To preface this, I just purchased my first home. This is my first post and I really hope you guys can help with my problem. I'm pretty new to general home repairs, but tend to be pretty good with general DIY so long as I do some research first.
My new home has a gas water heater. There seems to be a good amount of sediment buildup in the bottom, so I need to flush it. I have run into two separate problems with what I thought was going to be easy maintenance.
1) There is no shutoff on the water line flowing directly into the water heater. The only shutoff I have been able to find in the house besides in the bathroom is at the street. I planned to turn the gas to vacation and open the valve and let it drain for a while. I know this wouldn't be a perfect method, but thought it would help until I'm able to install a valve.
2) I can't figure out the drain valve. Theres no handle to turn. There seems to be a pipe nipple coming out of the bottom of the tank, then a plastic piece with male garden hose threads. I'm afraid that turning the plastic fitting itself will just allow water to flow between it and the nipple. I tried to barely crack it open, but was unable to by hand. I don't want to break anything by using tools.
Any tips on what to do? Attaching a couple of pictures for reference.
My new home has a gas water heater. There seems to be a good amount of sediment buildup in the bottom, so I need to flush it. I have run into two separate problems with what I thought was going to be easy maintenance.
1) There is no shutoff on the water line flowing directly into the water heater. The only shutoff I have been able to find in the house besides in the bathroom is at the street. I planned to turn the gas to vacation and open the valve and let it drain for a while. I know this wouldn't be a perfect method, but thought it would help until I'm able to install a valve.
2) I can't figure out the drain valve. Theres no handle to turn. There seems to be a pipe nipple coming out of the bottom of the tank, then a plastic piece with male garden hose threads. I'm afraid that turning the plastic fitting itself will just allow water to flow between it and the nipple. I tried to barely crack it open, but was unable to by hand. I don't want to break anything by using tools.
Any tips on what to do? Attaching a couple of pictures for reference.
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