I get the ziplock bag trick, but honestly, I think it ends up being more hassle than it’s worth. I just use a cheap piece of vinyl tubing from the hardware store—stick it right on the valve, aim it into a bucket. Zero mess, no orange river, and you’re not fiddling with plastic bags or poking holes. Plus, you can reuse the tubing every year, so it’s a one-time buy. Those sharp edges are brutal, though… I always keep a pair of work gloves handy after slicing my knuckle pretty bad last winter.
I’ve seen the ziplock bag thing all over YouTube, but honestly, I’m with you—seems like more trouble than it’s worth. I tried it once and ended up with water everywhere and a bag that melted a little (don’t ask). The tubing trick sounds way more straightforward. Only thing is, I always get paranoid about the tubing popping off mid-drain and spraying rusty water everywhere. Maybe I’m just unlucky, but I keep a towel under the whole setup just in case. And yeah, those valves are like cheese graters for your hands... gloves are a must.
Only thing is, I always get paranoid about the tubing popping off mid-drain and spraying rusty water everywhere.
Honestly, I think the tubing trick gets way more hype than it deserves. Half the time, those cheap plastic drain valves barely thread right, and then you’re stuck fiddling with a hose clamp just to keep things together. I’ve actually had better luck with a simple bucket and patience—yeah, it takes longer, but at least you’re not mopping up a disaster. And I hear you on those valves... whoever designed them clearly never had to use one with wet hands.
I’ve actually had better luck with a simple bucket and patience—yeah, it takes longer, but at least you’re not mopping up a disaster.
That’s exactly what I ended up doing last month. My first attempt with the tubing was a total mess—hose slipped off, water everywhere, and I spent more time cleaning than draining. With the bucket, it’s just: 1) shut off the power/gas, 2) turn off the cold water supply, 3) open the drain valve and pressure relief, and 4) fill up the bucket. Slow, but no drama.
The only snag is that my water heater sits up on a little stand, so I have to use a shallow pan and dump it every few minutes. Still beats chasing rusty water across the basement floor.
One thing I’m still figuring out—how do you all deal with sediment that clogs the valve? Mine seemed to slow down halfway through and barely trickled. I tried poking a wire up there but didn’t want to break anything. Is there some trick to clearing it out without making things worse? Or is it just a sign that it’s time for a new valve (or heater)?
Also curious if anyone has swapped out their drain valve for a better one? The plastic ones feel so flimsy... Wondering if it’s worth replacing with brass or something tougher while I’m at it.
I hear you on those plastic valves—they’re just asking for trouble. I swapped mine for a brass one last year and haven’t looked back. It’s not expensive, and honestly, it feels way sturdier. As for the sediment, I’ve had luck with a wet/dry vac (carefully) at the valve opening, but I’m always paranoid about damaging something. If it’s really clogged, sometimes it’s safer to just replace the valve rather than force it and risk a bigger leak. Not glamorous, but it beats a flooded basement or a busted heater.
