I'm replacing the sink the bathroom and I'm unable to locate any form of isolator for the hot water supply. Do I need to drain the hot tank?

Hi Teatree...

All you should need to do is shut the cold water shutoff at the cold water inlet to the water heater and then drain off a few gallons of water at the drain at the base of the water heater and that should allow you to do the work needed upstairs.

If this is a gas water heater, turn the gas valve to pilot or vacation setting while you work. If this is an electric water heater just turn off the breaker back at the electrical panel until the work is done and the water heater is refilled and all the water and air is purged from all faucets.

When the new sink is relocated install some isolation valves under the new sink. They make solderless shutoffs, like sharkbite or gatorbite fittings. They also make compression shutoffs... all are solderless and reliable.

Mark

Hi massplumber2008. Thank you for your reply, I'll have a look round the tank area and give it a go.