Water Heater Drain Valve stuck

[mmoore5553]

How can i get the drain valve unstuck as i do not want to break it off. Trust me i have broken one off the old water heater before. The hot water heater is just not putting out that much hot water anymore. It is an electric water heater.

 

model number - FG1H4040T3N0V

serial - 0444103206

product- 0730266

 

 

 

[mmoore5553]

Here is the value. I would hate to break it off.  But it is not turning.

 

or is there a better way to drain it

Edited March 31, 2013 by mmoore5553

[Cactus Bob]

no , there is not any other way to drain the water safely

but

draining the rust out of the bottom of the heater will in no way help the heater produce more hot water

draining only removes loose rust from the bottom of the tank so the tank lasts longer

 

you have an element or thermostat problem

[RegUS_PatOff]

OR  a broken / corroded Cold Water Input Dip Tube /Anode,

but that's another discussion

[mmoore5553]

His is a gas water heater. So does that change anything

[Cactus Bob]

look at that , it is gas , i never really looked at the photo before

 

yes draining the rust may restore the hot water

 

did you try turning off the flame for a day or so to let the tank cool down , this may release the plastic and let you turn the valve

 

there is another way , but it requires a little work, some fittings and air compressor

remove the in and output of the water heater from the house plumbing

use fittings to connect a garden hose to the input (cold) of the water heater 

carefully pump a little air at a time into the hot water output

the water should leave out the garden hose

it should be light enough to take outside and remove that old plastic drain valve and replace it with a good metal one

 

it's work, but sometimes real work is the only way to get something done

[mmoore5553]

Do they have heating elements?

[JJ Surfer]

I would change the valve without draining, turn it off, allow to cool, shut off supply, get new valve ready! Get a towel or two, remove old valve and quickly install new one, I've done elements and gas valves this way

[RegUS_PatOff]

... remove old valve and quickly install new one

although, it may break upon / before removal ..

be prepared..

if in basement, may not be so bad ..