Maintenance Guides / Plumbing & Water

Test water heater pan drain

Difficulty: easyTime: 15 mins

Why it matters

Blocked drip pans fail during tank burst, flooding the home.

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How to do it

  • 1

    Locate the drip pan beneath the water heater.

  • 2

    Pour 1-2 gallons of water slowly into the pan.

  • 3

    If water backs up, the line is clogged.

  • 4

    Check the floor drain opening and remove debris.

  • 5

    Verify drain exits to daylight or sump pump.

  • 6

    Test again with water to confirm free drainage.