Do you need to replace your water heater drain valve? The drain valve on your water heater allows you to drain your water heater whenever necessary. However, they go bad over time and require replacement. You’ll notice this when they experience a leak or encounter a sediment blockage.
Good news! A new water heater drain valve is not expensive. You might as well choose one that will last and work properly. We’re here to point you to the best water heater drain valves on the market.
In this PlumbingNav review, we will cover:
What are water heater drain valves?
What are the different types of water heater drain valves?
How does a water heater drain valve work?
What do you look for in the best water heater drain valves?
This brass water heater drain valve comes with a stainless steel ball valve, large handle over 3” long, and a garden hose cap for outdoor usage. The valve can withstand temperatures as high as 210°F. Since this valve is non-toxic, you can also use it for drinking water.
Water heater drain valves are valves that control your water heater drain pipes, allowing them to open and close as necessary. When open, the drain valve releases both water and pressure buildup from inside of the tank. When closed, it of course keeps the water and pressure inside of the tank where you want it.
You will typically find the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater on all types of water heaters, including tankless water heaters. The drain pipe will lead to a drain in the floor or somewhere outside. This ensures water doesn’t damage your home whenever it is open.
If the drain valve doesn’t work properly, it can lead to water damage in your home and even safety concerns, especially if your water heater experiences excessive pressure levels.
What Causes Damage to the Drain Valve?
Drain valves can become damaged and start to leak due to sediment buildup or corrosion. Luckily, you can fix the problem simply and inexpensively with a new drain valve.
Mineral deposits can also clog the valve or damage it. The valve’s seal can then become loose, creating a water leak. Sediment buildup happens more when you have hard water. Flushing your water heater tank every three years can eliminate sediment buildup.
Over time, the valve can also experience corrosion. Corrosion refers to the natural deterioration of metal over time. Anode rods in water heater tanks help slow down the corrosion process. Check and regularly replace the anode rod to keep your tank and water heater ball valve free from damage.
What Are The Different Types Of Water Heater Drain Valves?
One of the greatest variations that you find in water heater drain valves involves the material used to make them.
Water heater drain valves usually come in either plastic or brass. Brass holds up better than plastic water heaters, but they also cost a bit more. However, brass valves don’t become clogged as easily and also withstand higher temperatures.
You can also find composite valves that fall somewhere in the middle of plastic and brass in terms of quality.
Additionally, you need to choose between standard valves or ball valves. Ball valves tend to make it easier to drain the tank, but they also get clogged more easily.
How Does A Water Heater Drain Valve Work?
When the water heater drain valve opens, water and pressure escape from the tank. The tank opens automatically when a sensor notices that pressure levels hit a certain level. However, you can also open the drain valve manually.
How to Replace a Drain Valve
Luckily, replacing your water heater drain valve doesn’t require extensive handyman knowledge.
Follow these simple steps to replace the drain valve on your water heater.
Step One: Gather Materials
You don’t need too many materials to get the job done, but you still need a couple of items. Keep in mind that the required tools may depend on the drain valve you buy. Always read the instructions first.
Gather the following materials:
Replacement drain valve
Wrench
Pliers
Plumber’s tape (if applicable)
Hose (if applicable)
Step Two: Cut Off Power, Gas, and Water
Shut off power to the water heater from the circuit box (for electric water heaters) or gas supply (gas water heaters). You also need to shut off water to the water heater. You can close the cold water supply, but it can benefit you to cut off water from the main water line.
Step Three: Drain Tank
Open the drain valve to release the water from the tank. If you do not have a hose in place to allow for proper draining, connect a hose at the drain valve to allow water to go into a drain in the floor or outside. Ensure that the tank empties completely before moving forward.
Step Four: Remove Old Drain Valve
Remove the current drain valve. Use your preferred tool to loosen it by turning it counterclockwise (lefty-loosey). Remove when the drain valve becomes loose enough.
Step Five: Install New Drain Valve
Install the new drain valve at the water heater supply line and tighten it until the drain valve faces the same direction as the old drain valve. Use plumbing tape to ensure a tight connection if necessary.
Step Six: Refill Water Heater Tank
Turn the water back on and refill the tank by opening the cold water supply at the top of the tank.
Step Seven: Restore Power/Gas
Now, you need to restore power/gas to the water heater and wait approximately 2 – 3 hours to see if the device heated the water properly.
Verify that the drain valve does not leak.
What Do You Look For In The Best Water Heater Drain Valves?
Most importantly, you want to ensure the water heater drain valve size fits your water heater. In most cases, water heaters use a ¾” connection. However, you may want to verify the specifications of your water heater before making a purchase.
Not only do you want the connections to fit, but you also want the drain to fit in the necessary space, which is especially important if you need to work in a confined space such as a utility closet.
What is a Tamper Proof Water Heater Drain Valve?
Consider a tamper-proof drain valve that doesn’t move or open easily. This means that the valve won’t open without a special tool, ensuring you don’t end up with an empty tank from children or from a thoughtless opening. Think of it as you would the child-proof lid on a medicine bottle. It’s easy to operate if you know how it works and offers protection against accidents.
Finally, you want a water heater drain valve that operates simply. In some cases, a long handle will give you everything you need to make handling user-friendly.
Other models come with a knob that you turn to open and close the valve. The most difficult-to-use models require a screwdriver to open and close them.
Best Water Heater Drain Valves Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
This brass water heater drain valve comes with a stainless steel ball valve, large handle over 3” long, and a garden hose cap for outdoor usage. The valve can withstand temperatures as high as 210°F. Since this valve is non-toxic, you can also use it for drinking water.
Pros
High 210°F rating
Long handle
Garden hose cap included
Cons
Ball valve can clog
Long size may not fit
Plumbing tape required for tight seal (not included)
This brass replacement drain valve works with most water heaters with its ¾” connection. You will use the knob on the top to open and close the drain valve. It meets all safe drinking requirements and doesn’t contain lead.
Don’t worry about your drain valve getting clogged with this Water Connection drain valve that has a two-way lead-free valve and 3-inch dielectric nipple. The easy to use handle allows you to drain the water heater quickly and easily.
Made by one of the most trusted names in water heaters, this Rheem brass drain valve provides everything you need to upgrade from a plastic drain valve to a brass drain valve on most water heaters. Open and close the valve using a screwdriver.
Use this heavy-duty brass drain valve to control the drain line with a steel canopy knob. You can install the device easily, and it will hold up in both indoor and outdoor applications. The slightly below-average size and standard connectors make it compatible with most devices.
Pros
Inexpensive
Compatible with most water heaters
Suitable for outdoor use
Cons
Knob not as convenient as handle
Steel knob can corrode
Handle doesn’t always open easily
Final Thoughts On Best Water Heater Drain Valves
Your water heater’s drain valve allows water and pressure to escape your water heater tank. Most water heaters come with a plastic valve, and they can break easily. Instead, replace your water heater drain valve with a brass water heater drain valve.
When picking a new drain valve, look for one that installs and operates easily. A handle and ball valve make the best choices.
FAQs for Water Heater Drain Valves
Why is my water heater leaking from the drain valve?
Leaking at the drain valve occurs after corrosion or sediment buildup, which both happen over time. It can also happen from using cheap, plastic drain valves.
What is the drain valve on a water heater?
The drain valve opens the drain line to release water and pressure from the water heater tank.
Where is the drain valve on a water heater?
You will find the drain valve on the bottom of the water heater.
How much does it cost to replace a water heater drain valve?
Generally speaking, it will cost between $25 – $50 if you do the work yourself.
Are all water heater drain valves the same size?
Most water heater drain valves come in a ¾” size, as this is the standard connection size for water heaters.
Can the water heater drain valve be replaced?
Yes! You can even do it yourself using the following simple steps:
Step One: Gather Materials
Step Two: Cut Off Power, Gas, and Water
Step Three: Drain Tank
Step Four: Remove Old Drain Valve
Step Five: Install New Drain Valve
Step Six: Refill Water Heater Tank
Step Seven: Restore Power/Gas
What is a tamper proof drain valve?
Tamper proof drain valves mean that the drain valve will not open without a special tool, preventing accidental water damage.
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
