Hey there, pal! Glad to have you here as I talk about water heaters! Every house owner needs to know how to maintain a water heater. Of course – this is a non-negotiable because you gotta maintain your appliances!
And one of the main things you wanna know about it is how to open plastic drain valve on water heater. Otherwise, your water heater’s lifespan will decrease and cause it to damage quickly. We don’t want that though, do we? Nope! It’s gonna be super expensive to replace it in the long run – so we gotta save, save, save!
Draining your water heater tank regularly is essential in ensuring it is efficient for your use. No fuss – just easy, breezy, usage!
However, instead of cleaning your water heater tank each time – you can open the valve and prevent sediment buildup or mineral deposits.
But there is a right process to open your water heater valve. Consequently, you will end up damaging it. Especially if you are entirely new to plumbing this may be confusing. Let’s not try to play here! You might just make matters worse!
Worry not if this is your first time doing this. I got you! I have a step-by-step guide about opening your plastic drain valve for you! Are you ready, partner? Hop right in!
How to Open Plastic Drain Valve (Step-by-Step Process)
Okay, let’s get to the juicy stuff! This part is where it gets really interesting! The good thing is, it’s not even hard! First, we suggest you get the right tools for the job; and make this a breeze of a job for you. You either use a wrench, or a plier to get more grip on the plastic valve.
What else? You should also have a towel/rag, and a bucket to collect the stuff collected in your water heater.
Below, are the steps you should know to open your plastic drain valve:
Step
Description
1.
Locate the drain valve on the water heater. You can find it near the bottom of the tank.
2.
Turn off the water heater and disconnect the power supply to prevent accidents.
3.
Prepare a hose long enough to reach a suitable drainage area, such as a floor drain or outdoor location.
4.
Attach one end of the hose to the drain valve. Ensure you securely fasten it to avoid accidents.
5.
Place the other end of the hose in the drainage area or into a bucket if no floor drain is available.
6.
Get a wrench or pliers suitable for the drain valve’s size. Use it to grip the valve.
7.
Slowly turn the drain valve counterclockwise to open it. Be cautious – hot water and sediment might flow out.
8.
Allow the water to drain completely from the tank. This process may take some time. It will depend on the size of the tank.
9.
Once you fully drain the tank, close the drain valve by turning it clockwise until it is tightly closed.
10.
Remove the hose from the drain valve. Drain any remaining water into the appropriate location.
11.
Double-check that the drain valve is fully closed and there are no leaks.
12.
If necessary, refill the water heater tank and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to restart the heater.
Hold on though, buddy! Water heater manufacturers are different! It is best to consult your specific manufacturer as processes may vary.
Why Should You Open Your Plastic Drain Valve?
I’m sure you have heard a lot of people saying you should open your plastic drain valve. But why, should you open it?
Here’s what will happen if you don’t open your water heater valve and drain the tank once in a while.
Reduce its efficiency.
Additionally, your water heater will begin to develop faults and damage your house.
And no one obviously wants that to happen so I suggest you regularly check out your water heater.
And here’s what will happen if you do maintain your water heater properly:
Better lifespan, and service of the water heater
Better efficiency
If your water heater is functioning efficiently you will also save money on electricity bills.
You can prevent little issues from developing into major issues.
When Should You Open Your Plastic Drain Valve?
It is one thing to know how to open a plastic drain valve on a water heater; it is another to know when to do it.
Hence, in this section, you will learn when you should replace your plastic drain valve and release the water in your water tank.
Here’s when:
Strange noises start coming from it.
If you notice your water is looking rusty or discolored.
If your energy bill is increasing.
If you notice a decrease in the amount of hot water.
If you notice water dripping from your water heater.
Importance of the Plastic Drain Valve in Your Water Heater
A plastic drain valve is fundamental because it lets you drain the water heater tank.
It’s best to every now and then drain the sediments that collect in your tank so it can remain in top-notch condition all the time.
If you don’t do this over time, it becomes difficult for your water heater to function.
Let us walk you through the key steps you need to take when you want to drain your water heater tank:
First off, turn off your gas or electric water heater. Cut off the main power supply. Safety first always, right?!
Then you connect a garden hose to your plastic drain valve and put the other end in a container to collect the yucky sediments.
Open the valve after you have secured the hose and let the sediments run through.
That’s all! When you see all the sediments gone, turn off the valve and remove the hose. Fit everything back and now your water heater is in top-notch condition and ready for you to use again!
Great job! because with these steps not only have you extended your water heater’s lifespan but it’ll also work more efficiently. Not so tough, huh?
Do not worry, if you follow this process step by step, you will have opened your water heater valve and locked it with no glitches.
FAQs
Why should I maintain my plastic drain valve?
Ahh! Good question. Maintaining your plastic water valve is extremely important. It is perhaps one of the most important things to do when you have a water heater.
This process removes deposits and sediments that will accumulate and spoil your water heater. Furthermore, maintaining your water heater’s plastic drain valve will increase the number of years you will use that water heater.
I’m sure you would not like it if your water heater broke down only after two or three years of usage. Trust me, I bet I would not either!
How Can I Troubleshoot Plastic Drain Water Heater Problems?
Did you encounter any problems while opening your water heater valve? Easy there, cowboy!
Do not worry – this section will do the trick. It will show you what you need to do to fix the issue you are having.
If your plastic drain valve isn’t budging, use a pair of pliers. Ensure you gently turn the plier so you do not cut off the plastic drain valve. If you use excessive force, the valve will snap. And you will have a real problem on your hands.
The water is not draining quickly? Ah, fear not – check your water heater again. Ensure you turn off the cold water supply. Additionally, ensure you also turn off the power supply and the gas valve.
Is your plastic drain valve leaking? Try using a wrench to turn it. Ensure you gently turn the plastic drain valve. However, you can also use a wrench. If this does not work, you can try using a plier. But you have to be extremely careful with a plier so you don’t cut off the valve entirely. If you have tried all of these but it does not work, I suggest you replace the plastic drain valve.
Conclusion
There you have it folks! The down-low on plastic drain valves! If you know how to properly open your plastic drain valve but you do not know when to open it, this will not be of much help to you.
Thus, you should open your plastic drain valve if you notice it is leaking. If your plastic drain valve is leaking there must be sediments accumulating in the water tank.
Therefore you should ensure you check your water heater regularly.
Additionally, if you notice a sound coming from your water heater, you should learn how to open a plastic drain valve on your water heater. Good luck!
Hi everyone! My name is Jason, and I am the founder of HeaterWise.com. Having run my own business as a Heating Engineer for 21 years, I have picked up a few things along the way.
I wanted to create Heater Wise as a place where anyone could come, from far and wide, to find the information that they need.
I hope you will join us here at Heater Wise, to get started on your own journey, to expand your knowledge, and make the best heating choices for you and your family.
