How to Fix a Water Heater Drain Valve?

​Flushing out water from a water heater on a regular basis is an important part of basic water heater maintenance. Certain repairs that you might need to do on the water heater can only be done if you drain the tank. A water heater drain valve is responsible for draining the water heater. But unfortunately, it sometimes fails to do its job due to various reasons and one of the reasons could be improper maintenance. A drain valve can often stop releasing water properly or start leaking when not maintained. Take a look at the causes of drain valve leaks.

Causes of Leaky Water Heater Drain Valve:

• Poor or damaged fitting and adhesives
• Debris or mineral deposits under the drain valve washer
• Pressure above 80psi in the tank
• Cracked drain valve in case of plastic drain valves

If you observe leakages from the bottom of the water heater, it’s time you replace it. If your water heater drain valve is giving troubles, here is a step-by-step method of replacing it.

Fix Water Heater Drain Valve

• Switch off the main power supply if you have an electric water heater, or turn off the gas supply if you have a gas water heater.
• Shut-off the cold water supply to the heater.
• Open the temperature-pressure relief valve to relieve the pressure inside the tank.
• Allow the water inside the tank to cool down. Once done, open the water heater drain valve and drain out all the water. Do not close temperature-pressure relief valve even after the water has drained out.
• Now, carefully remove the drain valve using a suitable wrench. Hold the valve tightly with the wrench and unscrew the drain valve by turning it in the anti-clockwise direction. 
• Clean the hole where the drain valve sits and make it dry.
• Take a new water heater drain valve of the same dimensions. Wind enough Teflon tape on the threads of the valve.
• Screw this new valve in place by turning it in the clockwise direction. Tighten the newly installed drain valve with the help of a wrench.
• Close the temperature-pressure relief valve and start the cold water supply to the water heater.
• Turn the gas or electricity on, and refill the water heater tank.
• Now open one of the hot water faucets in your home and check if the new valve is working properly.

The water heater drain valves that come with the water heaters from the manufacturers are made of plastic and are not very durable. Following these same steps, you can replace the plastic valve with a brass drain valve that is easily available in the hardware stores. But, take up this replacing process only if you have enough experience and knowledge about the same. If you hardly know a thing about water heaters, take help from the professional water heater installers. 
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It is better to consult a professional rather than trying things on your own and making the situation worse. Hot Water Tanks Edmonton professionals will be there for any water heater related issues.