- 1). Turn off the water heater. If it is electric, unplug it from the wall. If it is gas, turn the gas control to "Pilot." Run a hot water faucet until the water runs cold. If you prefer to save water, let the water in the heater cool for 24 to 48 hours.
- 2). Turn off the valve supplying cold water to the heater. Tighten it as much as you can by hand. Instruct others in the house not to turn on any faucets while you are working. Keeping all the hot water valves closed will create a vacuum that will prevent water from gushing out the drain when you remove the valve.
- 3). Prepare a new brass drain valve by wrapping plumbing tape around the threads of the end that screws into the water heater. Place it next to the heater so you can reach for it quickly.
- 4). Place a small bucket under the valve and unscrew it with slip-joint pliers. As it loosens, continue turning it by hand. Water will begin to spray out, but because of the vacuum you created, the spray should begin to taper off after a short time.
- 5). Remove the old valve and quickly insert the new one into the hole. Tighten it by hand until you can't turn it anymore, then tighten it with slip-joint pliers. Be sure the spigot is facing down when you finish tightening.
- 6). Open up the cold water valve. Plug the heater back in or turn the gas control to "On."
SHARE
