My Water Heater Won't Drain [Fix It With 3 Easy Steps]

[@bradjanzen4973]

I was stuck on this. Thankyou for uploading!

[@loriguidos7014]

Your tips and points answered all my questions about why and what to do about my slow draining tank. God bless you and all who take the time to put together videos and the like to help others out.

[@jmisukan]

Best video I've seen on this process yet.. Only one that solves the "I waited too long"

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Thank you!

[@felehandymancook3994]

I had the same plugged drain valve on my 11 year old 649DORT Reliance 40-Gallon Electric Water Heater. Mostly caused by the complete degradation and totally corrosion of the entire 29" Inches OEM Anode Rod, as it was impossible for me to drain the water tank that was equipped with a plastic drain spout, but I could not introduce a screwdriver on the opening, as the outlet connection to hook up the water drain hose, was at a 90 degrees from the straight pipe coming out of the heater tank. Thus the method to unplug it I use was by using my air compressor with an air hose an air blow gun that I inserted on the end of the drain spout, using about 90psi of air pressure I also I opened the hot water safety relief valve and as I was blowing air into the tank I could hear a weak air hissing sound into the tank that eventually sound like and explosion that pushed out the debris plugging the drain spout and soon after water was draining out the spout and was able to completely drain the entire tank, then I open the cold water and continually rinsing the tank while the water was coming out in a milky color with small particles of the corroded aluminum material and other mineral salts? until the water was clear of debris and clean... I then installed a new Aluminum Anode Rod.. I try to remove the plastic drain spout, to replace it with a metal one that had a larger draining orifice, but the plastic one was too tight and I was afraid that it could break apart if I forced it out, and then I would have even a worst case scenario there, so I leave it like that.

[@jeffreyg.9178]

Great video with clear and concise instruction. Reduced drain time immensely and no video prior mentioned releasing the pressure at the valve. Kudos to you! Had to replace the elements and now fingers are crossed for hot water!

[@joobakins]

Thank you for this! I was unable to drain my water heater until finding this video! 🙏

[@skip5420]

I made a Hot water heater drain valve per your description. I could not prevent the hose from leaking! I found by watching another DYI KZbin video that you need to have a garden hose adapter for the part that the hose attaches to. It is a 3/4 inch MHT X 3/4 inch MIP which is actually called a garden hose adapter.

[@ceejay9663]

Yes, I noted likewise in my comment. Kind of amazing that a professional missed this vital point, since I learned it as a DIY'er years ago.

[@marilynthomas8670]

Thank you This really helped me a lot because my water would not drain out of the tank Thank you so much for making this video ❤❤❤

[@Eladtconsulting]

You answered 6 of my 5 questions, thanks so much.

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Excellent!

[@streetsharksbedfordpoint6.933]

​@@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292is it normal if the bottom of my water heater is hot sometimes?

[@bethguthrie7832]

Great video. And I could listen to your voice all day!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

😊 thanks

[@cmundale]

Thanks! None of the other videos I watched mention “airlock,” which of course is the problem I had. Very helpful!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

cmundale sweet. Glad I was able to help you understand the mechanics of why your water heater wasn’t draining.

[@yesreally7438]

Same here :)

[@rosemarybaker]

I agree! This is the first time it’s been addressed in all the videos I personally have seen. It makes complete sense and I’m so glad I know now. I have horrible hard water. The previous owner never cleaned it. So..... I’ve changed the element 3 times in 6 months. Water softening unit isn’t an option for me yet.

[@tech_dr129]

Thanks so much for this video. I made a custom drain valve per your instructions and it worked! Before that, a local tech tried a shop vac on the old drain. Didn't work. then I ordered a fitting that allows you to blow compressed air into the tank. No good, sent it back. This will save me $$$ when it's time to replace my tank.

[@emach07]

Exactly what I was looking for!! Watched I don't know how many videos now and they all say to turn the gas to pilot or off, turn off the cold water or if none exist turn off the whole water supply. Then turn on a faucet with hot until the water stops coming out. Did all of that and still the only way water would drain out is if I turned the water supply or cold back on. Air locked!! Makes since but I never would have figured it out without your help. Thanks so much!!!

[@emach07]

Oh, btw, when you mentioned the hot water faucet didn't do the trick because it was lower than the hot water heater (which is true) I decided before trying to loosen the hot water hose going upstairs and turning on all the hot water faucets 😁 Did the trick! Thanks again 🙂

[@thesnakecharmer86]

So glad I found this video. Still sprayed myself but I don’t even care. Had a wall of sediment in there. AZ ground water is lousy with minerals. Thank you so much.

[@colbraddock9913]

I've done a lot of water heaters in my life but I learned new tricks everyday and I thank you for being thorough and very explanatory dig your video keep it up I just subscribed thanks again and blessings

[@sj-kp1ks]

Excellent info! I had exactly this problem -- sediment had chocked the drain valve. I had no idea what to do until I saw this video. Keep the pressure on (water inlet open) to push out the sediment through the drain valve. Worked -- thanks!

[@braciole7667]

It's draining now!! Followed your 1rst step using pressure from the incoming water valve. Did that over and over. Probably 5 or 6 times. Along with opening a hot water facet. And then the magic happend! Draining as I type. Thank you so much!!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Magica!

[@debranelson2024]

Thank you! Your advice worked. We had to open a faucet on the floor above the water heater.

[@YourDadVR]

Thank you for this video. I couldn’t figure out why my tank wasn’t draining.

[@jlacher926]

Man, thanks so much for the video. My tank was definitely jammed up with sediment. I wouldn’t have thought to try to flush it out using the pressure. Thanks again!!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad we could help

[@next2pro]

Thank you so much! My water heater seemed to be working fine but only light warm water was coming out. I watched someone else’s video on how to drain my water heater and it was a no go! But your video worked like magic for step 2 for me. Thank you again!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad it helped!

[@ef6820]

Thank you! I also found the pressure relief valve creating a vacuum that was slowing the draining of the tank. Opened it up and boom, success

[@xenomorph7299]

same for me that worked

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

That's great!

[@bradleyrussell1973]

Same effect as opening a valve.

[@brianfletcher8776]

Your detail for the homemade drain valve saved the weekend; thank you for sharing! After removing the OEM valve I saw that it was plugged and discovered why none of the other tricks would work. Now, when I need to replace the water heater I'll install one of these valves during installation.

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Brian Fletcher awesome. I’m glad the video was able to help you.

[@BruceChenneour]

Great video. I found that a short 3/4" close nipple for the garden hose side will not extend as far out from the water heater as a 2" nipple would and it works just as well.

[@TheAgent92]

Thank you for helping diagnose my first water heater replacement drainage problems!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Our pleasure!

[@HousBinPhartiin]

Awesome video, thanks! I followed all of your instructions on pulling a vacuum on the tank and it worked like a champ. I had the new valve ready to install and I probably didn't lose any more than one cup of (nasty) water from the hot water heater. It was taking about 2-3 hours to drain my hot water heater. With the new 3/4" gate valve, it takes about 15 minutes. Thanks again for the advice.

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

That's awesome! Glad it helped!

[@swiz22]

So when creating a vacuum, you want no air in the tank, right? Like in the prior step he opened the hot water supply to let air in…when trying to put vacuum back in, I have to reattach the water supply, right?

[@princescottygustafski5331]

I don't believe it's ever worthwhile or advantageous to ever use a gate value. 👎 It is always best to use a BALL VALVE! 👍👍👍

[@patriciafleeger1331]

This was a great help. Thank you.

[@rolandgutierrez813]

From Texas ! Great Video ! Thank yall so much , very informative !

[@dflt5th]

Thank you! My water heater wouldn't drain, so I used your first suggestion of opening the cold water valve while everything was hooked up & bam! It went right out.

[@Apolac]

4:12 that lever is the pressure relief valve. All you had to do was open it. I just did mine and I was not understanding why it wouldn't drain but you helped me understand why. Thanks.

[@y9880]

Had to use a different method today on a hot water heater with a plastic drain that wouldn’t drain at all to much settlement inside had to use the gallo gun on it it did the trick!!

[@hmroa3056]

Very useful tips and recommendations. Thank you.

[@jamesdumoteim873]

Watching from Nigeria…. This is really helpful and expository

[@ikkyucrow6137]

Really helpful, thank you so much. One thing I will mention is that if you just need to do this one time to drain an old water heater all you really need is the 3/4" 2" inch brass nipple. The whole ball valve setup really isn't necessary for one time or occasional use.

[@kmdeford]

This was just what I needed - thanks alot. Worked like a champ.😀

[@ryandavidson2387]

So helpful! Thank you so much.

[@drewster11]

I thought there was a vacuum keeping my water heater from draining, and your advise was helped me solve the problem. Thanks for such a well-made video! And BTW, I had a plastic Rheem drain valve and I replaced it with a brass one with no problems, so at least in my case, I wasn't screwed.

[@GhostGL]

I've got a plastic valve too. Reliance water heater. How'd you go about replacing it with a brass valve?

[@riddlemechris]

@@GhostGL the video explains around 6:25

[@murkkillaed]

I was having problems with draining and I’m glad I found this video. Unfortunately I had a lot of sediment so I had to do the last option and that did the job. I may have missed a step on creating a vacuum so I did splash myself a bit. Thank you

[@rrhodes2009]

Great video! I live in the country and I do not use anode rods. Our hot water and the anode rode combined make for an eggy smell. No rod, no smell BUT as per the video, nothing for the minerals to attack. My absolute favourite part of the video is the tip on replacing the outlet valve with a 3/4" ball valve. Brilliant! Open and flush. Keep up the good work!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Thank you!

[@Rhinomods]

I am not a professional but are there not different rods types that will keep from making the egg smell? I thought I had read that if you replace standard magnesium rod with a zinc anode it will not react with bacteria that causes the egg smell... an idea to look into?

[@johnrogers9084]

Good, really good video. I was ready to put a tap in like a maple tree. My Bradford White has a pressure valve on the side, so instead of taking off the one of the supply lines, I opened up the pressure valve and voila, water started flowing. Thanks so much for your help.

[@troyallen8223]

Great content... Just wondering it would be the same for a lift pressure release valve. Would you have to open it up completely or just enough to get the water to flow? Thanks🎉🎉🎉

[@Tondor50]

This really works. If you are unsure of he fittings talk to someone at HD or wherever you get your supplies to help. This is especially true for that little bit that connects the valve to the hose, it's kinda hard to find. My old plug would only drain at about a half gallon an hour. With the 3/8" straight shot, the whole thing emptied in about an hour! The old drain plug's hole pinched down to less than 1/8th inch and was totally clogged. Can't imagine this one will ever clog, but if it does, It will be a snap to ream out since there is no bend. You should have a large crescent wrench and a pipe wrench to make this. Don't forget the Teflon tape! The brass parts aren't cheap (ran me about $35.00) but worth it. This is a great hack!

[@sjmars01]

I have a water heater that started leaking and would not drain. I just watched your video, tried #2 and replaced the cheesy OEM valve and it worked like a charm. Thanks!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad it worked for you!

[@sandi3242]

The MOST informative video. Thank you!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

You're very welcome!

[@ghostdc04]

The faucet below the water heater was my issue. Thank you!

[@crazygravy437]

Good video that helped me. I have a Rheem unit and that dreaded plastic drain valve. Fortunately I was able to wrench it off and install the Ball drain as you recommended. The Plastic drain valve I had was defective because once I replaced it, draining was normal. Inspecting it showed what looks like a black o-ring inside and I suspect that is foreign and may have been a problem from the start since this is the first time I did maintenance on it. I also replaced the anode rod which was completely disintegrated. Nothing but the screw came up. Again thanks for the info. I saved $1,000 from adding life to the one I have!!!!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad it was helpful!

[@consumingfilms]

Hey thanks for taking the time to make this video. You were very thorough and helped me with my issue. If I lived in your area I would use your service. God bless you

[@kylerowland1227]

The first step got mine draining, thank you!!!

[@josephfirrantello6074]

Great video. All i needed to do was turn water valve on to pressurize tank and push sediment out. Thank you.

[@Micah_4D]

Replaced my first water heater today, with the help of my dad (his 4th or 5th) and encountered a drain valve that wouldn't drain. Not a great start. I found this video and decided to do the replacement valve method. Granted, I must have messed up the negative pressure part as I got hosed by water, but I got the new valve in regardless. Though it was evident based on the chunks of calcium on my jeans and the towels I laid down, the inside of the old valve told the story, completely packed with calcium. Anyhow, thanks for the tip, it worked perfectly.

[@stac3426]

Best video I have seen on this. Thanks!!!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Wow, thanks!

[@jayray610]

Thank you for your knowledge 💪🏽💪🏽

[@melvinvargas4833]

You nail it , there was no air letting in remove the hose problem solve thank you

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad I was able to help you

[@opiewpg180]

This was by far the best how to vid I have come across for draining a water heater. Mine wasnt draining because there was a vacuum in the tank. You beautifully articulated the steps perfectly! Thank you for posting this video. So very helpful!

[@patfauntroy976]

Always pays to go to the one who knows! Brilliant! You saved me so much headache! Thank you!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad we could help!

[@condor5635]

Great video. Ball valve is a great idea. I’ve had one for years with no issues. I wouldn’t turn off the gas completely just turn it on the pilot. Why would you want to complicate relighting it and all that when all you need to do is put it on pilot? You can leave it on pilot with 2 cups of water in the bottom and it wouldn’t hurt anything and makes it much easier. Also instead of disconnecting the water supply lines to get air into the tank just use the over press test valve lever. Much easier to allow air into the tank. Thanks for posting

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Thank you

[@nude_cat_ellie7417]

Unless you can’t flip the valve. I don’t know if it’s too old or I’m weak but I can’t flip it.

[@condor5635]

@@nude_cat_ellie7417 If you’re talking about the over pressurization safety valve then you probably need a new one if it can’t be opened with a flip!

[@danielcardinale4562]

Seriously! That t & p valve is there for one purpose and if it fails to activate "KABOOM"

[@condor5635]

@@danielcardinale4562 it’s not going to fail. It’s not like it’s a one time use. In fact they recommend testing it. Never had issues

[@tlroby580]

In So Cal how often would you say a new water heater should last before needing to be replaced given that no water softener is used?

[@Gilbert90015]

Thank you so much I learned alot

[@JA-ms8nc]

Saved our bacon, you did. Have a Rheem, with the plastic valve, that needed to be replaced. We managed to replace the valve with only about a 1/2 gallon of water on the floor. Our new Rheem has a copper valve but we are replacing all our water heater valves with your concoction. You failed to mention that Home Depot charges about $50 for the parts. Money well spent. Thanks and well done. Nice demo on the teflon tape, too.

[@michaelgrazi4076]

This is a great idea, however, on my tank, I tried a 4th method. I shut off the cold side, opened a hot water valve on a sink and connected a hose to the garden water and the drain using a double female garden hose connector. I opened the garden water and back flushed the water heater drain. That opened it right up. It flushed and drains perfectly now.

[@buddhafest4206]

what a great step by step instructional video. the reasons behind WHY were very useful. Thank you. If i was in San Diego and had a plumbing issue, you would be my first call.

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@captivethoughts1745]

Old plumber's trick if you have an air compressor... Shut off hot and cold water pipes attached to water heater. make an adapter with a 3/4" male adapter to fit into relief valve opening and have a schrader valve (think bicycle tire valve) connector on the other side. Use an air chuck hooked up to your air compressor to force air into your water heater tank and water out the bottom. If you have a lot of scale build up in the bottom of the tank, this pressurized approach will force it out the faucet on the bottom of the tank. Also drains it a lot faster than gravity feed. If you have an electric water heater and the sediment is real bad you can remove the bottom element and finagle a scrapper out of S-cleat to draw the sediment to the opening.

[@jessm1638]

Love that idea for the electric water heater… thanks!

[@TomandLindaSpalding]

I tried three different ways to unclog a hot water tank and they all failed, until I found this video that showed how to increase the air pressure pushing down on the water in the tank and bingo, the drain started to run and the tank emptied! Great video!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad it helped

[@biggfoot52]

Airlock was my problem.. thank you Soo much!

[@beachwave2]

Excellent video. Thank you. I had to open the supply line . Worked like a charm.

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad it was helpful and worked for you!

[@unicehays4972]

Thank you great information.

[@polarshift11]

Thank you for taking the time to post this excellent instruction video.

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NookColor2011]

Thanks for the video. Can I use pressure release vale to let the air in instead of open the hot water pipe?

[@davidmorse8432]

That's the way I do it.

[@monsterslayer4317]

Very helpful!

[@scottwebber652]

Good information. I’ve got a 20 yo propane heater with the plastic valve. I can’t drain it because it leaks behind the knob upon opening it. Unfortunately it’s on the main level so I gotta b careful. I took out anode some 12 years ago water stunk. Any feedback on the plastic d v leak situation ? Thanx

[@mexecomigofredlinhares464]

That was one hell of a good learning.thank you.

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@haroldsargent979]

i like this video great job will this procedure work with the plastic shut off that most tanks have?

[@allover5622]

Yes it will. Did it on my plastic one years ago and still going strong.

[@platonicmetal]

The coupling on top worked. Thanks did the clear explanation.

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad it helped you!

[@georgetaltontalton3256]

I seriously need to try this I have been replacing a lot of water heaters over on the beach and the wont drain at all so I have to take a hand cart and carry them down 2 or 3 storys full of water and I'm too damn old for that so I've spent money on pumps and all sorts of mess to get them drained so I will be at lows again tomorrow to get this balljoint hoping it will work as you say it does thank you so much for posting this God bless you🙏

[@marcsanchez6300]

Great tips! The ball valve solved my problem!

[@davidtarangioli5846]

Worked great, thank you

[@chris7570]

Thanks for this video totally helped with draining my old hot water heater👍🏻

[@danielgregory6622]

Awesome tips... Thanks sooo much! Never knew water heaters needed to be drained... that 3/4" drain will help bunches... the peeps are Home Depot were blown away by what I was doing lol!!!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad it was helpful!

[@32toddv]

I replaced the plastic water valve on my Rheem 50 gal electric water hear with a quality brass one. Came out ez pz. I installed the same one you used in this video.

[@ShaneWood22]

After watching several other videos this video was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for clear, concise and useful information, my water lock was not as locked as I had hoped for but regardless of the small flooding the operation was a success!!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

You're very welcome!

[@panchogonzales6409]

Thanks! You just saved me 250 dollars to replace my electric water heater element!

[@angiehansen4438]

Thanks for the tip. My 12 year old water heater was plugged right as a tick. Following your instructions, changed to a 3/4 ball valve and it drained perfectly. Changed elements and thermostats and flushed till clean!!

[@MCMXI1]

Good vid. Can you open the TPR valve instead of breaking the line to put air behind the water?

[@waterheaterservices]

Yes

[@leighbratcher1998]

Worked like a charm, thanks from Texas.

[@shoheifunakoshi8861]

Thank you for your excellent advice!! Last night i had the exactly the same problem so I did your thing and water came out right away!!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

That's awesome!

[@dfrjr4877]

That fixed it. Now it is draining. Thank you.

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

David Richardson awesome. I’m glad I could help you

[@brianwojnar8792]

I’m so happy I saw your video!! Your help was excellent. I needed your 3rd instruction to finally make it work. I replaced the original valve with the one you put together. When I have to install a new tank, I’m asking that they remove the original one to put in the 3/4 ball valve. Done 🎉

[@johnzdrazil2140]

Thank you for the tips. Lot of good info!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad it was helpful!

[@whocares0692]

Thank you for your video, but I also used pipe dope along with the teflon tape. Why didn't you use pipe dope on the video ?

[@allover5622]

I did the same 10 years ago on my then 15 year old heater. Still going strong with never a leak. Of course I do same on threads of every new anode rod I install every 5 years.

[@waterheaterservices]

You can usually get by with out the dope on tape but better safe than sorry. Reference Steve Latimer on YT.

[@rjmdnw6343]

Awesome video dude thank you very much! I now sound way smarter than I am.

[@drewfortwenty5519]

Remove the aerators on the faucet they're slowing the drain process from the filters

[@axeldb2]

This video was incredibly helpful. Thanks!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darylbortel1306]

Great information and video. Mine would not drain...hours and just a dribble. I changed out the valve and bingo, done in a flash. Got some orange water for a while but drained the tank again and ran more through the pipes and it's clearing up. Thanks.

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Sweet. Yeah it’s a must to let air in the tank and get a drain valve that can pass chunks through.

[@Moser72]

Ha ha thanks. Saved me some trouble. New subscriber. 👍

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Thanks for the sub!

[@rachel9725]

So incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Glad it helped!

[@theprophetez1357]

I plan to try this tomorrow, thanks for the video.

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Good luck!

[@theprophetez1357]

@@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292 It was so bad he now wants to replace it.

[@fuzzydrawrings269]

Great video! I have a question: what size are the threads on the new valve where it screws into the tank? Also, do all tanks have the same threads for that valve, or does it vary between manufacturers?

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

It's a standard 3/4" thread. If you're going to use a hose, you will need a nipple that has both the 3/4 in thread and the standard hose threads.

[@diangadi3464]

Thanks for making this video !! The air lock issue is what prevented draining for me.

[@6-4-3-DP]

Very good instructions, unfortunately I fall into the "screwed" category with old brittle plastic drain valve.

[@JD-AlphaMedia]

How'd you drain it after all?

[@6-4-3-DP]

@@JD-AlphaMedia The plastic drain valve actually opened without breaking, and I just had to get the flow started with pressure from the tank. Went smoothly

[@quickwaterheaterfiltration5292]

Yeah. That sucks but that’s the cost of discount water heaters at Home Depot. Not all water heaters are the same.

[@pillar350]

When I bought my house I guess I have that one that you spoke about with the plastic knob at the bottom from Home Depot why are we pretty much screwed can you explain a little more

[@ptaylor898]

Fantastic! My water heater wouldn't drain - loosened one of the hoses up top as suggested and problem instantly solved. Thank you!