To add water to your water heater after it's been drained or is new, follow these steps:
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Ensure the drain valve is completely closed. The drain valve is typically located at the bottom of the water heater. Make sure it's tightly shut to prevent leaks.
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Open the cold water supply shut-off valve. This valve is usually located on the cold water line that feeds into the top of the water heater. Opening it will allow cold water to flow into the tank.
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Open a hot water faucet in your home. Choose a faucet that's relatively high up in your house to help vent air. This allows the air trapped inside the water heater and the hot water pipes to escape as the tank fills with water. Let the faucet run until a steady stream of water flows without any sputtering or air bubbles.
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Check for leaks. As the water heater fills, carefully inspect all connections, including the drain valve, the cold water inlet, and the hot water outlet, for any signs of leaks. Tighten connections as needed.
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Be patient. It may take some time for the water heater to fill completely, depending on the size of the tank and the water pressure.
Important Considerations:
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Condensation: When first filled with water, especially cold water, condensation might form on the tank and fittings. This is normal and should disappear as the water heats up.
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Sediment: If you've just drained the water heater to remove sediment, be aware that some sediment may still be present when refilling. Running the hot water faucets for a short time can help flush out any remaining particles.
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New Installations: If this is a brand new water heater installation, ensure all plumbing connections are properly made and that the pressure relief valve is correctly installed before filling the tank.
