Question by fifty50: My hot water heater works but when I try to drain it, nothing comes out. Can I do any repair for free?
After ten years, I finally had a few minutes to check my hot water heater. I read yesterday that there is a pressure relief valve. So, I shut off the cold water and lifted it and nothing came out. Then I went to drain the tank. I turned the knob to pilot and turned that little red lever 1/4 from maybe twelve o’clock to 3 o’clock and nothing happened.
Due to the economy, two options are out, calling a plumber and replacing the hot water heater. Are there any other options besides leaving the heater alone and hoping for the best?
I’m searching for answers and one reason it may not have drained is that I didn’t turn on the hot water elsewhere. One site says the hot water must be turned on somewhere.
As far as the pressure valve, I keep my heater at 115 degrees so maybe that’s why nothing comes out.
The problem was that I was turning off the gas knob and not turning on the water knob, which was hidden beneath a hot water heater wrap that I purchased to save money.
The gas line is a shared line between the hot water heater and the furnace and in the middle is a pipe that goes down to the drain, so since I don’t know very much, I assumed that must be the right line. After trying to look under the wrapper for directions I came across a white threaded piece which easily turned on and water came out. So after ten years of not draining the water heater, it actually works.
Best answer:
Answer by Carl_the_Truth
Sorry, no. They wear out with time. You’ll have to buy a new one.
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