The gas pipe drip leg on your water heater is usually made of a 6″ steel nipple and has a cap at the bottom that can be opened to remove any accumulated debris or water. This feature helps to prevent the accumulation of condensation, sediment, rust, or other particles that can clog the gas supply line or gas control valve and affect the performance of the water heater.

The gas pipe drip leg is also important for safety reasons because it helps to prevent the flow of gas from being disrupted by any water that may be present in the gas line. Water can cause damage to the gas valve, burner or other components of the water heater, leading to potential gas leaks or even fires.

All of these things can make your water heater last much longer. A water heater repair or replacement can be a costly problem. It will happen at some point. But the longer it can be put off the better. 

One of my favorite water heater manufacturers is Bradford White. They’ve been considering one of the best value water heaters for many decades. I furnish them on all my water heater installations. 

If you find yourself needing a plumber in Lee’s Summit for a gas hot water heater replacement or repair please feel free to call your locally owned and operated plumbing company Advocate Master Plumbing.