How to Fix a Broken Hot Water Heater Valve
Over time, a hot water heater's valves can corrode or become clogged from calcium deposits left behind as water passes through the valves virtually daily. In addition, the plastic inserts within the heater's valves can also break. A broken valve can cause leaks, which wastes water and cost money. Follow the steps below to fix a broken hot water heater valve. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate the two water valves at the top of the water heater. There is one tube which leads into each valve.
-
2
Turn off the water to the broken valve by turning the red handle at the end of the valve's tube to a horizontal position.
-
-
3
Use a wrench to disconnect the valve's tube from the valve.
-
4
Remove the valve from the top of the water heater by grabbing onto the side of the valve with adjustable pliers and turning the valve in a counterclockwise direction.
-
5
Identify which type of valve requires replacement. There are two water heater valves, one for cold water and one for hot water. These valves are not identical. Therefore, if the cold water valve is broken, it must be replaced with a cold water valve. Most valves are stamped with either "hot" or "cold" on its side. If the markings are not present, determine which color the plastic insert inside the valve is. A blue insert is for cold water, while a red insert is for hot.
-
6
Wrap the threads on the replacement valve with Teflon tape to prevent water leaks.
-
7
Note the arrow marked onto the side of the valve. If replacing a cold water valve, the arrow must face into the water heater. If replacing a hot water valve, the arrow must face up, meaning away from the heater.
-
8
Insert the threads of the valve into the water heater, then tighten the valve with adjustable pliers.
-
9
Place the end of the valve's tube over the top of the valve and tighten the tube to the valve with a wrench.
-
10
Turn the red handle on the valve's tube to the vertical position to complete the repair.
-
1
