Clogged drain valve in water heater

Sassyav8r · Feb 10, 2009

Hi guys-

First of all, thanks for all of the past advice and tips. You all are the best.
Secondly, I have a 6 gal. under sink point of use water heater that is
needing replacement. I can't seem to get it drained. I've opened the faucet, hooked up a hose, opened the t&p valve, banged on the side of the drain valve, turned the cold water back on to try and flush the clog, all done in various combinations.
I am at a loss. It is leaking now and I'd like to get it out before it
ruins my hardwood floors. Any suggestions? I'll attempt to load a
photo later.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Sas

SewerRatz · Feb 10, 2009

I have ran into this problem with the 6 gallon units, along with some of them where not even piped with a drain valve. Way I handled it was I opened the union and had my wet vac running the whole time till the tank was empty.

Sponsor · 2022-01-29T12:20:58-0800

Sassyav8r · Feb 10, 2009

Thanks for your reply. I've gotten some of the water out via the t & p valve but am wondering how much it would weigh if I tried to pull it out now. I figured there's probably 5 gal. left weighing approx 9 lbs each and the tank itself full of sediments likely weighing 15, so is 60 lbs. about right?

SewerRatz · Feb 10, 2009

There abouts, I have tanken out full water heaters before. Not the easy way. One thing you could do is try to remove the drain valve. If it snaps off its no biggie, but again have a wet vac handy.

Redwood · Feb 10, 2009

sassyav8r said:
Hi guys-

First of all, thanks for all of the past advice and tips. You all are the best.
Secondly, I have a 6 gal. under sink point of use water heater that is
needing replacement. I can't seem to get it drained. I've opened the faucet, hooked up a hose, opened the t&p valve, banged on the side of the drain valve, turned the cold water back on to try and flush the clog, all done in various combinations.
I am at a loss. It is leaking now and I'd like to get it out before it
ruins my hardwood floors. Any suggestions? I'll attempt to load a
photo later.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Sas

Cut it out and carry it out full.
Be glad it's not an 80 gal. water heater.

Sassyav8r · Feb 10, 2009

That's what I've decided to do if I can't drain it. I'm tired of messing
with the drain valve. I'm very glad it's not an 80 pounder. I'm just a
little 5'4" chick.

Redwood · Feb 10, 2009

sassyav8r said:
That's what I've decided to do if I can't drain it. I'm tired of messing
with the drain valve. I'm very glad it's not an 80 pounder. I'm just a
little 5'4" chick.

Ummm Sassy,
I was talking about being glad it wasn't an 80 gallon water heater.
It would weigh about 850 Lbs. full!

Yours will weigh about 85 Lbs.

Sassyav8r · Feb 10, 2009

LOL, yea, that's what I meant. That's what I get for typing and carrying on a conversation with someone else.

Thanks

hj · Feb 11, 2009

heater

I have NEVER drained a 6 gallon heater before removing it. Just cut or unfasten the pipes depending on whether it is a top or front connected model, the lift it out and let it drain outdoors.

Sassyav8r · Feb 11, 2009

That's exactly what I ended up doing. It wasn't too heavy. Thanks for all the replies. Now I have to figure out what the plumber was thinking when he hooked it up.

Gary Swart · Feb 11, 2009

If you can be more specific about your comment about what the plumber was thinking when he hooked up the old heater, we might be able to offer some help.

hj · Feb 12, 2009

heater

He was probably thinking, "Now all I have to do is get water into the heater and then out to the sinks and I am done." How he did would be unique to EVERY plumber and situation. Why are you asking.

Clogged drain valve in water heater

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