Do you want to know how to drain a hot water heater when it doesnt drain? You can use three methods to unclog air and residues on your water heater to release the water from the tank. So, if you are ready, my friend, let’s discuss it further.
Are you draining the remaining water in your water heater to flush out the residue, but the water does not go out? Well, maybe your tank is clogged, or it’s airlocked. Both of these causes block the water from going out. But no worries, as I will guide you on how to perform the three methods that you can use to drain the hot water.
Reasons Why Water Does Not Come Out?
To help us determine why waters do not go out from your draining valve, we should check the drain valve to define if it has sediments or is airlocked. An airlock can happen if the air pressure inside the tank is not released. For example, you are holding a glass of water with a straw, and you put your finger on the upper hole of the straw, then pull it out of the water. You’ll notice that there are waters trapped in your straw, but the water drops after letting go of your finger. The air helps the water to flow.
On the other hand, sediments or residues inside the tank also cause the water to stop from getting out in the drain valve. Some deposits are too big to go through the drain valve or hoses. To unclog this, you can insert a wire into the drain valve or stomp the hoses to create pressure. If you are ready, let’s jump on how to drain a hot water heater when it won’t drain.
Ways To Drain A Hot Water Heater When It Doesnt Drain
It is essential to take this method seriously as this can help you determine if you need to replace your drain valve or flush out the sediments inside the tank. Mostly, it is the sediments that clog the valve or hoses. Let’s learn the three methods that can help you manage how to drain a hot water heater when it doesnt drain. First, you have to let your hot water cool down and wear safety gloves and goggles. Draining hot water might cause burns and other physical injuries.
#1. Eliminate the pressure
Yes, if the airlock causes your stuck water, we should release the pressure. If your tank has a relief valve pressure, it will be easier to eliminate the tension, but it does not support this. First, turn off the power or gas supply in your water heater, then turn off your water heater. Then, close the water supply valve and open the nearest hot water faucet and the pressure relief valve in your tank. Connect a garden hose into your drain valve and open it. If it releases water thoroughly, then it’s solved. If not, maybe you have a clogged valve and proceed to the following method.
#2. Inserting wire
So, even after releasing the pressure and still small amounts of water come out, you should try inserting a wire into the drain valve to push the clogged sediments inside the tank. In draining the water, small residues will go out along with the water. To start, turn off the power source of your water heater (electric or gas powered), along with the water supply. If you have an attached hose in the drain valve, remove it. Put a small container or a towel underneath the drain valve and get a stiff wire. Slowly insert the stiff wire in the drain valve opening and move the wire in a circular motion. If this method still does not increase the water flushing, you may need to replace your drain valve or flush back ways.
#3. Backflushing
Maybe, all you need is backflushing. To acquire backflushing, you need washing machine fill hoses. Close your drain valve and connect the other end of the hose into the drain valve while attaching the other one to the nearest water faucet. Turn on the water supply (garden hose or water faucet) and allow this method for at least a few minutes. The garden hose or water faucet pressure will push the sediments that block the valves’ opening. After the backflushing, turn off the water supply and disconnect the hose. Open the drain valve and see if the backflushing unclogged the sediments. You may also be interested to know about what is backflushing.
If you notice that all three methods I gave were not helpful enough, you may need to change your drain valve. The holes in drain valves may be too little for the sediments to go through, so you can replace it with a ball valve that has a giant hole and flush out all the residues in your water heater.
It’s A Wrap!
Now that you learned how to drain a hot water heater when it doesnt drain, you probably discovered new ideas on handling it if this happens to your water heater. Doing this will help you overcome this tragic situation. If you are confused about doing these methods and lack knowledge on how your water works at home, please call a professional to help you out. You may also want to read about which size breaker is for hot water heater and how to tell if hot water heater is bad