How to Shut Off a Water Heater Spigot Leak, How to Drain the Carburetor Bowl on a Lawn Mower for the End of the Season, Water Heater Repair Guide: Water Heater Drain Valve, Water Heater Timer: How to Replace a Water Heater Drain Valve, Beautiful houseplants that also repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests, How to Get Limescale Out of Water Heaters, How to Troubleshoot a Leak From the Drain Valve on an Electric Water Heater. The main purpose of my writing is to share my experiences of helping others. HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. As you unscrew it, the fixture may begin to leak profusely, but the leaks may quickly clog with lime particles. Can You Replace The Carpet In RV Slide-Outs? For this, apply commercial WD-40 cleaner around it. It includes lime, calcium, etc. The drain valve in the water heater is used to remove residual build-up inside the drain. Don't like running with that much water in the tank. I am surprised you don't have a valve for each of the hot and cold water lines next to each other. Screw counter clock wise and have 10-15 5 gallon buckets on stand by..,,.
Will post a photo if I am allowed. What You Should Know About RV Foggy Window Repair. Attach hose to drain valve Open drain valve and let run until it air locks Or as close as you can get it.. Make sure there is no pressure coming through the valve by placing your finger over the hose and feel for pressure build.. Thank you, boys. Also, fixing a leaky drain valve of the water heater will cost approximately $50. You know, maybe I am confusing the two valves that are side by side. Come join the discussion about the industry, safety, finishing, tools, machinery, projects, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! This will eliminate the negative pressure in the tank and allow it to drain. Heat Exhaustion Symptoms To Look Out For While RVi How To Find Seasonal Jobs For Full Time RVers, Alexandria Shooting Park and RV Campground, 10 Best Bozeman RV Parks & Campgrounds, Affordable RVing Solutions That Can Save You Money. Powered by Invision Community. Then take a flat tip screwdriver and take the notched portion of the threads out. Close the hot water tap once the flow is established. That drawing will show exactly where the fresh water tank is, and the location of all the fresh water low point drains. Turn off the valve and attach a faucet to the drain hose. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Alternatively, you can flush off the pipe with white vinegar and baking soda to help it work properly. It is recommended to inspect the rod once a year to keep the tank safe from rust. Once the draining stops, remove the hose. While you have it off, if it doesn't drain (may not much sort of like a straw with your finger over the top (assuming you close the inlet supply), you could take something and poke through the crud to help loosen it and let it drain. Resume the power to the heater, including the gas supply. Repeatedly stepping on the hose and forcing air back into the tank after each clogging episode will eventually drain the tank, but it may take more time to do this than it is worth. You can replace the water heater drain valve with a few DIY steps without draining. That will take you to the owners link. mmoore5553, A stuck drain valve of the water heater will clog the draining system. OR a broken / corroded Cold Water Input Dip Tube /Anode, His is a gas water heater. On my rig (only one year newer than yours), one is red and one is blue (hot and cold). Place a pipe wrench into the drain valve body and turn it off slowly. I wanted to replace the plastic drain valve with a new metal valve. Alternatively, turn the gas valve until the valve sits perpendicular along the gas pipe. The standard drain valve size for a water heater is inches. You will need to replace the water heater drain valve after removing the older one. Yalanovsky also writes a bimonthly column that provides home improvement advice. Yes, you can, but it is recommended only if the heater is located in places such as a garage, basement, or any other room with a drain and where a potential leak cant damage the property. Note: Dont be surprised if you see debris coming out of the drain valve. Crawling under the house to deal with the well pump has led me to take a look at the water heater. If the drain valve isnt stuck, you can easily drain the water heater with this technique. Open the pressure-relief valve on top of the water heater.
For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. All generalizations are wrong, including this one. Trying to drain our tank on our 2010 Thor Four Winds 21c and can't find this either. Use a two-sided female coupling washer hose for this task. The water will begin to drain, but it also may plug back up quickly. Fill out the form with your identification information, the year, make, model, and VIN of your Thor RV and in the comments section ask them for fresh water plumbing drawing for your specific VIN. It's a piece of shite compared to a good Appliance Repair Training Webinar Recordings. we have difficulties or split them -. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners. Step firmly onto the drain hose, about 2 feet from the water tank. Alternatively, you can pour baking soda and white vinegar inside the pipe and flush it off with hot water after a few minutes. Thus, it is safe to say that all water heater drain valves come in the same size. We drain water heaters to remove debris, such as sediment buildup and rust, or when replacing some parts. I think the photo is attached to this but I don't see it.. You may follow our steps to open and remove the stuck valve. Motorhome Generator Troubleshooting Tips And Trick A Guide To RV Slide-Out Water Damage Repair. Observe to see whether it has been damaged due to corrosion, or residual development. How does a drain back valve / Bleeder Orifice work on a foot valve water pump system which might have air leaks? The one to drain the lines works fine. Determine whether or not the valve is actually clogged. Nonetheless, it can be tricky, so you must be cautious to avoid damage to the plastic valve, or else you need to replace it. Recommendations on tank/tankless replacement. Then click the "Contact Customer Care" button. It doesnt require any special skills or tools.
Learn how to troubleshoot using schematics like a real tech MASTER SAMURAI TECH The drain valve can be easily replaced, so if it is damaged, get the one made of brass, which is more reliable and can last longer. Turn off the water heater at the breaker panel. When the valve is completely off, expect a rush of water to pour out of the hole. If the gas water heater has a pilot light, you might have to relight it, using the instructions found on the sticker. Then, you start working and see the drain valve isnt coming off properly. The only problem occured when I loosed the bolt enough so that the heating element came out like a bullet leaves a gun. Unfortunately, the hot water heater drain plug, which has some rust on it, is stuck. But it is not turning. At this point, it might seem that draining the water heater is easy. Home | Sitemap | What's new |Privacy | Disclaimer | Contact, Copyright. Allow the tank to cool for 24 hours before attempting this. Turn on the drain valve to allow the pressure from the hose to flow into the water tank and unblock any deposits in the valve. I was going to drain it because I doubt the previous owners of the house ever did. Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to I bought the Thor and the fresh water tank is 2/3 full. A washer hose will thread onto the end of a drain hose and it will also thread onto a standard garden faucet nozzle or a washtub faucet. You can then unthread it with your screwdriver. Note: Water from the tank might be hot, so be careful as you might get scalded. Before you mount the new valve, wrap its threads with Teflon tape. Usually, minerals in the water will slowly develop around the draining pipe and the valve. Happy Christmasleaking water heater! Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice. Make sure that the valve is in the closed position so you can fill the tank. So, step on the drain hose of the heater. WD-40 probably won't help. Usually, a drain valve will cost you around $50 to $200. It forces the drain valve to stop moving and working. Now, pry it off from the attached point. Then, you may start working with the stuck water heater valve. Swirl the screwdriver around and pull it out. My indirect hot water tank is overheating due to the way it was plumbed, looking for advice. The one to drain the fresh water tank is stuck closed and I can not seem to budge it. I'm afraid to wail on it for fear of breaking it. Take a new valve and put some Teflon tape or a pipe sealer on its threads. However, you must replace the drain valve after removing it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Disconnecting water heater from LP and plugging shutoff valve. If the water heater drain valve is damaged, you need to replace it. You must turn off the water heater before attempting to unclog the heater. If the drain begins to run clean and clear, the problem is solved. The only problem occured when I loosed the bolt enough so that the heating element came out like a bullet leaves a gun. Before proceeding, ensure you have turned off the water supply line. These affiliate advertising programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to specific sites. After that, you might connect the drain hose to drain the heater once again. It is found on both electric and gas type; it has two threaded ends (typical size of ), one to screw it into the heater and the other to attach the garden hose (for draining). You might try back flushing the water heater to drain it. If you can't un-screw the valve then you should be able to just cut it off and then cut the threads in 2 spots on the inside with a dougy saw. crusted stuff. Imagine you have decided to clean and flush off the draining pipe of the water heater. There will still be some water coming out most often, so use a bucket to collect it. Does anyone have any suggestions on how they solved this problem? DISCLOSURE: We may earn a commission when you use one of our coupons/links to make a purchase. brought ithome to do Decided to drain the water heaters today, as I'm near certain that the Don't you use a garden hose to DRAIN the water heater? So, continue reading the article if you have issues with the water heater drainage. I saw the photo, and I would still guess they are low point drains for the hot-cold water lines. Put a new valve in the provided hole of the heater, and make sure to tighten it enough to prevent leaking. During this time, you need to move to the next method. reservedhome-water-heater.com is a participant in the Amazon To let the shower drain work effectively, the, Bathroom sink drain leaking around threads is caused by different reasons, including loose sealing between thread and pipe, open drain, or drain damage. When the water heater is drained out, take advantage and inspect a dip tube and anode rod, and replace it if necessary. So, the residues will force the drain valve from moving properly. I am James Martin, An professional plumber with more than 16 years of experience. Old water heater, plastic drain valve, inside house, how to drain? To avoid the pressure buildup, you can also open the. Water Heater Drain Valve Stuck: The Possible Reasons and Solutions. Rust and corrosion cause the damage. I would hate to break it off. I didn't see a intro. I own a 2010 Thor Chateau 21C. This is an independent, unofficial site. All rights The valve that is stuck closed is on the left. If there is no lime, calcium or iron buildup in the water heater, the water will drain easily from the valve. Turn off the power to your water heater on the electric panel and breaker. When you see the water heater drain valve stuck, you dont need to be panicked. Turn off the water supply on the shutoff valve near the heater. provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated The only thing you could do is remove the residues from the stuck drain valve. You must log in or register to reply here. Now insert and mount the new drain valve. Some experts recommend using the wire coat hanger to loosen the debris by inserting it into the valve and moving it in a circular motion. He specializes in do-it-yourself projects, household and auto maintenance and property management. I've tried WD40 but it won't budge. Go RVing In Virginia: Bethpage Camp-Resort & G How To Stay Cool In Your RV This Fourth Of July, Summer In The Midwest: Visit A Yogi Bear Park, Prevent RV Fuel Anxiety by Planning Ahead. Any solutions would be appreciated. Thank you FW28z for the information. You need a bigger wrench, like a 24" or 36". This will force an air bubble back into the tank and will temporarily unclog the valve if there is a lime scale or other debris-related clog. WD-40 spray probably wont help in this situation. I have an installation guide for a tankless hot water heater. A blocked shower drain or slow flow of wastewater through the drain is not what we expect. You need to create an air bubble inside the tank to drain it forcefully.
It looks like you're using an ad blocker. To get advice in here you have to post a introduction so we know who you are. If you find the rod depleted by 1/2 of its volume or more, it is time to replace it. So does that change anything, look at that , it is gas , i never really looked at the photo before, yes draining the rust may restore the hot water, did you try turning off the flame for a day or so to let the tank cool down , this may release the plastic and let you turn the valve, there is another way , but it requires a little work, some fittings and air compressor, remove the in and output of the water heater from the house plumbing, use fittings to connect a garden hose to the input (cold) of the water heater, carefully pump a little air at a time into the hot water output, the water should leave out the garden hose, it should be light enough to take outside and remove that old plastic drain valve and replace it with a good metal one, it's work, but sometimes real work is the only way to get something done, I would change the valve without draining, turn it off, allow to cool, shut off supply, get new valve ready! What is a drain valve, and what are the main reasons for its replacement? You may use a draining snake or auger, to unclog the pipe. The rod is submerged in the water, and due to the aggressive water action is eaten away over time. Usually, lime, calcium, and mineral residues will develop around the drain valve. Trust me i have broken one off the old water heater before. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. You may see lime development at the mouth of the valve after removing it. Attach a drain hose if the drain valve is not within close proximity to a drain. The valve is made of plastic, usually present on the economy models, or brass found on more expensive units. However, if there is buildup, chunks of it can jam the opening and impede the flow of water to such an extent that it won't drain at all. Also, the water heater plastic drain valve will get damaged more than the metal ones. It helps the water heater drain with the negative pressure not inside the tank anymore. Open the drain valve and begin to drain the tank. You will use it to repair the drainage, and replace the damaged valve. Once the washer hose is attached to a faucet and the drain hose, turn the faucet on and allow pressure to build up into the hose. Be careful not to damage the metal threads on the heater. It will help you clean the debris from inside the pipe also.
It connects the valve with the nearest draining spot such as floor drain. Just make sure your main valve and your water heater shut off are off by turning all the way counter clockwise till it stops. Alternatively, turn on a hot water faucet. At the very top in the Blue border click the word "Owners." Learn when, why, and how to replace a drain valve on a water heater. A water heater should be off and water inside the tank cool. A drain valve is a convenience feature on a water heater. The valves can come with the handgrip handle or screw head to open or close. Attach one end of the garden hose to the drain valve and run the other end to the nearest drain or outside if possible. Would spraying inside the spigot with WD40 help or would that just eat away the plastic? You will need to remove the stuck drain valve first. Thus, there will be a vacuum inside the heater, and water wont drip from it. Draining tips. You're a bunch of unrecognized geniuses. Here is the value. Stick with the plastic valve.
Insert a screwdriver into the drain hole from which the valve has been removed. Open the drain valve using the screwdriver if it uses the screw handle, or rotate the handle. FAQs | Repair Videos | Academy | Newsletter | Contact, By JavaScript is disabled. I'd think about shutting the WH off, letting it cool, and then just try to unscrew the whole valve and replace with a decent one. The only time it will be used is when draining for repairs, when it is being discarded or when flushing the lime scale out with a hose. Did you ever figure this out? Water is life. Maybe they are hot and cold. The clog may promptly return after a few minutes if the tank is full of debris. Yeah, I forgot to release the pressure this year and soaked myself good! If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. Is It Possible For Washing Machine Drains Into Sink? Any suggestions? You need to repeat it multiple times to unclog the drain. And if you use a ball valve, it will facilitate We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You need to observe why the water heater isnt draining. It is Hi all,I posted a message earlier this morning about my A/C drain clogged,but a Should I put a back flow preventer or check valve on the water inlet on a water ok I went to sears and got a 40 gallon gas water heater. When the valve gets stuck and eventually clogged, you need to unclog it. Can You Use 1 1/2 Pipe For Shower Drain? Pumps and Tanks Well Forum & Blog. This is an independent, unofficial site. How can i get the drain valve unstuck as i do not want to break it off. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. Go to the Thor motorhome website. When you see the water heater drain valve wont come off easily, you can replace it. However, you cant always drain the clogged water heater as easily as this Method 1.. Required fields are marked *. If you want to avoid the hassle of calling a plumber, buying a new valve, and the entire process described in the above step-by-step guide, try first to tighten the valve using the adjustable wrench. Connect the wrench with the valve and start turning it gradually. I have found where the water tank drain valve is but it is stuck closed. If your water heater is heavily affected by the hard water condition and excessive sediment buildup, and the drain valve is stuck and clogged or even broken, you might have to use some tools to unclogged it or remove it. If the water still trickles out, the valve is clogged. Your email address will not be published. One to drain the lines and one to drain the tank. Then, wait for 24 hours to allow the heater to cool off properly.
Replacing a drain valve is an easy DIY job. Hold on to the valve with the wrench. We will show you ways to replace the water heater drain valve without draining. However, the draining may also stop quickly if the lime deposits are severe and clog the drain hole.
Will post a photo if I am allowed. What You Should Know About RV Foggy Window Repair. Attach hose to drain valve Open drain valve and let run until it air locks Or as close as you can get it.. Make sure there is no pressure coming through the valve by placing your finger over the hose and feel for pressure build.. Thank you, boys. Also, fixing a leaky drain valve of the water heater will cost approximately $50. You know, maybe I am confusing the two valves that are side by side. Come join the discussion about the industry, safety, finishing, tools, machinery, projects, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! This will eliminate the negative pressure in the tank and allow it to drain. Heat Exhaustion Symptoms To Look Out For While RVi How To Find Seasonal Jobs For Full Time RVers, Alexandria Shooting Park and RV Campground, 10 Best Bozeman RV Parks & Campgrounds, Affordable RVing Solutions That Can Save You Money. Powered by Invision Community. Then take a flat tip screwdriver and take the notched portion of the threads out. Close the hot water tap once the flow is established. That drawing will show exactly where the fresh water tank is, and the location of all the fresh water low point drains. Turn off the valve and attach a faucet to the drain hose. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Alternatively, you can flush off the pipe with white vinegar and baking soda to help it work properly. It is recommended to inspect the rod once a year to keep the tank safe from rust. Once the draining stops, remove the hose. While you have it off, if it doesn't drain (may not much sort of like a straw with your finger over the top (assuming you close the inlet supply), you could take something and poke through the crud to help loosen it and let it drain. Resume the power to the heater, including the gas supply. Repeatedly stepping on the hose and forcing air back into the tank after each clogging episode will eventually drain the tank, but it may take more time to do this than it is worth. You can replace the water heater drain valve with a few DIY steps without draining. That will take you to the owners link. mmoore5553, A stuck drain valve of the water heater will clog the draining system. OR a broken / corroded Cold Water Input Dip Tube /Anode, His is a gas water heater. On my rig (only one year newer than yours), one is red and one is blue (hot and cold). Place a pipe wrench into the drain valve body and turn it off slowly. I wanted to replace the plastic drain valve with a new metal valve. Alternatively, turn the gas valve until the valve sits perpendicular along the gas pipe. The standard drain valve size for a water heater is inches. You will need to replace the water heater drain valve after removing the older one. Yalanovsky also writes a bimonthly column that provides home improvement advice. Yes, you can, but it is recommended only if the heater is located in places such as a garage, basement, or any other room with a drain and where a potential leak cant damage the property. Note: Dont be surprised if you see debris coming out of the drain valve. Crawling under the house to deal with the well pump has led me to take a look at the water heater. If the drain valve isnt stuck, you can easily drain the water heater with this technique. Open the pressure-relief valve on top of the water heater.
For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. All generalizations are wrong, including this one. Trying to drain our tank on our 2010 Thor Four Winds 21c and can't find this either. Use a two-sided female coupling washer hose for this task. The water will begin to drain, but it also may plug back up quickly. Fill out the form with your identification information, the year, make, model, and VIN of your Thor RV and in the comments section ask them for fresh water plumbing drawing for your specific VIN. It's a piece of shite compared to a good Appliance Repair Training Webinar Recordings. we have difficulties or split them -. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners. Step firmly onto the drain hose, about 2 feet from the water tank. Alternatively, you can pour baking soda and white vinegar inside the pipe and flush it off with hot water after a few minutes. Thus, it is safe to say that all water heater drain valves come in the same size. We drain water heaters to remove debris, such as sediment buildup and rust, or when replacing some parts. I think the photo is attached to this but I don't see it.. You may follow our steps to open and remove the stuck valve. Motorhome Generator Troubleshooting Tips And Trick A Guide To RV Slide-Out Water Damage Repair. Observe to see whether it has been damaged due to corrosion, or residual development. How does a drain back valve / Bleeder Orifice work on a foot valve water pump system which might have air leaks? The one to drain the lines works fine. Determine whether or not the valve is actually clogged. Nonetheless, it can be tricky, so you must be cautious to avoid damage to the plastic valve, or else you need to replace it. Recommendations on tank/tankless replacement. Then click the "Contact Customer Care" button. It doesnt require any special skills or tools.
Learn how to troubleshoot using schematics like a real tech MASTER SAMURAI TECH The drain valve can be easily replaced, so if it is damaged, get the one made of brass, which is more reliable and can last longer. Turn off the water heater at the breaker panel. When the valve is completely off, expect a rush of water to pour out of the hole. If the gas water heater has a pilot light, you might have to relight it, using the instructions found on the sticker. Then, you start working and see the drain valve isnt coming off properly. The only problem occured when I loosed the bolt enough so that the heating element came out like a bullet leaves a gun. Unfortunately, the hot water heater drain plug, which has some rust on it, is stuck. But it is not turning. At this point, it might seem that draining the water heater is easy. Home | Sitemap | What's new |Privacy | Disclaimer | Contact, Copyright. Allow the tank to cool for 24 hours before attempting this. Turn on the drain valve to allow the pressure from the hose to flow into the water tank and unblock any deposits in the valve. I was going to drain it because I doubt the previous owners of the house ever did. Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to I bought the Thor and the fresh water tank is 2/3 full. A washer hose will thread onto the end of a drain hose and it will also thread onto a standard garden faucet nozzle or a washtub faucet. You can then unthread it with your screwdriver. Note: Water from the tank might be hot, so be careful as you might get scalded. Before you mount the new valve, wrap its threads with Teflon tape. Usually, minerals in the water will slowly develop around the draining pipe and the valve. Happy Christmasleaking water heater! Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice. Make sure that the valve is in the closed position so you can fill the tank. So, step on the drain hose of the heater. WD-40 probably won't help. Usually, a drain valve will cost you around $50 to $200. It forces the drain valve to stop moving and working. Now, pry it off from the attached point. Then, you may start working with the stuck water heater valve. Swirl the screwdriver around and pull it out. My indirect hot water tank is overheating due to the way it was plumbed, looking for advice. The one to drain the fresh water tank is stuck closed and I can not seem to budge it. I'm afraid to wail on it for fear of breaking it. Take a new valve and put some Teflon tape or a pipe sealer on its threads. However, you must replace the drain valve after removing it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Disconnecting water heater from LP and plugging shutoff valve. If the water heater drain valve is damaged, you need to replace it. You must turn off the water heater before attempting to unclog the heater. If the drain begins to run clean and clear, the problem is solved. The only problem occured when I loosed the bolt enough so that the heating element came out like a bullet leaves a gun. Before proceeding, ensure you have turned off the water supply line. These affiliate advertising programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to specific sites. After that, you might connect the drain hose to drain the heater once again. It is found on both electric and gas type; it has two threaded ends (typical size of ), one to screw it into the heater and the other to attach the garden hose (for draining). You might try back flushing the water heater to drain it. If you can't un-screw the valve then you should be able to just cut it off and then cut the threads in 2 spots on the inside with a dougy saw. crusted stuff. Imagine you have decided to clean and flush off the draining pipe of the water heater. There will still be some water coming out most often, so use a bucket to collect it. Does anyone have any suggestions on how they solved this problem? DISCLOSURE: We may earn a commission when you use one of our coupons/links to make a purchase. brought ithome to do Decided to drain the water heaters today, as I'm near certain that the Don't you use a garden hose to DRAIN the water heater? So, continue reading the article if you have issues with the water heater drainage. I saw the photo, and I would still guess they are low point drains for the hot-cold water lines. Put a new valve in the provided hole of the heater, and make sure to tighten it enough to prevent leaking. During this time, you need to move to the next method. reservedhome-water-heater.com is a participant in the Amazon To let the shower drain work effectively, the, Bathroom sink drain leaking around threads is caused by different reasons, including loose sealing between thread and pipe, open drain, or drain damage. When the water heater is drained out, take advantage and inspect a dip tube and anode rod, and replace it if necessary. So, the residues will force the drain valve from moving properly. I am James Martin, An professional plumber with more than 16 years of experience. Old water heater, plastic drain valve, inside house, how to drain? To avoid the pressure buildup, you can also open the. Water Heater Drain Valve Stuck: The Possible Reasons and Solutions. Rust and corrosion cause the damage. I would hate to break it off. I didn't see a intro. I own a 2010 Thor Chateau 21C. This is an independent, unofficial site. All rights The valve that is stuck closed is on the left. If there is no lime, calcium or iron buildup in the water heater, the water will drain easily from the valve. Turn off the power to your water heater on the electric panel and breaker. When you see the water heater drain valve stuck, you dont need to be panicked. Turn off the water supply on the shutoff valve near the heater. provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated The only thing you could do is remove the residues from the stuck drain valve. You must log in or register to reply here. Now insert and mount the new drain valve. Some experts recommend using the wire coat hanger to loosen the debris by inserting it into the valve and moving it in a circular motion. He specializes in do-it-yourself projects, household and auto maintenance and property management. I've tried WD40 but it won't budge. Go RVing In Virginia: Bethpage Camp-Resort & G How To Stay Cool In Your RV This Fourth Of July, Summer In The Midwest: Visit A Yogi Bear Park, Prevent RV Fuel Anxiety by Planning Ahead. Any solutions would be appreciated. Thank you FW28z for the information. You need a bigger wrench, like a 24" or 36". This will force an air bubble back into the tank and will temporarily unclog the valve if there is a lime scale or other debris-related clog. WD-40 spray probably wont help in this situation. I have an installation guide for a tankless hot water heater. A blocked shower drain or slow flow of wastewater through the drain is not what we expect. You need to create an air bubble inside the tank to drain it forcefully.
It looks like you're using an ad blocker. To get advice in here you have to post a introduction so we know who you are. If you find the rod depleted by 1/2 of its volume or more, it is time to replace it. So does that change anything, look at that , it is gas , i never really looked at the photo before, yes draining the rust may restore the hot water, did you try turning off the flame for a day or so to let the tank cool down , this may release the plastic and let you turn the valve, there is another way , but it requires a little work, some fittings and air compressor, remove the in and output of the water heater from the house plumbing, use fittings to connect a garden hose to the input (cold) of the water heater, carefully pump a little air at a time into the hot water output, the water should leave out the garden hose, it should be light enough to take outside and remove that old plastic drain valve and replace it with a good metal one, it's work, but sometimes real work is the only way to get something done, I would change the valve without draining, turn it off, allow to cool, shut off supply, get new valve ready! What is a drain valve, and what are the main reasons for its replacement? You may use a draining snake or auger, to unclog the pipe. The rod is submerged in the water, and due to the aggressive water action is eaten away over time. Usually, lime, calcium, and mineral residues will develop around the drain valve. Trust me i have broken one off the old water heater before. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. You may see lime development at the mouth of the valve after removing it. Attach a drain hose if the drain valve is not within close proximity to a drain. The valve is made of plastic, usually present on the economy models, or brass found on more expensive units. However, if there is buildup, chunks of it can jam the opening and impede the flow of water to such an extent that it won't drain at all. Also, the water heater plastic drain valve will get damaged more than the metal ones. It helps the water heater drain with the negative pressure not inside the tank anymore. Open the drain valve and begin to drain the tank. You will use it to repair the drainage, and replace the damaged valve. Once the washer hose is attached to a faucet and the drain hose, turn the faucet on and allow pressure to build up into the hose. Be careful not to damage the metal threads on the heater. It will help you clean the debris from inside the pipe also.
It connects the valve with the nearest draining spot such as floor drain. Just make sure your main valve and your water heater shut off are off by turning all the way counter clockwise till it stops. Alternatively, turn on a hot water faucet. At the very top in the Blue border click the word "Owners." Learn when, why, and how to replace a drain valve on a water heater. A water heater should be off and water inside the tank cool. A drain valve is a convenience feature on a water heater. The valves can come with the handgrip handle or screw head to open or close. Attach one end of the garden hose to the drain valve and run the other end to the nearest drain or outside if possible. Would spraying inside the spigot with WD40 help or would that just eat away the plastic? You will need to remove the stuck drain valve first. Thus, there will be a vacuum inside the heater, and water wont drip from it. Draining tips. You're a bunch of unrecognized geniuses. Here is the value. Stick with the plastic valve.
Insert a screwdriver into the drain hole from which the valve has been removed. Open the drain valve using the screwdriver if it uses the screw handle, or rotate the handle. FAQs | Repair Videos | Academy | Newsletter | Contact, By JavaScript is disabled. I'd think about shutting the WH off, letting it cool, and then just try to unscrew the whole valve and replace with a decent one. The only time it will be used is when draining for repairs, when it is being discarded or when flushing the lime scale out with a hose. Did you ever figure this out? Water is life. Maybe they are hot and cold. The clog may promptly return after a few minutes if the tank is full of debris. Yeah, I forgot to release the pressure this year and soaked myself good! If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. Is It Possible For Washing Machine Drains Into Sink? Any suggestions? You need to repeat it multiple times to unclog the drain. And if you use a ball valve, it will facilitate We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You need to observe why the water heater isnt draining. It is Hi all,I posted a message earlier this morning about my A/C drain clogged,but a Should I put a back flow preventer or check valve on the water inlet on a water ok I went to sears and got a 40 gallon gas water heater. When the valve gets stuck and eventually clogged, you need to unclog it. Can You Use 1 1/2 Pipe For Shower Drain? Pumps and Tanks Well Forum & Blog. This is an independent, unofficial site. How can i get the drain valve unstuck as i do not want to break it off. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. Go to the Thor motorhome website. When you see the water heater drain valve wont come off easily, you can replace it. However, you cant always drain the clogged water heater as easily as this Method 1.. Required fields are marked *. If you want to avoid the hassle of calling a plumber, buying a new valve, and the entire process described in the above step-by-step guide, try first to tighten the valve using the adjustable wrench. Connect the wrench with the valve and start turning it gradually. I have found where the water tank drain valve is but it is stuck closed. If your water heater is heavily affected by the hard water condition and excessive sediment buildup, and the drain valve is stuck and clogged or even broken, you might have to use some tools to unclogged it or remove it. If the water still trickles out, the valve is clogged. Your email address will not be published. One to drain the lines and one to drain the tank. Then, wait for 24 hours to allow the heater to cool off properly.
Replacing a drain valve is an easy DIY job. Hold on to the valve with the wrench. We will show you ways to replace the water heater drain valve without draining. However, the draining may also stop quickly if the lime deposits are severe and clog the drain hole.