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#1
02-27-2011, 02:32 PM
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Gas water heater problem
I having a problem with my gas water heater, pilot light not relighting, so had someone look at it, called and got replacement parts under warranty from Whirlpool, tried to drain it,according to owner manual instructions( hasn't been drained in 3 years) but nothing came out! turned inlet water back on and water flows clear and free out of the spigot/outlet hose , turn off inlet water to tank and nothing comes out? shouldn't the tank always have some water in it? or is it partially plugged up maybe? meaning it's time to junk it and get another one? its only 6 yrs old, and i have city water, not a well.
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#2
02-27-2011, 03:16 PM
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Vacuum lock.
Without any way to get air into the system, the tank won't drain. If you shut off the supply, and open the drain, crack open the pressure relief valve, that will allow air in higher up in the tank and will drain it for you. Be careful however, the relief valve may never seal again properly for you, and may drip or dribble once shut off again.
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Some guys they just give up living And start dying little by little, piece by piece, Some guys come home from work and wash up, And go racin' in the street. Bruce Springsteen - Racing In The Street - 1978 |
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#3
02-27-2011, 03:19 PM
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When you refill it leave the farthest way faucette to the tank open, to let air out out of the tank and lines. Actually you'll have to open all the faucettes to let the air out. The one furthest away is a good start.
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 Gary Get in, ShuT Up, Hang On! Member of the Baltimore Built Brotherhood MY GTO built 4th Week of March 1966 "Crusin' Is Not A Crime" Keep yer stick on the ice. |
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#4
02-27-2011, 07:08 PM
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I just had my gas furnace worked on, a month ago took 3 tubes to lite furnace all bad, import junk!! 6 yrs should be good for 10to 12 yrs. Call em back agin!! Should be under warranty
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#5
02-27-2011, 09:17 PM
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Since your tank is 6 y/o it probably has a bunch of crap/sludge/scale sitting in the bottom of the tank. On mine this stuff immediately plugged up the drain valve when I opened the valve to drain the tank. You may have to fish a wire up into the valve if it is plugged.
I agree with the suggestion to get some in from the top. Jerry |
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#6
02-27-2011, 10:24 PM
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There is also a sacrificial anode that needs to be replaced every couple of years. Once the anode (made of magnesium or aluminum) is gone then the steel tank starts to corrode.
Also, I wouldn't mess with the relief valve. I know you're supposed to test them, but it's been my experience that once you pop them once they will forever weep. When draining the tank all you have to do is open up a faucet that is at a higher level than the tank to allow air in so the tank drains. If you want to get up to speed on all things "water heater" poke around and read everything at Water Heater Rescue. It's an excellent resource.
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John  "There are no stupid questions, but there are a LOT of inquisitive idiots!" |
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