How to Get Water Out of Water Heater Pan

February 27, 2023 0

Do you have a water heater that’s been leaking or has been in the house for so long that it needs to be replaced? Is there water pooling around the bottom of your water heater? If so, then you should look into ways to get rid of any standing water from the tank and prepare your household for installation.

Many people don’t know how to deal with this situation—especially if the plumbing isn’t their strong suit—but no need to worry!

In this blog post, we will be discussing all the steps necessary how to get water out of water heater pan without having to call an expensive plumber. So keep reading if you want helpful tips and efficient techniques on how best to empty out those extra gallons and really make the most out of replacing your old machine.

What Can Make a Water Pool Around The Water Heater?

There are many reasons why water can collect around a water heater, the most common being an old or malfunctioning unit. If the tank is too small for your family’s needs or if it’s broken and leaking, then it might be time to consider replacing the machine altogether.

Additionally, localized flooding or water pressure overloads can also cause excess water to pool around the bottom of the unit. If this is the case, then make sure you call your local authorities in order to get the appropriate help and advice.

What Will You Need?

Before we get into how to get water out of the water heater pan, make sure you have the following items collected and ready:

Bucket or large container
A vacuum cleaner with a wet/dry attachment
Sponge
Towels

Once you have all the items, you can start with the steps below.

8 Easy Steps on How to Get Water Out of Water Heater Pan

Once you’ve determined how much water needs to be removed from the tank, it’s time to start draining out any liquid collected around the heater. Here are two easy ways how to do it:

1. Using a Shop Vacuum

A shop vacuum is ideal for getting rid of large amounts of water quickly and efficiently. First, you must attach a wet-dry hose to your shop vac and position the outlet near the water heater. Then, turn on the vacuum and carefully guide it around the bottom of the pan in order to suck up any excess liquid. Remember to be careful when moving around sharp objects or dangerous areas within the tank, and make sure all safety precautions are taken before attempting this method.

2. Using Buckets

Alternatively, you can use a bucket or large container to collect and remove any standing water from the water heater pan. Place your bucket strategically underneath the unit so it can easily capture any liquids pooled below. Make sure to also check for hidden pockets of moisture, such as behind tanks or pipes, and use your sponge or towels to soak up any spills. Once done, manually empty out each bucket into a larger container or sink and repeat the process until all liquid has been removed.

3. Disconnect and Drain the Water Heater

Once you’re done collecting any liquids, it’s time to disconnect and drain the water heater. This step is important in order to ensure that all residual liquid has been removed from within the tank itself. Begin by shutting off the power source of your machine and then proceed to unscrew all pipes connected to the unit in order to remove it from its place completely. Afterward, use a garden hose or bucket to drain out any remaining water inside until none remains slowly.

4. Clean & Dry Out The Pan

Now that all liquid has been successfully removed, you can start cleaning up the pan itself. Use a sponge or cloth along with warm soapy water in order to remove any dirt or grime that has built up on the surface, paying special attention to any hard-to-reach areas where dirt may be hiding. Once done, use a towel in order to completely dry out the pan and make sure it’s free of any moisture before putting it back into place.

5. Reinstall the Water Heater

Finally, you can now reinstall your water heater by connecting all necessary pipes and ensuring that everything is securely in place. Make sure to also check for any leaks or damages before switching the power source back on, as this will help you avoid any potential future issues with your machine.

6. Take Preventative Measures

In order to prevent any future flooding in the water heater pan, you should also take some additional steps to ensure that your unit is running smoothly. For instance, you should always make sure to check for build-ups of sediment or limescale inside the tank and schedule regular maintenance checks on a yearly basis. Additionally, be mindful of how much water pressure is being pushed through the pipes and how often you use hot water in order to avoid an overload.

7. Test the Water Heater

Once everything is connected and in place, be sure to turn your water heater back on and test it out. This will help you ensure that all connections are secure and running properly. Make sure to also pay attention to how long it takes for the water to heat up, as this could be a sign of something wrong with the unit itself.

8. Put Your Towels Away

Finally, once you’re sure everything is functional and running smoothly, put your towels away for safekeeping until your next use. Alternatively, you can keep them nearby just in case of any more unexpected leaks or spills! It’s always better to be prepared than caught off guard.

Following these steps should help ensure you get the most out of your water heater and avoid any potential floods or damages. With a little bit of caution, you can easily get water out of your water heater pan in no time!

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

Make sure to turn off all electricity and gas power sources before emptying out the water heater pan.
If the drain valve is difficult to open, use a pair of adjustable pliers or wrenches to loosen it.
Make sure to wear protective gloves when handling the water in the pan, as it can be hot and may cause burns.
Utilize a garden hose to run off any excess water that remains in the pan after draining it by attaching one end of the hose at an appropriate drainage area outside your home and then running the other end into the water heater pan until all of the water has been removed.
Make sure to clean out any debris from the water heater pan before you start refilling it with fresh water. This will ensure that there are no blockages inside your system once you begin using it again.

Turn Off All Electricity and Gas Power Sources

These easy tips and tricks allow you to learn how to get water out of your water heater pan! Make sure to practice proper safety measures when doing this task. Safety should always be your top priority.

5 Things You Should Avoid

Don’t use a shop vacuum to suck up the water. This method can cause damage to your pipes and may not get all the water out.
Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning agents. These can corrode your pipes and are hazardous to people and pets if used in large quantities.
Don’t attempt to repair any leaks yourself, as this can cause more harm than good. Call an experienced plumber instead.
Don’t ignore regular maintenance, such as checking for corrosion, rust, or debris buildup in your heater pan or pipes leading into it; these issues must be addressed promptly before they become larger problems that require costly repairs or replacements.
Lastly, don’t forget about draining your water heater. You should never allow the pan to fill up with excess water, as this can cause a lot of damage and may even require you to replace the entire unit.

Getting water out of your water heater pan is not a difficult task, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid more serious problems later on down the line. Be sure to follow these guidelines and call a professional if needed!

Conclusion

Having clear steps for quickly and safely addressing a leaking water heater pan can be the key to preventing potential damage to your property. A small leak in the pan can turn into a major issue if left unchecked, and being prepared with the right tools is essential.

By following the steps detailed above, you can efficiently empty the water from the pan, replace washers and seals as needed, and get your system running again in no time. These steps can transform what may seem like a daunting task into an easily managed problem — for any handy person.

Hopefully, the article on how to get water out of water heater pan was helpful and will be a useful reference when attempting this task. In any case, always practice safety first and never hesitate to call a professional for assistance. Good luck!

Angela Ervin

Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.