A water heater is a device that stores hot water at a temperature of around 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The water heater is usually located in the basement, which is typically the lowest point in the house.
A water heater may also be located on an upper floor or outside, but it needs to be positioned near an electrical outlet and a cold-water source.
The water heater drain valve is the most important component of the water heater. It regulates the flow of water from the tank to the rest of your home. When it becomes clogged with sediment or minerals, it can lead to various problems, including leaks and corrosion.
Several things can cause a clogged water heater drain valve. The sediment in your home’s pipes may have built up over time and eventually found its way into your water heater. You might have dirt or debris in your tank that has made its way through a crack in the tank’s body or lid, or you could have mineral deposits that are being drawn from hard-water sources such as wells and faucets.
In any case, if you notice that there is an issue with your valve, you should do something about it right away before it causes more problems for you down the line! This article will show you a step-by-step guide on water heater drain valve replacement.
How To Replace A Water Heater Drain Valve?
| Steps | Estimated Time Required | |
| 1 | Turn Off The Power Or Gas | 120 – 180 minutes |
| 2 | Turn The Water Supply Off | 10 – 15 minutes |
| 3 | Drain The Tank | 20 – 60 minutes |
| 4 | Remove The Drain Valve | 10 – 20 minutes |
| 5 | Install The New Drain Valve | 10 – 20 minutes |
| 6 | Fill Up The Water Heater | 20 – 60 minutes |
| 7 | Turn On The Power Or Gas | 10 – 15 minutes |
| 8 | Check For Leakage | 10 – 15 minutes |
Step 1: Turn Off The Power Or Gas
Required Tools
- Safety gloves.
Steps
- Turn off the electricity if you have an electric water heater by turning off the relevant breaker in the home’s electrical service panel.
- If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas by turning the pilot knob to the PILOT setting.
- This will stop the burners from lighting and prevent later restarting of the pilot light. However, it should keep the pilot light burning.
- Or you can stop the gas flow by closing the gas line valve next to the water heater.
- Before draining the tank and reinstalling the drain valve, wait for the water heater to cool down for a few hours.
Step 2: Turn The Water Supply Off
Required Tools
- Safety gloves.
Steps
- Close the valve on the water heater’s supply pipe for cold water.
- Or you can turn off your home’s main water supply valve.
Step 3: Drain The Tank
Required Tools
- Safety gloves.
- Adjustable wrench.
- Construction boots.
- Garden hose.
Steps
- Then attach a garden hose to the water heater’s drain valve, which should then be run to a nearby floor drain or outside.
- Flip the lever to the open position to activate the temperature and pressure relief valve on the top or side of the tank.
- This enables air to enter the tank and avoid suction, which would obstruct draining.
- To start draining the tank, fully open the drain valve.
- When emptying the tank, use precautions because the water can still be hot.
- Close the valves by pushing down its lever and allowing it to spring back to the locked position after letting the tank entirely drain.
Step 4: Remove The Drain Valve
Required Tools
- Safety gloves.
- Adjustable wrench.
Steps
- Take the hose and disconnect it from the drain valve.
- Use the adjustable wrench to turn the drain valve counterclockwise and take it off the tank.
Step 5: Install The New Drain Valve
Required Tools
- Safety gloves.
- Adjustable wrench.
- Plumber’s tape.
Steps
- Use the Plumber’s tape to cover the replacement valve’s threads before screwing it into the tank’s drain port.
- Tighten the valve using your wrench until it is in the same position as the original valve, with the outlet pointing downward.
- Make sure that the valve is shut completely by rotating the handle all the way clockwise.
Step 6: Fill Up The Water Heater
Required Tools
- Safety gloves.
- Adjustable wrench.
Steps
- Open any indoor faucet that has a hot water tap.
- To start filling the water heater’s tank, open the valve on the cold water supply.
- Close the faucet when the tank fills out.
Step 7: Turn On The Power Or Gas
Required Tools
- Safety gloves.
Steps
- For an electric heater, turn on the power and turn the pilot knob to the ON position for a gas heater.
- Restart the pilot by following the manufacturer’s instructions if the water is not heating up.
Step 8: Check For Leakage
Required Tools
- Safety gloves.
Steps
- Check for leaks right away on the new drain valve.
- To ensure the valve is working fine, check periodically until the next day.
Voila! You just saved yourself a few hundred bucks by changing your water heater drain valve without calling out a professional.
7 Additional Tips For Water Heater Maintenance
However, if you do not want to spend your precise time replacing the water heater parts from time to time, it is absolutely necessary to keep up with water heater maintenance.
Here’s how you can keep your water heater in top-notch quality by following 7 simple maintenance tips.
- Never keep your heater on for a longer period of time. Nowadays, water heaters can heat up the water within just 5 minutes. So keeping your water heater on for a long time can reduce the life expectancy of your water heater.
- Choose a lower temperature setting because the water will reach that temperature faster. The heater will need to operate less because of the lower temperature, extending its lifespan.
- Every three years, inspect the anode rod to see if the magnesium coating on the outside has corroded away, exposing 6 inches or more of the inner steel core.
- Inspect the condition of the temperature and pressure release valves by releasing the pressure a few times at least once every year.
- It is always a good idea to use plugs and sockets that are brand new, correctly wired, and plugged in to avoid any electrical short circuits.
- Since metal inlet and outlet pipes are more heat-resistant than the ordinary plastic ones that come with a water heater, using them is always preferable.
- According to experts, you should mount the water heater at least 1.8 meters or 6 feet above the ground. This makes sure that the water pressure is sufficient.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, replacing a water heater drain valve is not easy. However, if you want to replace it, you should prepare the materials and tools and follow the steps mentioned in this article.
Happy Fixing!
FAQ
How much does it cost to replace a drain valve on a water heater?
A water heater drain valve replacement should cost between $100 and $200.
The drain valve used to empty the tank is crucial for regular water heater maintenance.
Can you replace the water heater drain valve without draining?
YES. Turn off the water heater for 12 to 24 hours to allow the water to cool and reduce the danger of burns if you wish to repair the drain valve without draining the tank.
Are all water heater drain valves the same size?
The standard connection size for water heater drain valves is ¾”. So, most of the water heater drain valves come in that particular size.
How long should a water heater valve last?
Every 5 years, homeowners should replace their T&P valves to guarantee that the pressurized or excessively hot water has a clear exit.
A water heater can get over-pressurized, run out of space to store the pressurized water, and burst out if you fail to test the valves.
Why is my water heater drain valve leaking?
Ensure the drain valve is completely closed if you notice water dripping from the bottom of your water heater. If the leak continues, it might be loose.
You can slightly tighten the drain valve with a pipe wrench. It’s crucial to avoid over-tightening the valve because doing so would increase leakage.
