the power at the circuit breaker and use a multimeter to check that the unit is no longer receiving power.
Next, turn off the incoming water to the water heater. To do this, use the shut-off valve to close the valve permanently. The shut-off valve will be found at the top of the water heater tank on the inlet water supply. The valve will often be red, but it can be other colours.
Now, disconnect the water heater from the electrical wiring. Most water heaters are hard-wired into the electrical system, so you will need to open the electrical junction box access panel and unscrew the wire nuts connecting the two systems. Remember to cap the loose wires with wire nuts.
Then, you will need to remove the hot and cold supply lines. Finally, disconnect the venting and hood. If your water heater has "hard-plumbing", where pipes are welded together at connection points, you will need a plumber to use a saw to disconnect the heater.
Once these steps are completed, your water heater will be fully detached from plumbing, electricity, and vent.
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Place a jack to lift the water heater
To retrofit a drain pan for a water heater, you will need to lift the water heater to place the drain pan underneath. Here is a step-by-step guide for placing a jack to lift the water heater:
Firstly, drain the water heater of all water. Depending on the size of the tank, you may need multiple people to help with lifting. Ensure that the tank is connected to the water supply pipes with flexible hoses, not soldered copper.
Next, place the jack in a position where you can 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. Pull the jack post towards the water heater. Use cardboard between the jack post and the water heater jacket to protect the water heater from any potential damage. Place a short 2x4 below the jack lift to create space between the water heater and the jack.
Now, slowly jack up the water heater, lifting the strap. Ensure that the strap does not put pressure on the drain valve or any other components that might damage the water heater. You can use the side walls of the closet to prevent the water heater from falling over.
Once the water heater is lifted about 3 inches off the ground, you should be able to slide the drain pan underneath. Position the drain pan so that the drain opening is oriented correctly. Now, slowly lower the water heater into the pan and remove the jack.
You can also use specialised tools such as the Hot Rod Hand Truck & Strap Kit or Cinch n' Lift magnetic water heater handles to help with lifting the water heater. These tools are designed to make the task of lifting water heaters safer and more manageable.
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Slide the drain pan underneath
To retrofit a drain pan for a water heater, you will first need to drain the water heater tank of all water. Check that the tank is connected to the water supply pipes with flexible hoses and not soldered copper. If the tank is connected with soldered copper pipes, you will need to replace them with flexible hoses.
Once the tank is empty, you can begin the process of raising it. Place a jack underneath the tank and use a ratchet strap to loop under the backside of the water heater and over the lift part of the jack. Place a piece of cardboard between the jack post and the water heater jacket to protect the heater from damage. Position a short 2x4 below the jack lift to space the water heater away from the jack. Slowly raise the jack, being careful that the strap does not put pressure on the drain valve or any other items that might damage the water heater.
With the water heater raised, you should be able to slide the drain pan underneath 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. You may need to enlist some helpers for this step, as even when empty, a water heater tank will be awkward for two people to lift while a third person slides the pan underneath.
Once the pan is in position, gently lower the water heater into it and remove the jack. Reattach the water heater and the new pan's piping. Shark-Bite type fittings are perfect for water heaters.
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Re-attach the water heater and drain pan piping
Once the drain pan has been successfully slid under the water heater, the next step is to re-attach the water heater and drain pan piping. This can be done by gently rocking or jiggling the water heater to get it, the pan, and the pan's drain centred and aligned. Shark-Bite type fittings are perfect for water heaters.
If you have a water heater with a tank, it is important to drain the tank of all water before attempting to re-attach the piping. This can be done by disconnecting the hot and cold supply lines. If the water supply pipes are soldered copper, it will be much more difficult to drain the tank. Therefore, flexible hoses are preferable.
If you are installing a drain pan under an existing water heater, it may be necessary to detach the water heater from plumbing, electricity, and venting before lifting it and sliding the drain pan underneath. This can be a challenging task, and it may be advisable to enlist some helpers.
If you are unable to drain the water heater of all water, an alternative method is to use a drain pan with a detachable front. This allows you to slide the pan under the water heater without having to lift it completely. Once the pan is in place, you can rotate it so that the detachable side is at the front.
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Frequently asked questions
A water heater drain pan, also known as a drip pan, is a container that sits under your water heater to collect water leaks or overflow. It prevents water damage to floors and substructures by redirecting leaking water to a proper drain.
Water damage can be a costly and dangerous problem, compromising the structural integrity of your residence and promoting mould and mildew growth. A water heater drain pan is a simple yet effective preventive measure.
Metal pans are more durable and can withstand high temperatures and impacts, but they are susceptible to corrosion over time. Plastic pans, on the other hand, do not rust and are lightweight, making them easier to handle and install. For gas water heaters, aluminium pans are a must, whereas plastic pans are only suitable for electric heaters and washing machines.
First, drain the water heater tank and remove the hot and cold supply lines. Cut off the TPR copper discharge pipe and solder it. Disconnect the venting and hood. Measure your water heater's diameter and select a slightly larger pan to allow for a drain fitting. Drain the water heater of all water and detach it from plumbing, electricity, and vent. Use a jack to lift the water heater, then slide the pan underneath, positioning the pan's drain opening correctly. Set the water heater into the pan and remove the jack. Re-attach the water heater and connect the new pan's piping.
Some people suggest cutting off the front of a large-diameter drain pan and sliding it under the water heater, twisting it so that the open end drains water onto the floor rather than towards a wall. However, this may not be effective for a heavy water heater, and it is generally recommended to replace an old water heater and install a new drain pan at the same time.
