Do you drain the hot water heater when winterizing?

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It depends on weather you are planing to be living there or moving out for the winter and if you plan to be running the heat all winter. That said you should, if you do not plan to heat the house/camp all winter, drain all the water lines. This includes shutting off the water heater and draining it. Put anti freeze in all the drain traps including the toilet. Use the non toxic antifreeze!



Just wanted to add this.

Yes, if you want to winterize the unit, close off the water supply to the unit, open the release valve, then hopefully you can attach a hose to the bottom drain valve and drain the tank. Leave both valves open.

You don't want water sitting in the tank, not moving (refreshing itself) for long periods of time.
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What is the procedure for draining and flushing a hot water heater?

Connect a hose to the spigot at the bottom of the water heater and drain out a few gallons. If the water heater has not been drained for a long time the sediment has probably bound together from the minerals that are naturally occurring in the water and you probably won't get much out.If the water heater is making a gurgling sound while the burner is on you will get to buy a water heater soon. That's one of the indications that the sediment has really stuck together and given you a thick layer of sand and silt on the bottom of the tank. When that happens, the metal of the tank gets too hot since the water isn't close by to absorb the heat, then the tank starts to rust and leak. Answer shut off the cold water coming in. hook a hose up to the boiler drain at the bottom of the water heater. open it and let all the water drain out. once the water stops draining turn the water on for a couple minutes. shut the boiler drain off and turn the water back on.

How do you drain a hot water tank?

Answer . \n1. Turn off the electricity or gas to your water heater.\n2. Turn off the cold water supply to the tank.\n3. Attach a water hose the valve on the bottom of the tank.\n4. Open the hot water valve on any faucet.\n5. Open the valve on the water heater.\n6. When the tank empties close the valve on the water heater, turn on the cold water supply, and let the tank fill about 1/4 of the way full to loosen any sediments on the bottom of the tank. \n7. Turn the cold water supply off and open up the valve on the water heater to drain the rest of the water.\n. \nIf you have large amounts of sediment in your tank you may need to repent steps 6-7. If at any point sediment clogs the valve or the hose turn on the cold water supply to "blow' the clog out. Also remember when the tank is draining there is no water pressure so the tank will drain slowly.

How do you replace a hot water heater?

A general map to replacing a hot water heater begins with shutting off the gas or electricity and letting it cool. Then shut off the water supply to the unit. Open a hot water tap high in the supplied (yes, supplied) line so air can get in and reduce water leakage. Then drain the unit. Then uncouple the inlet and outlet water lines. Have used soaker-upper towels handy. Your failure to properly drain the unit will appear in a nasty way if you don't think through the part about draining the unit. Then disconnect the power from the unit after insuring that it is, in fact, de-energized. Or double check that the gas is shut off and remove the gas line from the unit. If there is a stabilizer strap about the unit, remove that. (If there wasn't a strap, you're gonna put one in when you install the new unit, right? Yes, you are.) Pull the unit.. Replacing the unit is a reverse or this process. Double check electrical connections to be sure they are snug without over-torquing the fasteners. Or be sure to check for gas leaks with a spray bottle containing soapy water. This is critical. You blow this, you may end up dead. Or your family. Be patient and work cleanly. Don't hesitate to call a handyman if any of this sounds like a foreign language. Ask questions at a place that supplies hot water heaters, like the so called "big box" stores or a good hardware store. Consider going to a local bookstore (new or, if possible, used) and peruse a book on home repairs and upgrades. Do yourself and the bookseller a favor and actually buy the book if you find one with the information you need. Be smart about this. Shortcuts and errors can cause failures that can kill you and/or family members or damage property in a big (expensive) way. You have been cautioned, and because you are smart, a word to the wise is sufficient.

How do you drain a water heater?

Turn off the cold water supply (there should be a shut off spiget by the water heater), make sure power supply is off before going to the water heater. At the bottom of your water heater is a drain cock, hook up a water hose to it, run it to the tub or outside. Turn the drain cock handle counter clockwise or to the left, on the side or top of water heater is a pressure relief valve. This needs to be opened, open it by pulling the handle located on top of it. This should drain your water heater.

How do you lite a hot water heater?

typically there is a pilot light underneath the base of the water heater. There should also be a latch or opening so you can light it. Look inside with a flash light so you get a better view before trying to light it. I recommend using long matches or a barbecue liter.

Why does your Hot water heater groan?

There are a couple of reasons why your hot water heater wouldgroan. The valves may not be opened correctly. Or there could be abuild up of dirt on the bottom of the tank. Clean out the sedimentby letting the water run out until it is clear and this shouldhelp.

Why does a hot water heater leak?

Most hot water heaters will develop small leaks around the welds in 10-12 years. Heaters are made of much thinner, cheaper material than they used to be. -The actual wall thickness of a typical water heater today is 1/16 inch, and no interior protection against rusting.

How does a hot water heater work?

answer 2 Assume an electric hot water cylinder. The cold water is introduced at the bottom of the cylinder, for upon heating, the hot water will rise to the top. If you put cold water in at the top, this would cool the hot water you had just paid for! The hot water will be taken from the top, for that is where it will be. In an electric cylinder, there will be an electric heating element about 150 mm from the bottom of the cylinder. [There will always be dirt and crud in the water supply, and some of this will settle at the bottom of the cylinder. Having the element above this will avoid the crud being disturbed each time the element is turned on.] In the electrical circuit to the heating element, there will be a thermostat, to set the highest temperature to which the water will go. This is vital for safety, as water too hot can cause scolding. In addition, the electrical supply authority may only allow you to heat your hot water for certain hours of the day, hours when the demand otherwise is least. A cylindrical shape is chosen, for engineering strength. This will be thermally insulated, otherwise you will lose too much heat.

Hot water heater leak?

You don't say where exactly the leak is and that's very important. -If it's around a pipe or fitting it may be possible to fix. On the other hand, any leak in the body of the tank is difficult or impossible to fix. -

How do you clean the hot water heater?

Shut off the gas let the tank cool THEN get a soft cleaning agent such as soft scrub or Fantastic , clean soft cloth and carefully clean the out side of the tank

What is the lifespan of a hot water heater?

As a rule of thumb, 10 to 15 years is the expected useful lifetime. If yours is older than that, you need to replace it before it's too late. This all depends on whether the hot water heater has been installed correctly and whether the maintenance of it has been kept up to date. A well looked after hot water heater can last for many many years. A hot water heater is the same as a car, because if you maintain your car with regular services, it will be in good running order and last for years, its the same concept with a hot water heater. A secret to those not in the know, to help your ELECTRIC hot water heaters lifespan even more, make sure that the anode is replaced every 2 years, 95% of people who own hot water heaters never replace the anode resulting in burst hot water heaters and hot water heaters which don't last very long, replacing a hot water heater is expensive, replacing the anode every two years is not. Be wise.

Why brown water drains from hot water heater?

Brown-tinted water appearing when the drain faucet on a water tank is opened is normal. The brownish water is created by dissolved mineral and metal sediment collecting at the bottom of the hot water tank. This sediment creation is a normal function of the hot water heater heating the water and is released when you open up (or drain) the tank. Draining the tank should be done on a periodic basis - I drain my hot water tank every 6 months. Draining lessens the mineral/sediment buildup and helps extend the life of your hot-water heater.

Hot water heater temperature?

Generally 120 degrees, however, if you have small children, you may want bring that down.Will this temp kill germs on dishes ectra.

How do you drain water heater tank?

there should be a drain down valve at the bottom. you may need to pull the cover off the access to the burner/element area depending on if its gas or electric. put a hose on it and open the valve. after you get pressure to push any sediment out (valve can get plugged) then turn off water to tank. this valve should be located on the incoming pipe above the tank on the right. you now need to find a way to let air displace the water in the tank. try opening faucets on the hot side only, open the t+p valve, or disconnect line to tank.

How do you drain your gas hot water heater?

Shut off fuel supply. Allow to cool. Close the inlet and out let valves. Open the drain valve bottom of heater. Open the T&P to break Vacuum. Have a hose attached to dump water in a safe area. If you are draining heater to flush don't shut off fuel supply. On a power vent heater (pvc venting) you can turn the switch off. On a conventional heater with metal flue pipe turn to the vacation setting (lowest temp setting). when your heater is refilled you can switch on or turn temp setting to original position without bleeding gas and relighting. Waiting for a sitting heater to cool will take hours. You can run hot water in house with heater off until cold. You should not have an outlet valve on a hot water heater if you do remove it. Open hot water in building to vent. Opening and old T&P will weaken the spring even more so if hot water runs through it and may cause it to fail (drip) later with water on. Some drain valves drip later with water on have a 3/4 garden hose cap with washer for valve if it leaks as opposed to replacing drain valve.

How do you remove a water heater drain spigot?

1- shut the gas . 2- drain down the heater and open the T&P or a faucet to break the vacuum . 3- CAREFULLY place a wrench on the old valve and pray it comes out of the tanks bossing. . 4- flush out any debris /sediment and install new Brass Ball type of valve with a hose adapter THEN close the T&P pen a far away faucet and flush the lines. . 5- When the water is flowing at a steady stream (no air bubbles) shut the valve and relight the heater If it is an electric heater do all of the following EXCEPT shut the electric power first instead of the gas

Are salt water pools drained in winter?

Salt or no, draining a pool is almost never recommended. The only pools that are drained typically are the easy up or blow up variety.\n. \nNEVER DRAIN ANY OTHER ABOVE GROUND POOL.\n. \nNEVER DRAIN A FIBERGLASS POOL.\n. \nNEVER DRAIN A VINYL LINER POOL.

How much is a hot water heater?

A typical 40 gallon gas water heater in Los Angeles area will cost between $400-$700 depending on brand and warranties. ANS 2 -That's close to the cost of an electric one that size in western Canada too, so that may be a standard. A gas heater that size is around 200 more depending on brand and warranty.

How do you fix a hot water heater?

most water heaters rust out from the bottom or at he top where the pipes lead into them. the amount of time and effort to try and fabricate a fix would not serve the owner unless he had no choice. replacing the unit is the standard way to fix these. sometimes the gas regulator can go bad and these can be replaced.

Why is a hot water heater called a hot water heater?

It is called this as it heats up or brings up the temperature of cold water to hot. In other words, it is producing hot water by heating it. Some people incorrectly believe it is redundant to refer to "hot water" and "heater", but there are many other types of heaters, so the distinction of one creating hot water is entirely proper.

Why is a hot water heater called a hot water heater Not just a water heater?

It's because "hot-water" is a compound adjective, modifying "heater". It's not for heating water, it's for heating a house with hot water. There are many types of heaters that heat water, but only a hot-water heater is used for providing heated water for domestic use. A hydronic boiler also heats water, but it's only for use in radiators. The name "Hot Water Heater" is completely wrong for any use. There is no need to heat hot water. IT has always been "water heater". The term hot water heater has just been used for years because people don't realize the difference. It has always been WATER HEATER. The first answer is jibberish and makes no practical sense at all.

Who manufacturers hot water heaters?

There are a number of manufacturers of water heaters. The ones that come to mind are Bradford White, A.O. Smith, American Water Heater, and Rheem. Most heaters carried by home improvement stores are usually made by one of these manufacturers and marketed under several brand names.

Is it called a hot water heater or water heater?

The term "water heater" is non-specific, but may imply a domestic hot-water heater, when read in context. A "hot-water heater" is specifically meant for heating water for domestic use. A hydronic boiler is also a water heater, but the water is only used for heating the radiators or for heating a hot-water heater, but the hot water of the boiler is not released for domestic use. Depends as there is a water heater and then a booster which increases the temperature for mostly commerical applicatons thus your heating the hot water to a higher temperature and some call this a hot water heater instead of a temperature booster

Where to buy a hot water heater?

Most major hardware store chains have your basic hot water heaters, both gas and electric, though looking at a plumbing goods store isn't too bad an option either.

How do you drain water from 40 gallon hot water heater in my house?

At the bottom front edge, there should be a hose connection. Attach a garden hose to it and then open the valve. Because sediment can collect at the bottom of the heater, they can drain slow sometimes, but it should drain eventually. Turn the heater off before draining.

What is the difference between a water heater and a hot water heater?

Well hmm hard question hmm let me look at the question again (the difference??) well one heats water and the other one heats HOT water!!! no just kidding they are the same THING! either gas or electric but the same! A "hot water heater" is actually a booster to increase the heated water to a higher temperature

Why do they elevate hot water heaters?

On a standing pilot pilot heater is is common practice to elevate the heater 18" above a floor as flammable fumes will not ignite when the main flame comes on. Shame many plumbers /gas fitters never bother to get involved with thee NFPA

How do you maintain a hot water heater?

A yearly drainage and check of the sacrificial anode rods are the most common maintenance items. Also checking the T&P safety valve and the strapping and shut off valves are a good practice.

How do you get sediment out of hot water heater?

Water heaters typically have a hose spigot at the bottom of them. These can be opened and drain the water heater of all the water. The problem is if this isn't done regularly and you are tying to remove hardened sediment it may clog and not drain much of anything. There are ways to aid in the flushing of sediment build up of a water heater, but they are more technically involved and still may not remove the sediment if an annual service has been neglected.

How do you get a thermacouple out of a hot water heater?

Depends on the age. If you light it through the opening at the bottom with a match, you disconnect it at the control valve and should be able to pull it out of the clip at the pilot light. Twist back and forth while pulling out and it should pull out of the clip holding it in the flame. If you light it with a sparker button at the control valve, you have to disconnect the supply line between the control valve and the burner, the gas line for the pilot, the thermocouple and the wire for the sparker. Remove the two screws holding the cover plate on and remove the entire unit. You can then replace the thermocouple and re-install. It's not a hard as it sounds. Don't over tighen the connection when you reconnect the gas lines.

Why did your water heater drain onto the floor?

Depending on how old your water heater is, it will usually be one of two reasons. Reason #1: There is a "relief valve" bad on the unit. A relief valve will almost always have a 2-3ft piece of copper or pvc tubing attached to it on the side of the tank. This valve typically has a small metal tab/lever in the center of it that can be swung up 90degrees in order to release water pressure buildup by a serviceman or installer and allow the tank to breathe properly for water drainage of the tank. The good news is, you can easily replace this part for around $20 along with some teflon tape-if you are capable of basic plumbing. You usually can obtain a replacement valve at your local Ace Hardware or DIY center...if you cannot replace this item yourself, plan on having around $100 in a professional to drive to your residence and complete the work. Reason #2: If the tank is pushing 10 years of age or even older, the materials of the unit could be failing due to rust,corrosion, and damage from minerals in the water supply. Most often these leaks will be found close to the bottom or underside of the tank. Another possibility is that the tank itself is not leaking, but rather the connections into the top of it, the shutoff valve for the water(located usually within 2 feet of the unit) or any other pipe connections within close vicinity of the unit. If the relief valve is still closed and not leaking and you cannot detect a leak from the bottom of the tank, then take a look at all other piping above and around the heater. Matt G-10 yrs experience as HVAC tech/installer and water heater replacement

Can you paint a hot water heater?

You can paint a hot water heater. You can paint your dog if you feel like it, and he'll hold stil - doesn't make it a good idea. If you choose to paint your water heater, you will have to ensure that you don't clog up any vents or grilles with paint, and ensure that you don't foul any controls, sensors or contacts. Of course, any parts that get hot to the touch (the outer skin that you mostly see should not get hot) will be smoking until the paint is burnt off.

Why won't water drain out of my hot water heater?

If it is more than 3-4 years since you last drained it then grungyrust and muck will be covering the drain. It is often necessary tofit a garden hose to the incoming pipe and try to blow it out.

How do you protect water heater drain pan?

I'm not sure what you mean. A drain pan protects the area below thewater heater from ruin if the water heater begins to leak. You canprevent major damage by putting a water alarm ($12) in thepan to be warned if the heater begins to leak.