Quick basic advice on a dripping gas 40-gal hot-water heater

[hallerb]

if you try this dont use the main houses valve, i did once it wouldnt shut off and flooded the basement by the time the water company got things turned off.......

[william dunlap]

Franklin is an idiot.

[cavedweller]

I think rather that his attempt at sarcasm was pretty weak. If that makes him an idiot, so be it.

[Bob F]

if you try this dont use the main houses valve, i did once it wouldnt shut off and flooded the basement by the time the water company got things turned off.......

**********************************************************

You could test it first.

[hallerb]

a old valve that works fine can fail under a high unlimited flow situation, i learned this the hard way:(

[Donna Ohl]

I finally found out WHY only a cup of water leaks out if you decide to remove the drain valve from a hot water heater in order to replace the nylon valve with a brass ball valve.

This recent OSH article explains the proper procedure to create a vacuum such that only a cup (and not all 50 gallons) of hot water leak out when you remove the drain valve at the bottom of the hot water heater tank.

Specifically, the article says " When replacing a water heater drain valve, turn the gas control to the "Pilot" setting or, if the water heater is electric, turn the power off. Connect a garden hose to the existing drain valve and drain the water to a safe location until the water is warm. If the valve is inoperable, you should run hot water through a large tap, such as a tub spout, until the running water is at a warm not hot temperature. Allowing the water to cool to a warm temperature will minimize the chances of you getting scalded, when you replace the drain valve.

It is not necessary to drain the water heater to replace the drain valve, as long as the pressure is off. To temporarily disable pressure close the shut-off valve on the cold line and open one hot water faucet. Water will run for a while and then stop. Once water has stopped, close the faucet to prevent air from entering the system. Warn others not to use the water supply, while you are replacing the valve, otherwise you may get drenched.

Expect some water to leak from the tank, when you replace the valve (maybe a cup or so). When the job is completed close the hot water faucet you opened and open the shut-off valve on the water heater cold line.

A good choice for a replacement valve is a 3/4-inch ball valve. You will find ball valves, plastic-lined steel nipples (if one is needed) and adapters to go from 3/4-inch pipe thread to hose thread (which is needed to be able to attach a garden hose to the ball valve for flushing and draining) in OSH's plumbing department."

Donna