4 Common Reasons for Hot Water Heater Leaks

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

A hot water heater leak can be a real hassle. It can cause damage to your home and not to mention the inconvenience of having to call a plumber out to repair it. Hot water heaters generally don’t have many moving parts or components, which makes them relatively straightforward machines. But if you notice that your hot water heater is leaking then there are several things that could have caused it and they all need to be taken into consideration.

Water Connections Aren't Functioning

If your water heater is leaking and you don’t know why, look at the water connections. The supply line (where the hot water comes in), drain valve (where used water flows out), and temperature/pressure relief valve (that allows excess pressure to release when it gets too high) are all potential reasons for leaks in your tank.

If these connections are old, damaged, or improperly installed, leakage can occur as a result of wear-and-tear or corrosion that has taken place over time.

Loose Gaskets

Gaskets are rubber rings that seal the water tank to the hot water tank. They can become loose over time and require replacement, but if your gasket is still in good shape, you can try tightening it yourself with pliers or a wrench. Before doing so, make sure that there's no other problem with your hot water heater (such as clogs or a faulty thermostat). If all else fails, you might need to call a professional plumber for help.

Damaged Drain Valve

A damaged or loose drain valve can cause water to leak out of the tank. To check whether this is the cause of your leak, look for water pooling underneath the tank. To fix a damaged drain valve, you will need to flush your entire water heater and then clean any debris or buildup that has accumulated around the valve. If this doesn't stop the leak, your best bet is to call a professional to help replace the drain valve entirely.

Damaged Water Tank

If you find that your water heater is leaking, it’s possible that the tank itself is damaged. Some of the most common signs of a leaking tank include:

• Cracked or damaged tank
• Leaking from bottom
• Leaking from top
• Leaking from side
• Excessive sediment buildup (that cannot be properly cleaned)

In most cases, leaks can be fixed by simply tightening a connection or replacing a gasket. In more serious cases, you may need to replace the whole water heater. If you’re having trouble identifying what parts of your hot water heater are leaking, contact a licensed service professional who can help identify the source of your problem and make repairs properly.