How to Install a Water Heater Floor Drain

 How to Install a Water Heater Floor Drain: A Guide for the Reluctant Handyman

Ah, water heaters. Those magical metal cylinders that give us hot water for our showers, washing machines, and those dishes we’ve been ignoring. But what happens when this metallic magician decides to have a little too much water and allows it to spill everywhere? Yikes! It would help if you had a floor drain, my friend. And no, I’m not talking about a Harry Potter spell; it’s time to roll up those sleeves and dive into some DIY magic.

What You’ll Need 

Materials:

– PVC Floor Drain

– PVC Pipe

– PVC Glue

– Primer

– Rubber Mallet or Hammer

Tools

– Screwdriver

– Tape Measure

– Drill

– Pipe Cutter or Hacksaw

– Pipe Wrench

– _Optional: Sense of Humor_

 Step 1: Plan and Measure

Measure twice, cut once, they say. Or, in our case, measure twice so you don’t flood your basement and end up building an accidental swimming pool. Check out the installation spot near your water heater. Make sure it’s a location where water naturally flows. Don’t put the drain on a hill—water still doesn’t flow uphill, last time I checked.

 Step 2: Mark and Drill

Using your trusty tape measure and a drill, mark the spot where the drain will go. Yes, you must use a routine; you can’t just wish a hole into existence (I’ve tried). Drill a hole that matches the size of your PVC pipe.

 Step 3: Glue, Assemble, Repeat

Slather some primer onto the edges of your PVC pipe. Next, put a generous amount of PVC glue on the pipe and the floor drain. Be quick but not reckless. Stick that pipe into the floor drain like you’re Excalibur, and the floor drain is the stone. Use your rubber mallet to make sure it’s snug.

 Step 4: Install the Drain

Place the assembled PVC drain into the hole you’ve drilled. If it doesn’t fit, now’s a good time to panic. Just kidding! Remove it, adjust your spot, and try again. Once it’s in, use the mallet to secure it firmly.

 Step 5: Test It Out

Grab a bucket of water and gently pour it into the drain. Watch as it magically disappears into the abyss. If it doesn’t, well, do you have a mop?

 Step 6: Celebrate

You did it! You’re now the proud parent of a functional water heater floor drain. Go ahead, take a selfie with it. Make it your Facebook profile picture. You’ve earned it.

 Quick Tips

– _Always turn off the main water supply when working close to a water heater._

– _Wear eye protection. Trust me, you don’t want PVC glue in your eyes._

Warning

This guide is intended for the casual DIYer. If you encounter serious issues or are uncomfortable using these tools, don’t hesitate to call a professional. The only thing worse than a flooded basement is a flooded basement with a botched floor drain.

So there you have it, the guide to installing a floor drain that even a caveman (or cavewoman) could follow. Now, go forth and enjoy your water heater—drama-free!