How to Install a Water-Heater Pan

Hot-water tanks without pans can cause water damage to surrounding floors and walls.

The water-heater pan catches drips and leaks from the hot-water tank, saving you from cleaning up every puddle. However, when the pan hasn't been installed beforehand, this means more work for you -- and an increased possibility that your floor may sustain damage or rot due to the leaking water. While you can effortlessly place a new water heater on the pan before installation, having to retrofit a pan under an existing heater is considerably more work.

Things You'll Need

• Hose
• Rags
• Pipe wrench
• Helper
• Hot-water heater drain pan

Instructions

1. Shut off the water supply.

2. Turn on a water tap and run it until the water stops.

3. Turn off the gas supply, using the appropriate tools, if the hot-water tank uses gas. You may need a licensed professional for this step.

4. Disconnect the power to the hot-water heater.

5. Disconnect the power and gas lines to the water tank, using the appropriate tools. In some areas you may need a professional installer to do this task.

6. Screw the end of the hose to the drain valve on the hot-water tank.

7. Place the other end of the hose outside or in a water drain. You can drain the tank into buckets instead.

8. Set rags under hose connections to absorb leaks.

9. Drain the hot-water tank by turning the drain-valve knob.

10. Disconnect the hot and cold water pipes that lead in and out of the water heater, using a pipe wrench. Consult your manufacturer's instructions.

11. Move the water heater from its current position. Two people should move the tank.

12. Set the drain pan in place and put the tank back into position.

13. Reinstall and fill the water heater according to the manufacturer's directions.

14. Reconnect the power and gas lines. A licensed professional may need to do this step.

15. Turn the water heater on.

16. Wait for the water to heat up, which usually takes an hour.

17. Run the hot water taps to ensure the tank is working.

Tips & Warnings

• Read your owner's manual before disconnecting the hot-water tank.

• Install a leak detector in the pan so you know when the heater is leaking.

• Protect your back when moving the hot-water tank.

References

• Rona: Installing an Electric Water Heater
• YouTube: Install Water Heater Drain Pan

Resources

• Amy B Sells; From Our Trusted Inspector: Water Heaters; Aug. 2, 2007