When your water heater is leaking, it can cause damage to your floors, sub-floors, and walls. Hot water heater leaks can also be a health concern. Damp and wet areas can sprout mold and mildew that may cause some people to experience allergic reactions and asthma. According to the EPA, some mold spores are toxic and can lead to serious health problems. How to do Hot water heater leaking DIY fixing at home?
Hot water heater leaking – identify the place(s)
Leaks in the tank. Leaks in the internal tank—which is encased in insulation—aren’t visible from the outside. The water leaks through at the bottom of the tank, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the internal leak occurs at the bottom. Deterioration and age are the two most common reasons for this type of leak to happen. Only a new water heater fixes this issue.
Bottom leaks. If you notice water heater leaks at the bottom of the tank, the cause stems from either the drain valve or the tank itself. If the drain valve is the issue, the fix usually entails tightening the part. However, if the tank has a crack, the water heater requires a replacement.
Condensation. It’s important to note condensation when water heater leaks come about. Condensation on the water heater doesn’t indicate any leaks on or inside the water heater. This simply means the temperature of the room and the tank are different enough to create condensation on the water heater.
Top leaks. Leaks from the top of the water heater are most likely because of inlet and outlet valves. Additionally, loose T&P valves, corrosion on the anode rod, and even the tank itself are causes. The only issue severe enough for entire replacement is if the tank itself has the leak. Otherwise, tighten the components and replace any necessary parts to take care of the issue.
Undetermined location. Sometimes, homeowners are unable to identify the source of the leak without professional assistance. However, the reason why you aren’t able to find the leak potentially stems from too much pressure. When the water pressure becomes too high, the leak springs out from any available crack or crevice. If you already know specific components all work as intended, pressure is likely the cause, which makes the leak location difficult to find.
How does Hot water heater leaking take place?
These are the most common causes of water heater leaks in Louisville homes.
Inlet and outlet connections. The inlet and outlet connections to the water heater supply cold water to the system and allow hot water to travel to the fixtures in the home. These connection loosen over time, which causes leaks. These connections require tightening to fix the issue.
Drain valve. Drain valves allow water to leave the tank for maintenance checks or replacements. Homeowners also use this to empty the tank to clean away sediment. When the drain valve is loose, water slowly leaks out—an easy fix with a wrench. Alternatively, leaks from the base of the valve mean the valve isn’t watertight, which requires a new drain valve. Homeowners and plumbers are both able to perform this task.
Internal tank. Water heaters have one tank with two shells. The shell on the inside contains the water, and the external shell provides insulation via polyurethane foam or another insulating material. Finally, one last layer of metal covers both shells. If a leak occurs on the inner shell because of age or deterioration, it isn’t plainly visible on the outside.
Too much pressure. Pressure naturally occurs in water heaters because the tank deals with incredibly hot water. Hot water creates steam, which adds to the pressure in the tank. If too much pressure exists in the tank, the water leaks through cracks, loose parts, and more. If the water temperature is set too high, the pressure increases. Additionally, if the water from the water supply enters the system at a high pressure, the tank experiences leaks.
Faulty temperature and pressure relief valve. In a similar vein, water heater leaks occur from problems with the temperature and pressure relief valve, or the T&P valve. Issues with the T&P valve result in higher water pressure. In addition, the valve loosens and causes leaks, or the part itself doesn’t work. Be sure to lower the pressure in the tank before replacements of the T&P valve take place.
Sediment collection. The longer homeowners own the water heater, the more sediment collects in the tank. In many circumstances, the collection doesn’t do more than clog the system or lower the water quality. However, if the sediment rests at the bottom of the tank for extremely long periods of time, the tank deteriorates. When this type of leak occurs, the water heater replacement. It’s important to clean the tank on an annual basis to avoid this.
Old tank. Water heater leaks happen more often with old tanks. Over time, the water heater naturally deteriorates, especially if the homeowner uses hot water in excess. Overuse shortens the lifespan of the system. Plus, rust develops over time, which leads to corrosion and leaks. If the water heater is at the end of its life, it’s best to replace it to avoid full failure and flooding.
Anode rod. This component of the water heater attracts any corrosive material in the water. This ensures the rod faces corrosion instead of the water heater itself. When the rod completely corrodes, water is able to leak through the area. Quick replacement takes care of this leak, so be sure to check the anode rod for excessive corrosion.
Cracked storage tank. Glass-lined storage tanks are components in some water heaters and optional additional storage tanks. Storage tanks hold warm water and release it into the home when needed. They increase the storage capacity as well. In glass-lined models, minerals calcify and collect in the tank, which causes cracks and leaks. Plus, heat expands water and this expansion stresses the glass and creates cracks. Both of these instances require a replacement.
Hot water heater leaking DIY fixing at home
Prepare for Hot water heater leaking fixing
If you intend to do it yourself, these are the basic steps to do so:
- Shut off the water supply to the water heater, also shut off the electrical power, if you have an electric water heater, or the gas supply if you have a gas water heater.
- Drain the water out of the water heater tank by opening the valve at the bottom of the tank near the floor. It may be helpful to attach a garden hose to the drain valve and run it to a nearby drain to avoid a big mess.
- Once the tank is empty, you can disconnect the gas line, flue pipe and water lines for a gas water heater, or the power wires and water lines for an electric water heater. The water heater may still be a little heavy, so you may want to use a dolly to remove it from your home.
- When it is out of the way, clean up the area to make it ready for the new water heater. Once the area is prepared, you can set the new unit in place, and begin reconnection of the water lines, the gas or electric supply and the flue pipe for the gas water heater. Make certain in the case of a gas water heater that you check your gas line joints with soap bubbles for gas leaks.
- Turn the gas/power on, and begin refilling the water tank. For the gas water heater, you must also remember to light the pilot light. You also want to make sure that the thermostat is set to the temperature that you want, the most common setting is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. At this point, your new water heater should be set to go.
Replacing a Water Heater Valve
Water may also leak from the pressure relief valve on the water heater. This could be caused by either a faulty valve or a high-pressure situation in the water heater. If the valve itself is bad, it can be replaced in several steps:
Procedure
- Shut off the water heater, shut off the water supply and drain some of the water from the tank.
- Lift the little lever on the valve to discharge any remaining pressure.
- Use a wrench to unscrew the valve from the tank and replace it with a new valve.
- Use teflon tape on the threads of the new valve before you screw it into the water heater.
- You should then be safe to refill and turn the water heater back on.
Most other leaks you may encounter are repaired by tightening loose valves or fittings on the water heater and the connected pipes.
Leaking overflow pipe
If water is moving from the pressure relief valve through the overflow pipe and onto the floor, too much pressure may be building up inside the hot water tank. This causes the pressure relief valve to drain water in order to release the pressure. Pressure relief valves are an essential component of your system. If excess pressure is not released, the leaking water heater tank could potentially explode.
How to fix
Switch the water heater thermostat to the lowest setting. Next, turn on the water supply and power. Watch your water heater for a moment. If water continues leaking out of the overflow pipe to release pressure, turn your water heater off and contact a certified technician right away.
Drain valve leaking
A leaking drain is one of the less trivial water heater issues. Sometimes, excess debris builds up in the valve causing it not to work properly. Other times a faulty valve is the culprit; if that’s the case, you will need a replacement. A lot of times, your drain valve simply needs to be tightened.
How to fix
To fix the leaking drain valve on your water heater, tighten the valve. If the water heater continues to leak, check the valve for debris that may clog the drain. To flush the drain valve, place a bucket or bowl under the heater drain valve and open the valve for a few seconds. This will clear out any debris. Once you’re done, close the valve again.
If you’ve tried both of these solutions and the drain valve is still leaking, this could be a sign that you need a drain valve replacement. Though you can delay this problem for a little while by screwing on a garden hose spray nozzle or hose cap, this only serves as a very temporary fix. It’s best to contact your local technician to get the repair you need to fix your leaking water heater.
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