water heater dilemma

sz8

Hi,

I recently found that hot water in my house is running low pressure.
If I turn on two faucets with hot water only, it runs quite slow.

I checked and found that the valve at the inlet (3/4" copper pipe) of the water heater
can not be turned off. It simply keeps turning and never locks
at either direction.

I suspect that the valve does not open completely causing the
problem. I think I have two options:

a) Repair/replace the valve (soldered on).

b) Have the water heater (9 year-old, 50 gallon/natural gas type)
changed with the valve replaced by professionals.

For option a), I am not sure how hard it is. I don't have much
plumbing experience other than installing a under sink water filter
with a compression Tee added. But I am a pretty handy person.

Or if the water heater needs to be replaced anyway, then I don't
need to bother. BTW, the water heater's brand is "American" and
never failed before.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

SZ

Ron The Plumber

Go with option A, replace the valve with a new ball valve.

sz8

tricky? From what I know, the procedures should be:

1. turn off the house water.
2. open up one of the hot water faucet.
3. drain the water heater (with a garden hose hooked on).
4. cut off the old valve and solder on a new one.

Is there anything that I need to be really careful ?

One of my concern was that: since I never drained the water heater,
it might not be able to drain. Also, if it drains, it might not be closed
again due to old seal. Is such thing common for a 9-year old water heater?


Thanks,

SZ

jbfan

If it is electric then turn the breaker off first.

__________________
Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

sz8

Hi,

I've finally done the valve change myself. This is something I
never thought that could be done myself. Thanks to this forum.

Here is the picture. By the way, I did not drain the water heater
before the change.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c200/shanzhu/pipe.jpg

Thanks

SZ

Ron The Plumber

Nice Job

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Fix it right the first time, so you won't have to fix it a 2nd time.


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