[photo1902]

Originally Posted by DavidK

I learned a lesson regarding shutting off the house water and then relieving the pressure. As a handy neighbor, I agreed to replace the expansion tank on the top of a water heater. Normally a very easy task, but it needs to be done in a particular order. First, shut off the water, second, open a faucet to relieve the pressure, third remove and replace the tank, fourth, turn on the house water, fifth, close the faucet. Unfortunately, I did step three before step two. The 65 pounds of pressure that remained in the lines sprayed all over me, the closet, and my friend as I loosened the threads. We were very wet. Had I opened a faucet, there would have been very little water that dripped from the tank.

Easier method is to turn off the water and power to the water heater (or set gas heater to pilot) Attach a garden hose to the water heater. Open the TPR valve and turn the screw on the water heater drain valve. Let the water drain for 10-15 minutes. Turn off the drain valve, then remove expansion tank