If you notice the water heater leaking from top, you must take some instant measures to stop it. Water heaters are an efficient way of getting a constant supply of hot water. You can use it for various purposes such as showering and washing. Water heaters are more prevalent in regions with colder climates. However, areas with moderate weather also have cold spells.
Around 38.9 housing units in the US have more than five years old water heaters. These may often display some kind of defect. Therefore, it is essential to maintain your water heater. You must look out for any potential leak points and immediately repair them.
Why Is Water Heater Leaking from Top
Numerous issues within the water heater may cause the water to leak from the top. The most common are the problems with the valves.
Broken Valves
The water heater has two kinds of valves. These include the cold and hot valves. The former is used for the water inlet while the latter is the outlet leading to the supply chain.
Both of these pipes are present on the topmost part of the water heater. Loose nuts or mechanical damage within the valve may cause the water to leak from the top. The water may accumulate on the heater head and may cause corrosion.
Damage Pressure Valve
The pressure relief valve may also leak water. These can help reduce the pressure buildup in the heater. The excessive pressure may also cause various pipes to burst and leak the water. If these valves become faulty or leak the entire working mechanism of the water becomes affected.
The pressure in water arises due to heat and high pressure may also cause the valve thread to tear apart. The damage to the temperature and pressure valve causes intense water buildup at the top.
Faulty Anode Rods
Anode rods play a significant role in maintaining the optimal function of the water heater. Anode rods can help prevent corrosion. It is a common phenomenon that may occur inside the water heart. Corrosion results due to the oxidation of the metal.
The process is accelerated due to water and air. Therefore, the rod absorbs all those oxides to halt the corrosion process. However, as the anode rod gets older its structure gets more fragile.
It becomes more susceptible to damage and can destroy the quality of the water. It may also break which causes the water to and breakage. In such cases, it may result in the water heater leaking from the top.
Defective Pipes
There is a junction of water lines and pipes within the water heater. They are essential for ensuring that the water heater works at its maximum capacity. These pipes play a role in the supply chain leading to the bathroom.
They are also involved in acquiring the water from the inlet. The dip tank and heat-out pipes are highly significant components of the heater.
The former takes the incoming water and heats it within the tank. In contrast, the other pipe takes the water at the outlet. These pipes may instantly break or leak if they use low-quality material.
How to Spot the Water Leakage at the Top
Water leaking from the two pipes at the top is a tell-tale sign of this problem. In some cases, there is a high condensation at the top. Water at the top may start evaporating due to the highly hot body of the heater. Therefore a water heater leaking from the top starts turning into clouds.
There are also spots of corrosion at the topmost region. When water remains stranded in a place it can enhance the process. The oxidation of metal accelerates in the presence of water. Thus, if you notice rust on the heat then the water heater is leaking from the spot.
You may not notice the water getting accumulated. It unusually evaporates due to high temperature but leaves corrosion marks. Foul is also another sign of the water heater leaking from the top.
The quality of the supplied water degrades if the outlet is leaking. The holes in the outlets or the loose nuts can draw in air. The high concentration of air within the water heater leads to rust and debris accumulation. As a result, these impact the water quality.
How to Fix Water Heater Leaking From the Top
Following are some of the ways you can employ to prevent the water heater from leaking from the top, along with the pros and cons of each.
Solution
Process
Pros
Cons
Check the pressure relief valve.
Inspect this valve, as it releases excess pressure and prevents leaks. Replace it if it is faulty.
Simple to fix
May not address the leak’s root cause
Tighten the connectors.
Inspect all the water connections on top of your heater. Tighten them if they are loose.
Quick and easy to fix
It may not be the root cause of the leak
Replace faulty parts.
Inspect the heater and identify faulty parts, like the gasket and various valves. Replace it/them.
Targets the leak’s root cause
May require technical assistance and knowledge to identify the faulty parts
Drain and flush the tank
Drain the water heater tank completely. Flush out any sediment or debris that may have accumulated inside.
Removes potential blockages and obstructions
It is a time-consuming process that might not address the root cause
Seek professional assistance
Contact a credible and qualified technician or plumber to inspect the water heater
Ensures proper diagnosis and repair
It may be costly, depending on the extent of the problem
FAQs
How do I fix the water heater leaking from the top at home?
You can quite effectively fix the water heater leaking from the top. All you need to do is find out the issue. Once you do you can take the measures accordingly.
Is it possible to take a shower if the water heater is leaking from the top?
Yes, you can take the shower if your water heater is leaking from the top. The water remains stored in the tank. Therefore, there is sufficient water in your shower supply. However, you may get foul-smelling or cold water. These can be due to faults in outlet pipes or water lines inside.
Do water heaters leaking from the top, last long?
Leakages shorten the life cycle of the water heater if they aren’t treated timely. These lead to corrosion and waste the water. They may not even function properly. The water heating system also becomes affected. It will last a couple of months after the leaks. However, soon it will stop working.
Is water heater leaking from the top a serious issue?
Yes, if you live in a comparatively colder climate and need hot water, a broken water heater can be a disaster. The water leakages may drain the water inside the tank. Reducing the water quality may also prevent water heating. Moreover, in the longer run, they may also adversely affect the body of the water heater.
Conclusion
Water heater leaking from the can be a nuisance to many. If you intend to fix it, pinpoint the exact problem. In most cases, you can spot the issue. However, opening up the heater may also help. If you can’t fix the water heater leaking from the top, it is best to call the experts.
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.
