Re: Gas Water Heater Drain
The nylon drain faucet on my 15 year old gas water heater is dripping and I have tried replacing the washer to no avail. I have purchased a new brass water heater drain. Will I open myself up to bigger troubles (heater replacement) If I remove the old drain fixture on a water heater this old? Do old valves normally come out easily? I started to replace the water heater last year but could only find 6 year warranty models with the correct height for venting purposes.
Thanks,
Stan
Replies
I usually replace the stock plastic drain with a full bore ball valve upon installation, but even at 15 years, I see no reason why yours shouldn't come out without a problem. It might take more musckles, just eat more spinach.
Ensure the heater is drained (dah!). Your biggest problem may be getting a decent grip on the old one; they're usually tucked in tight to the heater, and they have a tendency to round over from the wrench jaws, so be careful. Having the heater horizontal works a lot better.
Good luck.
BTW, while the drain valve is off, get a light and see if you can inspect the guts/tank. Around here the heaters fail after 5-10 years, which coinsides with the zinc rod eroding to nothing. Which reminds me, it might be time to replace mine...
Put a full bore ball valve on the drain to facilitate draining in the future, and once a quarter or so, blow down the tank to eliminate the sediment at the bottom.
PS, I am not a plumber, but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn last night. (I always wanted to do that, sorry.)
Edit, FHB Oct/Nov 1997 had an excellent article on heater change out by Peter Hemp. Must read for DIYers. Covers gas and electric.
Edited 2/14/2004 10:21:00 AM ET by NickNuke'em
Turn the heater off several hours before you start. Drain it, then remove the old cock. Be sure to inspect the opening to assure that no crud is in the threads before you install the new cock.
I always carry a couple of brass garden hose caps. That way you don't have to mess with the valve at all. If you actually drain the heater ocasionally as your supposed to just replace the washer in the cap.
I vote for the cap.Good chance the valve will break and then you will have to dig out the plastic inside the tank threads and then screw up the threads.What ever you do, don't start this at 10 pm.Much too hard to find parts or help at that time of night.
As much as I hate to agree with the wrong way to do something especially here where wrong can really get you chastised, I vote the cap. I have changed a half a dozen of these with limited success and it usually is based on age. Older the unit the more brittle the plastic and I have had at least 2 snap off. Also do check at a plumbing supply house for your water heater. A.O. Smith units come in a variety of sizes and with a brass valve. DanT