Plumbing Question Sort Of

[wcd]

So I have laid new flooring in the kitchen painted the cabinets and walls, amazing what a minor Reno will do. So we have a utility room off the kitchen that has a doorway. I would like to continue the flooring into the utility room. Only concern is the Hot Water heater. Would there be any unintended consequences to draining it so that it could be lifted enough to install the new flooring?

 

[Lpherr]

Will the plumbing allow it to be lifted?

 

[Michigan Slim]

You will be fine.

 

[wcd]

Will the plumbing allow it to be lifted?

Yes I just need the thickness of a vinyl plank,

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

It’d be a good time to flush it anyway.

 

[Mgderf]

Do NOT open the temperature relief valve to aide in draining.
Many times, once opened, they will not reseal.
Open the drain and crack a water line to drain.
No adverse consequences from draining and resetting.

 

[djay7677]

As a side note, most floating floors that are vinyl advise you not to install under heavy weight. This will prevent expansion and contraction. If you’re using a glue down vinyl then it’s no problem.just fyi if you didn’t already know.

 

[wcd]

As a side note, most floating floors that are vinyl advise you not to install under heavy weight. This will prevent expansion and contraction. If you’re using a glue down vinyl then it’s no problem.just fyi if you didn’t already know.

It’s what they call a plop and drop, yeah I was skeptical to we have had it in the kitchen now for a while, just getting around to doing the other room now. Late fall project since our rainy season is starting.

 

[wcd]

Do NOT open the temperature relief valve to aide in draining.
Many times, once opened, they will not reseal.
Open the drain and crack a water line to drain.
No adverse consequences from draining and resetting.

Thanks not wanting to over think it but sometimes the best intentions can go South.

 

[fullmetaljesus]

Pending on the age of the water heater while you have it drained it may be wise to go ahead and replace the bottom element while it's empty.

 

[Quiet Observer]

Depending on the age of the water heater and availability of funds, it could be time to consider a replacement.

 

[91FXRS]

Personally, I would not think about lifting a water heater without disconnecting everything at which point just get it out of the way, do your floor put it back.

 

[indyblue]

Pending on the age of the water heater while you have it drained it may be wise to go ahead and replace the bottom element while it's empty.

Not to mention the anode rod as well.
I think I remember the recommended interval of five years.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Pending on the age of the water heater while you have it drained it may be wise to go ahead and replace the bottom element while it's empty.

Not to mention the anode rod as well.
I think I remember the recommended interval of five years.

I would have no idea how to do either of these things.

 

[indyblue]

I would have no idea how to do either of these things.

The anode rod simply looks like a nut Or a plug on the top of the tank. you would have to tip the tank to unscrew and remove it since it’s nearly the length of the tank and you probably can’t get it out before hitting the ceiling.

Not sure about the element though as mine is gas but I believe they just screw into the side of the bottom of the tank and you would have to remove the access panel near the bottom and remove it.

 

[Rookie]

If you decide to change the anode rod, break it loose before you empty the tank. Mine was in there tight.

 

[91FXRS]

Moral of the story, could be painless or it could be a can of worms, lots of variables. Depending on your drain pan and layout in the room it may be easier to find a way to put the flooring around it and make it look best you can.

 

[fullmetaljesus]

I would have no idea how to do either of these things.

I can't speak for the anode thing.
But the element is near the bottom you can get a wrench for it for like 5 bucks and a new element for like 5-10 bucks.

Drain tank, disconnect power, disconnect wires on element, unscrew pull out. Put new one in, yada yada.

 

[Lpherr]

Do NOT open the temperature relief valve to aide in draining.
Many times, once opened, they will not reseal.
Open the drain and crack a water line to drain.
No adverse consequences from draining and resetting.

If the valve doesn't reseal, it would be best to replace it, since it may not work as intended anyway. They are simple to change and pretty cheap. I had one that kept leaking. I replaced it in about 10 minutes.

As others have mentioned, if the WH is 5 yrs or older, it's a good time to replace it.

 

[yeahbaby]

Moral of the story, could be painless or it could be a can of worms, lots of variables. Depending on your drain pan and layout in the room it may be easier to find a way to put the flooring around it and make it look best you can.

I was having the same thoughts. If the flooring is easy enough to cut. I would do the best to work it around the WH.