How to Fill a Hot Water Heater
Hot water heaters are not made to last forever. There may come a time when your hot water heater may need to be filled. It could be because you have had to replace yours or your old one has a small leak. There are steps you must take to fill your hot water heater safely and successfully.
Items Needed to Fill a Hot Water Heater
- Hose
- Wrench
How to fill a Hot Water Heater
- Locate your gas valve. Most people have electric breakers and can turn the power off to the hot water heater this way.
- Find the cold water valve and turn it off. Use a hose to connect to the drainage valve. You will need this to send the water in hot water heater out the door and outside.
- Locate the drainage valve and turn it counter-clockwise, this will open the drain valve. You may need a wrench to help turn the valve. The old water will begin to flow out of the water heater system.
- Turn on a hot water faucet in the house, this will allow air to flow inside. Close the drainage valve after all the water has emptied out the heater.
- Begin the filling process by turning on the cold water. It is important to wait until the water is flowing steady from the hot water faucet. Once this happens you will know that your hot water heater is full.
- Turn the power back on to your hot water heater. If your hot water heater is gas operated you will have to turn the gas valve back on.