Hot Water Tank - Air locked?-gctid815278

[Checks_Five-Oh]

While troubleshooting a toilet vacuum issue (3988) i managed a little "spillage" into the compartment this past week. To rinse the area, I opened the drain valve on my hot water tank to flush the mess into the bilge, then overboard. An hour later, we noticed the hot water flow had diminished to a trickle. I turned off the breaker for the tank, and determined that I will meditate on the issue while ashore this week.

Possibilities are:

1. No water going into the tank (unlikely, as it would have been coincidental with the tank valve opening),

2. I created an airlock, that prevents the flow out to the taps.

Any other ideas/experiences with this?

Thanks in advance!

[floatyerboat]

With a hot water valve turned on in any sink or shower it should eliminate any air in the system. If you get water out of the faucet your hot water heater is fine. I would suspect your drain valve may be clogged with some rust or lime. .Usually those drain valves they install on hot water heaters aren't top of the line items. Often they are only made of plastic and over time they could leak or just stop working.

Another possibility if you are still unsure is lift the small lever on the relief valve near the top of the tank to see if water comes out.

[builderdude]

No air lock, the system can "self purge" any air. Opening the water heaters drain valve is schematicly the same as opening the hot valve at any faucet, you should have heard the water pump kick on to maintain system pressure. What your describing sounds like a plugged up line exiting the water heater or at the water heater itself or your water pump isn't functioning. Does the cold water flow and maintain pressure at the faucets? Do you have a dedicated filter/screen for hot water that may be plugged?

[builderdude]

If the drain valve was opened while the water pump was turned off then you'll need to run the hot water at the faucets until the water heater can refill and replace what was used and purge any air from the line. This may take a minute or more depending on the amount of water that was used and the length of your plumbing lines. Water pump running of course

[diveguy]

The screens in the individual faucets get clogged with deposits as well. I clean mine every spring.

[Checks_Five-Oh]

Cold water has lots of pressure. When I turn on the hot water, the pump cuts in and out rapidly. I will check the in and out lines on the tank this coming weekend.

[Checks_Five-Oh]

good point!

[Checks_Five-Oh]

Good idea, but not the case here. all of the taps experienced the same drop at the same time. Thanks

[cptncptn]

There should be an anti siphon valve on the cold water line going to the water heater. I guess it is possible it is stuck, that would not let water into the water heater.