Is your water heater leaking from the bottom? Perhaps you’ve recently discovered a puddle or pool of water next to your hot water heater (or water sensors tipped you off). If so, you might be facing a serious problem that will require a replacement or repair.
We’ve put together the top reasons for leaks coming from the bottom of the water heater. There are three common reasons for the root cause of a leaky water heater:
- Drain Valve Leak
- Cracked Water Heater Tank
- Faulty Temperature/Pressure Relief Valve
Let’s take a look at each of these problems and check out whether you’ll need a water heater repair or a new water heater replacement.
Leaking Drain Valve
One of the more common water heater leaks happens from the drain valve at the bottom of the heater. Drain valves are used to empty the water heater tank for preventative maintenance or to drain sediment that collects over time.
Luckily, this means that sometimes tightening the drain valve slightly may be enough for it to be completely closed and prevent water heater leaking any more.
The Solution:
However, if the water heater is leaking from a faulty drain valve, you’ll need to call the plumber for an easy fix – replacing the valve.
Internal Tank Leak
Internal tank leaks occur from a number of problems. Damage to the tank can cause a water heater leak to form, letting water collect at the base.
Another common cause of leaky water heaters is having sediment collect inside the tank, causing corrosion and cracking over time. Proper maintenance can prevent these water leaks.
The Solution:
Most water heaters will require a replacement of the entire tank if the problem turns out to be damage, cracking, or corrosion.
Internal Pressure Problem
The T&P valve (or temperature and pressure valve) is a safety device found on modern tanks. If there is excessive pressure inside the heater, water will be released through a tube as the excess pressure builds. Check the discharge tube to see if it is wet – if so, you’d found the problem.
The T&P valve may be functioning correctly, in which case there is too much pressure in the water heater, causing it to periodically release pressure. Otherwise, the valve may be malfunctioning, meaning that the water pressure is fine and the leak is from unnecessary discharge.
The Solution:
Either way, you’ll need to have this safety feature replaced or your heater looked at by a plumber to stop the water leaking.
Get Professional Plumber Service for Your Leak
When you discover your water heater leaking from bottom of the tank, it’s important to take care of the issue sooner rather than later.
Ignoring a leaking water heater can lead to water damage, mold, high water bills, and extra faulty tank repairs. If you discover a problem with your electric or gas water heater, turn to the off position at the electrical panel.
Call a local plumber like Anchor Plumbing for expert water heater repairs, maintenance, and replacement to cut costs and get ahead of damage! We service electric and gas water heaters across Brevard County.
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