How To Replace A Water Heater Drain Valve

[@jojustice8255]

Shannon, I want to thank you for your help!!! I'm a 58 year old grandma and I don't have money to throw away. The drain valve would NOT turn. Finally, after 2 days, it finally rotated. I got the replacement valve in and got the pilot light lit thanks to your video on that. Yep, you saved me lots of money. Thank you!

[@HouseImprovements]

Great job!

[@johnindelicato4620]

Brother, once again you have saved the day. Doing God’s work.

[@M70.00]

I'm here because the plastic valve that came with my Rheem water heater just started leaking. I called Rheem and they sent me a brass one free of charge. My plumber friend said he would come over and change it but i'm tempted to try it myself lol. Thank you Sir for the vid.

[@DLong-wp8su]

Do you have any success replace that plastic valve with the metal one? I just replace my old Rheem with new Rheem water heater tank. The new one is plastic and don't want to break the valve, but will replace it in the future.

[@M70.00]

@@DLong-wp8su Yes, the plumber replaced it. From what I remember, it looked fairly easy to replace.

[@DLong-wp8su]

@@M70.00 I am glad it worked out for you. I heard it does break which hard to remove so I didn't want to take a chance when installed my new tank.

[@10ee]

I have this exact same metal plus plastic valve on an old John Wood hot water heater. After a few times of opening it to drain the tank it just wouldn't shut properly. I've since replaced the end valve with a brass ball valve to reduce the drip, but because of poor sealing it drips about one drop every 20-30 minutes. I'm replacing the whole thing with a new brass 3/4" ball valve using this video as instruction, so thanks for the relaxed, quick, informative presentation. BTW just from how you spoke, I knew you were also Canadian. Thumbs up.

[@m.s.2099]

Thank you so much for this video. I didn't know what to do about our leaking drain valve. In fact, didn't know what it was called. The up close shots are very helpful. Your explanations and instructions were to the point and clear. Big thumbs up from someone who has no knowledge of plumbing. Thank you!

[@chinese244]

AWESOME VIDEO.......thank you very much ! Nice presentation and instruction.....thank you again

[@CJ-Giddyup209]

This is the only video on the planet that showed my type of valve. Thank you

[@digger26]

Thanks for your help! I looked at some other videos but all they showed me was to replace the whole valve. You did as well but, first you talked about opening and closing the valve in case some sediment is caught in it. It seems simple enough but I didn't think of doing it. After watching your video I tried it and it worked! Thank you! One other tip I learned from someone else is that I could just put a brass cap on it as it was such a small drip. That would have been worth a try but your explanation was the best solution. Thanks again, I'll be back to your site.

[@HouseImprovements]

+Marc Whitham Thanks Marc!

[@darkage5]

Man you saved me a ton of research looking for this. My drain seems to contract in the cold weather and gets a steady leak. As soon as the temp comes up, the leak stops.This particular water heater is only 11 years old.

[@madworldusa255]

Love Shannon. He's our families hero.

[@wtffor]

Any time I need an answer on anything at all house related I always find the solution thanks to you and your excellent videos. Thanks yet again for another save as I so appreciate these tutorials and your vast knowledge. The videos are always top notch.

[@HouseImprovements]

+wtffor Thank you

[@KamFoley]

+wtffor - It's his beanie that makes him authentic, as soon as I saw it I knew he was a professional.

[@steveiv9250]

Should of demonstrated with a plastic valve that breaks off. Lol. Cheers Shannon , as usual great video and tutorial.

[@t5vespapx200e]

Thank you. That is exactly the same valve on my water heater. Now I have a good idea what to expect. I plan on replacing with a ball valve.

[@condor5635]

Need to mention to replace it with a better valve. Use a three-quarter inch ball valve and nipple with a 90° handle on it. This will allow easy draining and it will never get clogged like the piece of junk OEM valves. Also don’t forget to open the overpressurization valve which will break the vacuum created when you open the drain at the bottom. That’s essential or the water won’t drain. Lastly don’t turn the gas off just turn the gas control valve switch to pilot. That will prevent the main burner from coming on. Thanks for posting.

[@DoYouLikeThisName]

Would just opening the hot water tap in the house do the same thing?

[@condor5635]

@@DoYouLikeThisName yes it will

[@DoYouLikeThisName]

@@condor5635 Thanks

[@igotstoknow2]

Install a straight 3/4" ball valve and a hose bib fitting on the valve. Put nondrying thread sealer (pipe dope) on the tape for lube and extra sealing.

[@briankim9617]

Shannon, your videos are much better than most other similar water heater videos. Great job!

[@joevandeventer883]

Thanks for these video's. I'll become a homeowner this summer of a lovely fixer upper. Your videos will be vital.

[@robertnewman4105]

I hope all went well at your fixer upper. I've got a bit of one too. Feeling a bit overwhelmed but trying to stay positive and remember I don't have to do everything at once. But I do kind of need running water, and a leaky water heater drain valve is an obstacle to that! lol

[@TrinaBurmeister]

Two years ago my neighbor removed that fitting so that i could vaccum a large amount of mineral crud from the heater. It started getting noisy again so i tried to remove it, it broke and I discovered it was glued into the metal threads with pvc glue or such. I got most of the plastic cut away but the metal threads have that glue and pvc in them. What do you suggest I should do? (Thank you for being the best how to host for diy, I just love your vids)

[@edwardvongerichten6158]

I like watching your videos. Mostly framing and the like since I am a plumber. I offer to replace the drain valve with a brass nipple 3 inches long with a 3/4 inch full port ball valve. Then a 3/4 mip ( male iron pipe) x male hose thread adapter. I charge 45 dollars parts and labor to do it if they do it at time of new water heater install. The emphasis is full port. There are different ball valves that screw on to 3/4 inch iron pipe but ports or openings in valve come in different sizes. The full port is the same diameter as the inside of a nipple. They will not clog with sediment. I actually have had customers call and thank me for the ease of drain with that upgrade installed. People that never drained their heater in the past do not dread it once they have tried it.

[@HouseImprovements]

Edward Von Gerichten That is a great idea, since most factory drains have troubles with sediment as you obviously have realized. Nice tip!

[@Envirotech]

This was the same valve I have on my water heater, thanks for the video! :D

[@grantw.whitwam9948]

Great vid, I never trust ones that make it look too easy. I always find getting the heater drained is sometimes the hardest. I always like to have air available in case, much faster.

[@sgdukerable]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It is very much appreciated.

[@larrymon62]

I use the tub valve first to clean out the lines. If you open a faucet with a screen in it, like a vanity or kitchen, all the sediment runs to that open valve and clogs the screen....adding more work.

[@gearhead0800]

nice job Shannon, Clear and useful information professionally presented. Love the look inside the hot water heater.

[@cesarespinal8151]

This was the best video 👍

[@killyw2634]

Mine is leaking thinking that i did know how to fix it but thanks for this vid great help

[@dynettedavis2321]

great advice , i am gonna try it now . but i find my cold water valve is stuck open ! so now i need another video ,,,danm stuff

[@HouseImprovements]

Not aways as easy as the videos! LOL

[@locutusofborg7122]

BEFORE I put my 40-gallon, electric G.E. in about 10 years ago, I took the plastic, factory drain assembly out with a basin wrench, then threaded a 3 inch long 3/4" NPT nipple into the tank with the basin wrench, then screwed a 3/4 full-port ball valve onto the outside of the nipple, and finally installed a garden hose adapter to the end of the full-port ball valve. Work's like a charm when draining. Proper maintenance should include replacing the dip tube about every 5 years---maximum---and replace the sacraficial anode rod when it's 3/4%---or less---consumed. Be aware that if a sacrificial anode rod has calcified, the anode has become "dead" because the calcification ''insulates" the anode from being consumed as needed.

[@patricks5575]

Locutus of Borg good idea!! Where did you buy the 3” long 3/4” nipple from? I’ve been searching online and they seem tough to find.

[@locutusofborg7122]

@@patricks5575 I bought mine from Lowe's, if I recall correctly; if not Lowe's, it was Home Depot; however, I may have been mistaken and purchased a 4" nipple instead of a 3" one. I don't remember for sure.

[@johnharrington2831]

Thank you for this imfomation so much I been really dreading this project and now I know I can do it Thanks ! Johnny b.

[@SecondComingSigns]

Thank you very much! Especially for the look inside of 40 years old water tank :)

[@HouseImprovements]

+Yegor T Glad you liked it!

[@ngoc-thuynguyen3253]

Hi Sir! I watch the clip showed to flip top valve to release hot water pressure, I did it and found the water running whole night .Is there any problems by the flip? What can I do now? When my husband try to flip it hard so my husband turn back and forth then flip? Water not came out now .Please help

[@buddyhall5330]

Thanks for the video.. just found a puddle in the basement from this leakage

[@seaniyer]

Great video thanks!

[@AstronomyGarage]

We're installing a new water heater this week. It has a plastic valve. I bought a really nice brass ball valve. Any reason not to replace it immediately during installation?

[@HouseImprovements]

Sounds great!

[@Darrel_Owen]

Thanks for putting this together. Looks easy enough to do on a Saturday. :-)

[@HouseImprovements]

give it a try

[@mvernon1979]

Thanks for your vid and the look in the tank to see how it looks inside.

[@Rallysport31]

good video man, i learned something new today, thanks !

[@jaymepaxton797]

Thanks! Shannon, Please can you make a video about the Right size Wiring & Breaker for ALL Water Heaters.

[@cerdafied]

Got exactly what I needed thank you.

[@dalemusec9374]

Great video. Very clear. Thanks much.

[@seancd1979]

Thanks for the helpful information. Really appreciate it.

[@learyrichardgeorge300]

Good video.. thank you..!

[@robertshorthill6836]

I built a Full Port brass ball valve 3/4" FIP with a 3" 3/4 brass nipple on one end and a hose bibb fitting X 3/4 pipe on the other. As soon as I can get the old cheap plastic drain off my tank, I can screw my new drain valve on. I need a self tightening pipe wrench that bites harder the more leverage placed on it.. Amazon for under 30 bucks.

[@juniorgemini8076]

good job 👏

[@nancyfu8375]

Very helpful and detailed, thank you!

[@rafe.7907]

What can i do if the plastic drain valve is old/brittle and i cant turn it with a screwdriver because its breaking apart? Any help is appreciated. Is there another way to empty the tank?

[@frankmontez6853]

Yep got a SLOW leaK after draining it . tried to tighten it including the lil screw holding the turn off valve . Still leaks . It's a plastic one . Will use a rag trying not to break this plastic valve . Will replace with a brass one . Guy told me change it 8-12 years or it becomes inefficient ?? It still heats and theye're expensive a lot more work so I'll hold off on that .

[@cheryltaylor4275]

Thanks

[@wilvertperez]

Thanks for you great information it help me a lot.

[@robdillon2416]

thanks so much helped me alot very great details as well

[@rural_old_dude]

Mine is plastic all the way through and snapped off when I applied pressure, is this one not replaceable? thanks

[@igotstoknow2]

Use a hacksaw blade to cut the plastic drain out without cutting into the metal threads. I had to do it. Replace with a straight 3/4" ball valve and a hose fitting on the valve.

[@Mendelivium2]

Great job again. Thank you.

[@drexasouras1235]

What if the drain valve was leaking water and that water made it's way into the pilot light housing?? How do I get that water out so I can get it dry to start the pilot light. Pilot light was put out from the water leaking out of the drain valve... Please any info would greatly be appreciated

[@madworldusa255]

Could you vacuum out the sediment with a wetvac?

[@thomashorn9152]

What if you have one of those plastic drain. And not the metal one like yours have.what if the plastic drain breaks, while trying to remove.what do you do then.

[@Maxid1]

If I had debris after taking the drain out I'd clean the fitting out and then turn the water back on to flush it out more. Maybe even shoot some air into the water to stir the bottom up.

[@neilwilliams8608]

You can use vinegar (2 gal.) Poor it in and let it set over night, after you drained the tank. Now all you have to do is flush it until clear water comes out. Hope this helps.

[@RunE076]

Neil Williams that’s the stupidest advice you can give

[@igotstoknow2]

@@neilwilliams8608 Vinegar takes many days to soften deposits. Most, if not all, of the sediment is loose.

[@ds99]

I'm amazed that your tank lasted for 40 years. I'm getting my 14 year old tank replaced on April 13th. Cost = $2,160 for a 50 gallon GSW tank. Good luck finding a plumber in Quebec to hook up a gas water heater. Unless you buy the appliance from the plumber they won't touch it. The only alternative is to buy the heater from them at three times the cost and get dinged. This is why people hook them up themselves. Gas is dangerous and I won't go near it, but I understand why some people take it upon themselves to do it. It's a serious situation.

[@HouseImprovements]

Wow, mine was 1300 installed.

[@ds99]

I bought a GSW gas tank at Lowe's and called 16 different places in Gatineau and no one would hook it up for me. Before it was shipped to me I cancelled the order. The best price I got was $1,860 and with QC tax it's $2,160. I called plumbers in Ottawa and most are not licensed in QC. One was and his charge was $1,845. These guys are making a ton of profit. I'd love to make $780,000 per year. I am thinking of getting my gas license. 😃. It's a shear rip off. I'm glad Saskatchewan has more sensible rates.

[@ds99]

Oh the reason I went with the $1860 was because the gas company Gazifere uses these guys to do their hookups. They also told me my black PVC exhaust pipe has to be changed to the white ABS piping due to the black pipe having a tendency to crack. It's a code change. They seem to know what they are doing but charge too much.

[@PaulVerhoeven2]

What if the drain valve itself is plastic? It is stuck so hard when I am trying to unscrew it my wrench crushes the plastic. Any tips?

[@2aminitials]

I had a dripping drain valve that wouldn't seal due to sediment in the valve after doing a maintenance flush. To correct the problem I closed the hot and cold supply valve on the top of the tank, opened the T & P valve, then using a garden hose connected to a washing machine hose (both ends of hose female) I back flushed some water into the water heater. That loosened up the blockage in the valve. Probably against some city code somewhere as the garden hose wasn't sanitary, but I don't drink my hot water. And the water is chlorinated.

[@brianwang598]

very helpful.thanks man!

[@corbon10mm]

Thank You Sir !

[@robdillon2416]

if its leaking can i seal it like you said the tank is good its just leaking around the drain valve

[@terrypavon6885]

Does a water softerner help with that problem???

[@HouseImprovements]

It can help some.

[@CandC68]

When you turn off cold water supply, don't you want to open some house faucets to allow air in to let pipes all drain? Otherwise wont some water be trickling in while you're working?

[@neilwilliams8608]

Yes. Usually the hot water faucet.

[@moneyfilters8706]

Mine is all plastic , no metal part in the drain valve .. will the procedure be same ??

[@HouseImprovements]

Yes it will turn out the same. plastic s sometime brittle so be careful not to break it off.

[@moneyfilters8706]

@@HouseImprovements mine is not leaking and draining just fine.. so may be i shouldn't try to change it correct.. breaking it would be bad day correct

[@neilwilliams8608]

I only have 30" of height from the top of the water heater to the inside of the roof. How can I replace the rod w/o moving the whole water heater? Awesome video. Thanks a lot

[@davepetrakos475]

Neil Williams , Hopefully your plumbing supply has a new style that is 3 piece (numb chuck like) rod. Otherwise, prepare to drain the tank, cut your lines and tip the tank to insert the long rod.

[@Mistergorehound]

Thanks!

[@tennisdave1953]

Nice job, thanks.

[@barryweaver8833]

I have a cheap nylon drain valve on my electric water heater, it doesn't want to turn. Will it unscrew if I get a cheater pipe for leverage on my pipe wrench?

[@fw1421]

What if the valve is one of the plastic ones? Is it possible it will shear off? Is there a metal pipe inside the plastic?

[@HouseImprovements]

It is possible. There is not usually any metal in theses plastic ones.

[@jgehbinv]

I cannot loosen the valve to drain water out in order to replace the valve. That being the case, Is there a way to replace the valve and if so what should I do next?

[@HouseImprovements]

All you could do is turn off the heater completely over night to cool the water, and shut off the supply water valve . You would then have to be prepared to remove the existing valve from the heater knowing water will come out and then install the new valve while water is running out or if you are lucky, catch most water in a container and replace valve once heater is empty. Either way you will have some mess for sure. If this heater has not been drained often or at all I would leave it alone if the valve is not leaking. If the heater is more than 5 yrs old and the valve is not leaking I would leave well enough alone and replace the heater when it needs it.

[@angelicapeterson287]

is it bad if the water that comes out in that white thing is black ?

[@durgaawasthi5304]

where is the location of drain valve

[@WorkHardPlayHardTV-1]

Love our videos Shannon...what state are you in?

[@HouseImprovements]

cosworth2009 I'm in Canada.

[@WorkHardPlayHardTV-1]

Oh wow....I didn't know you were Canadian. Thanks so much to sharing your videos. They have been a great help but it would have been easier to hirer you :-)

[@geojor]

thanks for video...

[@bongo042]

Hello, you mentioned that you used pipe dope/plumbers dope as a sealing agent. Would it make much of a difference if I used Teflon tape? Thanks in advance, for your response..

[@HouseImprovements]

teflon is fine

[@jeansylvain6883]

Good job body you doing okay.

[@SpanisGuitarBest]

muy bueno gracias amigo

[@neilwilliams8608]

What about all the sediment that's at the bottom of the tank? Can I use a vacuum cleaner? I only have 30" of height from the top of the water heater to the inside of the roof. How can I replace the rod w/o moving the whole water heater? Awesome video. Thanks a lot

[@HouseImprovements]

Please use my forum for your questions and we can answer you easily there. www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@neilwilliams8608]

Thank you for your reply. I registered and clicked on new posts but, no explanation of how to post!?

[@jdr03272]

How did you get 40 years out of a hot water heater?

[@HouseImprovements]

crazy I know!

[@dougwilliams44]

Good NOTE! Turn off the PILOT & Heater GAS!

[@chicanopridealvarez1385]

I have question I just installed a new screw type valve and even when the tank drained all the way and the valve was open upon install it is dripping very slow any suggestions I would appreciate it

[@HouseImprovements]

sometimes you get some sediment from the tank in the valve. See if it stops in a day, with a small drip they usually do.

[@DukeLaCrosse20]

I have a similar looking plastic valve, but I cannot turn it at all. The pipe that goes into the tank is pretty rusty. I am concerned that I will break the tank if I torque on it very hard. Is that a valid concern, or are the tanks strong enough to take a lot of torque on that pipe?

[@HouseImprovements]

+DukeLaCrosse20 I would not chance it.

[@jammybiggs8148]

Excellent video. You slightly remind me of Jesse Pinkman from breaking bad. 😂 Sorry, hope that's not a bad thing. I don't think it is.

[@AdrianJayeOnline]

maybe a little tight HUH maybe a lot tight HHHHUHUH ok, hold my beer

[@TivonSanders]

I have a light mist spraying from the drain valve of the heater, from inside the hole where the valve sits. How bad of an issue is this and how quickly should we get it fixed? Thanks in advance.

[@HouseImprovements]

+Tivon Sanders keep an eye on it, if it does not stop by morning turn off the water supply valve to the heater until you can replace it.

[@TivonSanders]

HouseImprovements OK. Thank you for replying.

[@TivonSanders]

OK, so the drain valve was replaced last friday, and the water was turned back on. But now we have a leak coming from the pressure relief valve pipe. The heater has not been on since the leak was discovered. I am aware of the importance and role of the PR valve, but Is the water from the pipe something to worry about?

[@DoYouLikeThisName]

@@TivonSanders The line can leak when hot water is used which puts the thermal expansion into the expansion tank installed on water heaters. If the Expansion tank is bad or low on air pressure it will leak out the PRV line from what i was told. The expansion tank has a air nipple on the top to refill it with air. use a gauge and see if it matches your house water pressure which you can check with another water pressure test gauge at a hose spigot or laundry room hook up spigot ect... There are videos on how to do that as well. Need to turn the cold water off to the water heater and turn the water heater to pilot or vacation mode then open a hot water tap in the house to depressurize the expansion tank to get a true reading of the air pressure in it. This is all from videos i found online.

[@arvindpadhiar3544]

Hi i need your help please , i have a problem with water heater tank, I see some leaking water from base of the valve what to do? thank you.

[@HouseImprovements]

Stop by our forum for individual help @ www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@billylee3570]

l

[@arvindpadhiar3544]

ok thanks

[@humbertosingerman]

gracias!!

[@HouseImprovements]

No problem!

[@kenbrandy]

We just removed a valve and cant screw the new one in b.c of some sort of glue left in there filling the grooves. How could we remive the cement like glue in there

[@TrinaBurmeister]

I asked the same question. What did you end up doing?

[@kenbrandy]

@@TrinaBurmeister my son just ended up pulling it out with pliers

[@efrentaeza3535]

Title of video says how to replace water heater drain valve. I did not see you replace the old drain valve.

[@HouseImprovements]

Then you did not watch the video .

[@karlschwab6437]

Mine is plastic and I'm afraid of breaking it off!

[@roadrunner123]

I had a f*ing plumber tell me that he could not replace that and if he did, it was going to break, blah, blah, blah. So, I replaced an entire water heater because he charged me $169 to put a spigot cap on it and that did not work! Then he told me I could get a new water heater installed etc. for $1200! So, I had these two other guys come out and get a new water heater (that I probably never needed) installed for $850! Now, the water heater released some water from that drain spout because it is probably too hot. I called them up and they would not return my calls. The world is full of assholes wanting only one thing; money! Then you find a nice guy showing you how to change it! I have come to the conclusion, that You Tube is one of the few places where you can still get free advice. I am becoming my own plumber. So far I have done my garbage disposal and the P trap in my kitchen.

[@durgaawasthi5304]

where is location of drain valve a) summits of pipeline b) at BPT c) pipeline d) none of the above

[@joeanderson9852]

👍👍

[@andrewjackson5156]

Last hot water heater lasted 9 years. One before that 18 years. Too many new "gizmos" that are supposed to save this, that and the other thing. In fact they create a great waste.

[@WV591]

too bad in reality none of them come off that easy. some will not even budge and better be left alone.

[@dym2340]

Porfabor alguien podria traducirmelo al español solo quiero saber q funcion cumple

[@TheKelvin065]

dym es para el agua caliente de la casa

[@dckid571]

Gross🤢 never knew what they meant about water heater sediment build up till this video

[@olben1095]

Forty Years Old?!?!

[@sarge420]

Call me and do mine please. Over 15yrs of sediment and difficult getting that Fing valve lose.

[@GaryYoung-eq1ph]

It's plastic get rid of it! Easy 2 strip threads!!