A hot water tank that wont drain can be a frustrating problem for homeowners who want to flush out the sediment and prolong the life of their water heater. Some owners don’t have an idea of how to fix that. But if you have the necessary knowledge it will not be such a pain.
Reasons Why My Hot Water Tank Wont Drain
There could be many reasons behind your hot water tank wont drain but the most common reasons include,
- Clogged drain valve
- Mineral deposits, rust, debris
- Faulty plumbing
To identify what causing the problem to fix the problem you can follow our steps. But before that, you should gather all the tools necessary for the tasks and follow safety procedures.
Get Prepared
Basic tools that you going to need include,
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Hose
- Bucket
- Wrench
And before you start working on it remember to turn off the power and cold-water supply of your water heater. There are two types of heaters. So, if you have an electric heater, switch off the circuit breaker. If you have a gas heater, turn off the gas valve.
How to Fix Clogged Drain Valve
First, we need to make sure whether the drain valve is clogged or not. To find out attach a hose to the drain valve and run it to a nearby drain or bucket. Open a hot water faucet in your house to relieve the pressure in the tank. Now open the drain valve and check the water flow. If it is slow or nonexistent, you have a clogged drain valve.
Try one of these methods to dislodge the clog.
Backflushing
Connect another hose to a faucet and attach it to the drain valve. Turn on the faucet and let the water pressure push back into the tank for a few minutes. Then turn off the faucet and remove the hose.
Forced air
Slam your foot on the hose connected to the drain valve. This will create a burst of air that will enter the tank and push out some sediment. Repeat this several times until you see clear water coming out of the hose.
Coat hanger fishing
Straighten out a wire coat hanger and insert it into the drain valve. Move it around in a circular motion to break up any debris inside. Be careful not to damage or scratch the valve.
Once you see clear water coming out of the hose, close the drain valve and remove it. Turn on the cold-water supply and fill up your tank again. Turn on your power or gas supply and check for leaks or other issues.
By doing these fixes, you can unclog your hot water tank that won’t drain and improve its efficiency and performance.
How to Fix High Water Pressure Inside the Hot Water Tank
High water pressure inside the tank may be the cause of your hot water tank not draining properly. Excessive pressure in the tank can result from the water expanding due to high water pressure. This might stop the drain valve from turning and releasing the water.
High water pressure in the tank could result from a number of factors, including:
- The water overheats and expands because the thermostat is set too high.
- A defective heating element causes the water to overheat and expand.
- The tank has sediment buildup, which results in hot spots and uneven heating.
The following actions must be taken to resolve this issue:
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and set the other end of the hose outside or in a bucket.
- To release some pressure, open a hot water faucet inside the home.
- Depress the drain valve to release the water. To clear the clog if the water is not flowing, you might need to backflush. Close the drain valve and briefly turn on the cold-water supply to accomplish this. Next, try opening the drain valve once more to see if any water comes out. Continue doing this until the water is flowing freely.
- Close the drain valve and take the hose out after the tank is empty.
- Start the water supply and fill the tank with water. Make sure the pressure relief valve is operating properly and look for leaks.
- Switch on the power and lower the thermostat’s setting.
You should be able to drain your hot water tank and lower the pressure in it by following these instructions. This will increase the lifespan of your tank and aid in future problem prevention.
How to Prevent Hot Water Tank Wont Drain
To make sure that your hot water tank works properly and prevents
future draining problems, preventative maintenance is essential. Some of the maintenance actions you can take are as follows:
- Regular tank flushing is necessary because sediment buildup is frequently the root of hot water tank drainage issues. You should regularly flush your tank to get rid of any built-up sediment to prevent this. For flushing your specific model, adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Examine the drain valve: Your hot water tank’s drain valve may become worn or damaged over time. To make sure this valve is operating properly, it must be checked frequently. Replace the valve if any leaks or other problems are discovered.
- Examine the drain line: Over time, the drain line that attaches to your hot water tank may clog, preventing the tank from draining properly. Check this line frequently, and clean any obstructions as necessary.
- The anode rod in your hot water tank should be checked out because it keeps the tank from corroding and increases its lifespan. But over time, this rod could deteriorate, causing rust and other problems. Periodically inspect the anode rod and replace it if necessary.
By performing these preventative maintenance procedures, you can help make sure that your hot water tank is operating properly and avert any potential draining issues in the future. If you do run into problems, make sure to troubleshoot and fix them right away to prevent bigger issues in the future.
Conclusion
Although a hot water tank that wont drain can be annoying, the problem is typically solvable with some simple maintenance and troubleshooting. Regular draining issues can be prevented with essential preventative maintenance procedures like tank flushing, drain valve inspections, and drain line checks. If you do experience a problem, it’s critical to identify its root cause and take the necessary action to fix it. You can maintain your hot water tank in good working order and guarantee that your home has consistent hot water by following these instructions. Remember, it is always best to call a licensed plumber for assistance if you are unsure about performing maintenance or repairs on your hot water tank.
