Discovering water leaking from water heater is undoubtedly frustrating. It’s another mess to deal with, and the sinking feeling when considering how much money will be needed to repair it accurately is nauseating. Even the most durable water heaters can develop leaks over time.
However, water leaking from your water heater doesn’t always mean it needs replacement. Sometimes, prompt repair is enough to solve the water leaking problem. Nevertheless, you must keep in mind that even a small amount of water leakage can lead to significant damage, so it’s essential to address the issue promptly.
In this guide, you will learn the possible causes of water leaking from water heater and what to do to solve them. So, keep reading to know more.
Different Causes of Water Leaking from Your Water Heater
If you find your water heater suddenly leaving a pool on the floor, it’s crucial to determine the cause promptly to prevent additional issues in the future. Water leaking from your water heater can be alarming in any situation, but it is even more stressful when you’re unsure of the underlying cause behind the leak. Therefore, it is important to discover some of the common causes of water leaking from a water heater here:
1. Excessive Pressure:
Like other plumbing units, water heaters are affected by the pressure of the incoming water. When water is heated in a water heater, steam is generated and fills the empty spaces, resulting in increased water pressure. To manage this pressure buildup, the water heater needs to release steam.
However, if there is no outlet for the vapor, the water pressure can become excessively high. This high pressure can lead to stress on the water heater, causing water to leak through any cracks in the system, ultimately reducing its efficiency. If the water heating element is set too high or if water enters the system with excessive pressure, the pressure within the heater will rise accordingly.
2. The drain valve is damaged or loose:
Is water leaking from your water heater? While it may seem logical to assume that the water tank itself is leaking, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a water heater can leak if its discharge valve, located near the base of the tank, is damaged. To address this issue, start by flushing the water tank and removing any sediment or debris around the valve. If the problem persists, the discharge valve may need to be replaced, and this is a task meant for the experts.
3. Pressure & Temperature Relief Valve:
Every properly installed hot water heater includes a temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve. Typically located on the side of the water tank, though sometimes on top, this valve is connected to a pipe that extends a few inches above the ground. If you notice water leaking from below this pipe, the T&P relief valve is likely the culprit of water leaking from your water heater.
The purpose of the T&P relief valve is to ensure safety by preventing potential malfunctions. It acts as a safeguard against overheating or excessive pressure that could lead to tank rupture. When necessary, the T&P relief valve releases pressure by allowing water to trickle through the pipe and safely discharge to the ground. In some systems, an expansion reservoir may be incorporated into the closed-loop system.
It’s crucial to emphasize that only qualified plumbers should handle the replacement of a malfunctioning T&P relief valve or the repair of an expansion tank. This ensures proper installation and maintenance of these safety components.
4. Old Tank:
Tank water heaters over 15 years old are prone to leaks compared to their digitally controlled counterparts. As these older units age, worn parts can lead to a drop in water temperature and eventually necessitate tank replacement, and the water leaking from the water heater will become more frequent.
The source of the leakage in an aging water tank often stems from rust formation inside the tank, causing decay and resulting in water escaping through cracks. After a certain point, repairing older tank water heaters becomes impractical, and replacement becomes inevitable to prevent ongoing leaks. This is an unavoidable consequence of the aging process.
5. Loosen gaskets:
If you notice water leaking from your water heater, loose gaskets could be the issue. To confirm this, you’ll need to first shut off the power supply to your heater and then remove the outer “hatch overlay” to access the gaskets. This may require cutting through some insulation. Additional steps will be necessary if you find leakage around the gas enclosure. Replacing gaskets requires a complete clear-out of the heater tank as well as the discharge of the electrical unit.
6. Crack in Water Heater:
The expansion of water due to heat is a common cause of cracks in water heaters. Over time, the continual stress from this expansion can result in surface cracks forming on the heater. Furthermore, the presence of hard water can exacerbate this issue, increasing the likelihood of cracks developing in the tank. If a fissure does occur in your water heater, it will most likely need to be replaced.
7. Sedimentation:
As water heaters age, sediment collects at the base of water heaters. Regularly draining the water from your water heater can help prevent this issue. However, if sediment accumulates unchecked, it can lead to the formation of cracks, allowing water to leak through. If you notice signs of a malfunctioning water heater, such as leaks or decreased efficiency, it’s advisable to consider replacing it.
What to Do if You Find Water Leaking from the Water Heater
A typical water heater should reliably serve your property for 10 to 13 years. This means it can supply countless liters of heated water for bathing, cooking, cleaning, and various other tasks during that time. Without it, your residence could not function.
When your water heater is on the verge of failure, it’s distressing news. It doesn’t typically provide any warning, let alone a two-week notice. And when it finally fails, it’s not a quiet event. Therefore, it’s crucial to be ready by knowing what to do when water starts leaking from your water heater:
1. Find Where the Leak Is:
Discovering a puddle of water leaking from your water heater can be concerning. However, it’s important not to jump to conclusions and assume that the water is originating solely from the water heater. At times, condensation can form on water pipelines and appliances, leading to leaks and the formation of puddles.
Condensation is particularly common in basements or during periods of high humidity and rainy weather. Additionally, the water could be coming from your washer’s waste line or the discharge lines of your water softener. When that happens, it’s time to play detective and pinpoint the exact source of the water leakage. You can refer to the potential causes of water leaking from above.
2. Shut down the Power supply:
Once you’ve confirmed that your water heater is leaking, the immediate step is to promptly power it down. Avoid working on the water heater while it’s still connected to its power source. If you have an electric water heater, find the circuit breaker and switch off the power to the water heater. For a gas water heating system, the gas shutoff valve is typically located at the base of the tank near the gas line.
3. Find the Gas Shutoff Valve:
Detailed instructions on the water heater’s control panel typically provide guidance on how to turn off the gas supply. If you cannot find these instructions to locate the shutoff valve there, look for the shutoff valve near the water heater. Usually, the gas regulator valve is positioned above the water heater and features a knob or lever that can be rotated to turn off the gas reserve completely.
4. Replace anode rod:
The anode rod of a water heater plays a sacrificial role in protecting the tank. It attracts waterborne particles that could lead to rust and degradation of the tank’s metal components. This magnesium anode rod is often tricky to install and typically has a lifespan of only two to three years. They are known as sacrifices because they sacrifice their lives to protect the tank. Their lifespan is shorter than that of the entire tank because they serve a specific protective purpose.
5. Contact a licensed contractor:
If you are lost in what you do when you see the water leaking, it is a solid sign to contact a licensed contractor to examine the water leaking from the water heater. Don’t hesitate to keep in touch with a professional because they can do the job right. It will save you from making the water leaking issue more severe.
FAQs
What is the reason why the water heater is leaking water from the base?
The majority of leaks originate from the floor of the hot water reservoir. Assuming the tank is leaking, there is an internal problem causing water to seep from the tank’s base. The typical cause is sediment accumulation within the container.
Is a water heater that leaks so dangerous?
There is a good chance that water is dripping near a water heater leak, creating a potentially hazardous situation. Homeowners should be aware of water leakage within or around their water heaters; hence, they can take action before water damage occurs.
What if the water heater's control box is leaking?
Immediately disconnect the water heater’s electrical supply and contact a licensed plumber.
When should I replace or repair your water heater?
Whether you have hot water leaking from the water heater from the top anode or the cold water inlet, you must know when to replace and repair it. In both cases, a professional is needed.
How do you switch off your gas-powered water heater?
Turn off the switch or toggle that controls the water heater’s electricity. This is typically located directly on the water heater.
Conclusion
Indeed, there are really some solutions you can follow to solve the water leaking from your water heater. Hopefully, this will help keep you from panicking when you suddenly have a pool on the floor. You can try to solve the water heating leaks yourself and put in effort to save money from professional service fees. However, you should remember that while you can implement precautionary measures to mitigate potential catastrophes arising from water contact with exposed electrical wires, it’s essential to entrust repairs and replacements to experts.
Whether you’re dealing with water leaking from the water heater’s anode bar or from the top, seeking professional assistance is paramount for safe and effective resolution. Ultimately, let a professional help you when it’s really needed.
Hi everyone! My name is Jason, and I am the founder of HeaterWise.com. Having run my own business as a Heating Engineer for 21 years, I have picked up a few things along the way.
I wanted to create Heater Wise as a place where anyone could come, from far and wide, to find the information that they need.
I hope you will join us here at Heater Wise, to get started on your own journey, to expand your knowledge, and make the best heating choices for you and your family.
