How to Replace a Spigot on a Hot Water Heater

The spigot on a hot water heater is a shut off valve that in most applications resembles a standard hose bib. The spigot is located near the bottom of the water heater and is used for periodically draining the unit for cleaning or replacing the water heater. Replacement of the spigot is usually due to damage, malfunction or leaking at spigot. You can replace a hot water spigot by following some simple guidelines.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crescent wrench
• Pipe wrench
• Thread sealing compound or Teflon tape

1. Shut off the electrical power to the heater, or in the case of a gas heater, shut off the gas valve.

2. Shut off the water supply to the water heater. In most installations there is a shut off valve on the inlet line to the heater. If not, close the main water valve to the building

3. Open a hot water faucet in the building to relieve the water pressure in the water heater tank.

4. Drain the water heater by removing the spigot or if it is still functional, open the spigot. Capture the water so as not to flood the area if the heater is indoors.

5. Remove the spigot from the heater by unscrewing it from the fitting on the heater body.

6. Install the new spigot by applying pipe thread sealing compound or Teflon tape to the threads. Screw the spigot onto the fitting on the heater.

7. Close the replaced spigot, and open the water supply valve to the heater, allowing the heater to fill with water.

8. Make sure the water heater is full with water before turning the electric or gas supply.

9. Allow the hot water faucet in the building to run, to bleed off any air that entered the water heater.

10. Close the faucet when a steady stream of water is present.

References

• Lowe's on Water Heaters