Water Heater Won't Drain? Here's What To Do
Once your water heater fails to drain, a probable cause is a blocked drain valve. This is usually the consequence of massive sediment piling inside the tank. Here's what to do when your water heater won’t drain.
How to Drain a Water Heater
Draining a water heater tank is relatively straightforward when all is functioning well. In many instances, you just have to simply switch off the electricity to the heater, switch on the water supplies by switching on the valves, directly connect some water hoses to link up water or sediment out of the tanks, and next turn on the drain valves or the pressure relief valves.
The procedure is over when the tank gets clean and empty while cold water flows in. Shut the drain valve close again, including all the pressure relief valves, to let the tanks gradually fill fully. Next, activate the pilot lights if you hold some gas reserves or switch on the electricity when you hold some electric power for fuel.
How to Unclog a Water Heater Drain Valve
If you’re not very lucky and start encountering issues where the tank stops draining, there’s a high likelihood the drain valves are blocked or clogged. This often happens due to sedimentation from within the tank clogging the valve or due to calcium buildups upon or about the drain valves.
Hence, what might you attempt to clear the drain?
There are various distinct solutions you may try, based upon your distinct circumstances:
Wait Some Time
Let's assume the clog is just minor. Occasionally, you must pause a short interval to allow for the compression from the sedimentation and water, leaving the tank to clean out blockages. In many instances, if the tank is not emptying well in one hour, you have landed a more severe blockage on hand.
Get Some Clothes Hangers
Indeed, they’re made for hanging garments. Still, metal clothes hangers are additionally perfect tools for removing blockages. Open drain valves and install the wires inside the tanks. Shift these slightly to shake out sediment or debris that might have gathered about the drain.
Back Flush All Drainpipes
In this method, you take water to flush sediment out from the drain valves so that your tanks may drain fully. You must employ a washing machine filling hose with a female link on all sides. Shut the drain valves and connect one side of the water hose — next, connect the malicious link to an adjacent basin faucet. Switch tap faucets open, and next open the drain valves for water to get inside the tank for around 10 seconds. Next, shut off tap faucets, shut all drain valves, then remove the hose. Next, advance to the conventional drainage procedures.
If these do not resolve the issues, this might demand the expertise or skill of an experienced technician, and you might just get a broken drain valve that might have to get substituted. In both cases, persevere to succeed!
Failing to drain out sediments within tanks frequently might result in specific complex issues like undesired tears and wear upon the tanks. The gradual corrosion may require you to replace your water heater. Your water heater remains an essential feature of your residence.
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