It is important to understand the cause of a water heater leak in order to prevent more serious problems in the future.
This article will explain how a water heater functions, the most common causes of leaks, how to repair them if they are small, and what you can do to prevent water heater leaks from happening again.
What is a hot water heater?
It is essential to first understand the inner workings of your water heater.
The inlet pipes allow cold water to enter the tank. The cold water is then brought down through the dip tube to the bottom of your tank. An electric water heater has two electrical elements. One near the top and one near the bottom. These electric elements heat the water.
The burner assembly will light a flame if you have a gas water heater. This flame heats your water tank and warms the water. The combustion gases are then expelled through a circular silver pipe. This pipe not only vents flue gases but also heats the water.
The water heater will allow the water to exit through an outlet pipe. It will then be distributed throughout your home.
What to do if you find a leaky water heater
There is no need to feel helpless if you find a water heater leak. Continue reading to learn simple steps homeowners can take, as well as solutions for minor repairs if necessary.
Step 1 – Confirm the leak is coming from water heater
You first need to find the root cause of the problem.
It is crucial to determine if the moisture is actually a leak or condensation. Condensation is not an issue. It means that the water heater is too hot but the surrounding room is cold. This can be checked by drying the water heater and wiping it down and then after some time observe to see if condensation begins to form evenly on the water heater surface.
Next, check your HVAC system if it is near the water heater. Check to see if your furnace or AC is leaking water. To test the source of the water, you can place paper towels on the ground.
Step 2 – Turn off power supply
After you have confirmed that your water heater is leaking water, turn off the power immediately. It is important to not work on your water heater if it is connected to the power source.
For electric water heaters, find your circuit breaker, and turn the water heater switch off.
If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas supply. A gas water heater has a gas shutoff valve located at the bottom of the tank near the gas line.
Step 3 – Turn off water supply line
Next, turn off the cold water supply line to your water heater.
There are two pipes that connect to the top of your water heater tank. The cold supply pipe should have a shutoff lever. This is the pipe your water heater gets its water supply from. The two pipes should be identified by a blue (cold), or a red (warm) color coding. The warm outlet pipe brings hot water from your water heater to your home. You can feel the temperature difference between the pipes if they are not color-coded.
If the shutoff valve has a turning wheel, turn it clockwise to the maximum extent possible. If the valve is a ball valve turn the handle 180°.
Step 4 – Identify source of water leak
Now it is time to locate the source of the leak.
You can identify the source of the leak by first drying the area that has accumulated water. Then the next day check to see whether or not water has accumulated in the same spot as the day before. If you find water accumulation in the same area the next day, you will know where to look for the leak.
Water leak at top of water heater
Is there a water leak in the top of your water heater’s tank?
Examine the pipes at the top of the water heater. As discussed previously, these pipes are the cold water inlet pipe and warm water outlet pipes. These pipes bring cold water into the tank and then transport the heated water out to your home.
Leakage could result from their connections or fittings being loose. You can use a pipe wrench to tighten them.
Water leak at side of water heater
If you see that water is running down the side of your water heater the problem may be the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (aka, T&P Valve). Each water heater comes with a T&P-valve. This safety valve is designed to let water out if there is too much pressure.
First, check that the temperature is not set too high on you r water heater. If your temperature is set too high excessive pressure can build which could trigger the T&P valve. The temperature of your tank-based water heater should not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Department of Energy.
If the temperature is set correctly and you have persistent leakage, your T&P valve could be faulty. You should consult an expert to have it replaced.
Water leak from the drain valve
A drain valve is located at the bottom of your water heater. This valve serves to drain the heater during maintenance. Check that the drain valve is closed tight if water is leaking from your water heater’s bottom. It may have a leaking drain valve if it is not closed completely.
You can tighten the drain valve by using a pipe wrench. You should not tighten the drain valve too much as it could cause more leakage. If your drain valve continues to leak after you have fixed it, it may be time to replace it.
Water leak at base of water heater
A cracked storage tank could be the cause of you leaking problem. If this is the case, a hot water heater repair is not enough. You will need to replace your hot water tank.
Step 5 – Clean up
Make sure to clean up any water pooling. Water can cause damage to structures and attract mold. It is best to remove it as soon as possible.
Step 6 – Call a plumbing professional
A plumbing professional can help you if your water heater continues to leak water after you have tried to fix it.
What causes a leaky water heater?
Loose pipe connections
Leakage can occur if any pipes or valves connected to your water heater are damaged. If the fixture continues to leak after being tightened, it might need to be replaced.
Faulty drain valve
Water can leak out if your drain valve is broken or loose.
Bad T&P valve
Water could leak out if the T&P connection is broken or this valve becomes loose.
Water temperature too high
The T&P valve will release water if the thermostat temperature is too high. This protects you from high-pressure water heaters.
Hard water
The lining of the tank can begin to crack from the mineral build up inside the water tank. Cracks can form in the interior of the supply tanks. Cracked tanks will cause water to leak out.
Crack in water heater
Water expands when heated. The constant stress caused by heat inside the water heater can cause cracks to form on the surface of the internal tank over time.
How can I prevent my water heater from leaking?
Hot water heater leaks can be avoided.
The best way to avoid an unexpected leaking water heater is have an annual inspection done by a professional. This will help you avoid more costly repairs in the future.
An annual water heater inspection takes proactive steps to identify cracks, leaks, or other problems happening with your heater.
Continue reading to learn the steps a professional plumber will follow to keep your water heater running as good as new.
Water heater inspection steps
Thermostat test
To ensure that your water heater thermostat is working properly, a water heater professional will inspect it.
T&P valve
They will then evaluate the T&P Valve to ensure that it is safe for your family and home.
Analyze flue pipe
A professional plumber will inspect your gas water heater to make sure that the flue pipe vents the combustion gases correctly. They will also inspect the flue pipe for cracks, holes or rust.
Keep in mind, however, that not all heating systems have the same flue pipe. For example, a gas fireplace has its own flue pipe that doesn’t expel the same material than all other heating systems.
Inspect for leaks
To determine if there are visible cracks or leaks, a water heater specialist will inspect the entire heater.
All connecting pipes should be evaluated and adjusted
Regular maintenance is required for the pipes that supply water to the heater. An expert will inspect the heater for leaks, clean and tighten all connections.
Examine drain valve
A water heater professional inspects, tightens and cleans your drain valve during an annual maintenance check. It could become loose. If it were to become loose, clogged or damaged, you’d be faced with a frustrating leak.
Replace the anode rod
To prevent cracks, they will inspect and replace your Anode rod. The Anode rod draws the minerals from the water to preserve the heater’s structure. The Anode rod can be damaged by harsh minerals. It is important to replace it every 2 to 3 years to keep the tank from cracking.
Drain water heater to release sediment
Water heaters can build up sediment, calcium, sand and other minerals over time. Cracks can form in your tank, which can lead to inefficiency and other problems. Draining your water heater at least once per year will help prevent sediment from damaging it.
To prevent any early decay, a professional will drain your water heater during a water heater maintenance inspection.
Final thoughts on your water heater leaking
If you find your water heater leaking there is no need for panic. If you follow the steps above you will most likely identify why your water heater is leaking and apply the appropriate steps to fix. However, if you feel you need additional assistance, don’t hesitate to call a plumber to help with your water heater leak.
