Do you have to drain a water heater when you replace a thermostat on a Whirlpool gas water heater?

When replacing a thermostat on a Whirlpool gas water heater, draining the tank is not always required, but it depends on the specific situation and the type of thermostat you are replacing. Let's go through the factors that determine whether you need to drain the water heater or not:

1. Location of the Thermostat:
Whirlpool gas water heaters typically have two thermostats: an upper one and a lower one. These thermostats are located behind access panels on the front of the water heater.
If you are replacing the upper thermostat, draining the tank is usually not necessary. This is because the upper thermostat controls the heating element near the top of the tank, and you can access it without draining the tank.
2. Replacing the Lower Thermostat:
If you are replacing the lower thermostat, the situation may vary. The lower thermostat controls the heating element near the bottom of the tank, and accessing it can be more challenging without draining the tank.
Some technicians prefer to drain the tank partially to a level below the lower thermostat before replacing it. This minimizes the risk of water leakage when you disconnect the wiring and remove the thermostat.
3. Water Shut-Off and Safety Precautions:
Before working on any part of the water heater, it is essential to turn off the gas supply to the water heater and ensure the pilot light is extinguished.
If you decide not to drain the tank when replacing the lower thermostat, be prepared for some water spillage. Have towels or a bucket ready to catch any water that may escape when you disconnect the wiring and remove the thermostat.
Be cautious when working with electrical components in a potentially wet environment. Ensure that the area around the thermostat is dry before proceeding.
4. Draining the Tank:
If you choose to drain the tank, you can do so by attaching a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the water heater.
Open the drain valve and allow the water to flow into a suitable drain or container. Be cautious, as the water can be very hot.
You don't necessarily need to drain the tank completely. Lowering the water level below the lower thermostat should be sufficient to minimize water spillage during the thermostat replacement.
5. Replacing the Thermostat:
Once you have accessed the thermostat you need to replace, carefully disconnect the wires from the old thermostat, taking note of their positions.
Remove the old thermostat and install the new one. Make sure to secure the wires to the appropriate terminals on the new thermostat.
If you drained the tank, you can then close the drain valve and allow the tank to refill before relighting the pilot and restoring gas supply.
6. Testing and Safety Checks:
After replacing the thermostat, it's essential to test the water heater to ensure it functions correctly.
Turn on the gas supply and relight the pilot according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Check for any gas leaks around the gas connections and verify that the water heater heats the water properly.

In summary, whether you need to drain a Whirlpool gas water heater when replacing a thermostat depends on the specific thermostat you are replacing (upper or lower) and your comfort level with handling potential water spillage. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any aspect of the replacement process, it is recommended to consult a professional plumber or technician who can safely and efficiently perform the task while adhering to all safety precautions. Safety should always be the top priority when working on gas appliances.