Finding a water leak coming from your water heater can be scary. Whether it’s just some dripping or gushing water, it’s important to find the cause of the leak. Some leaks require an emergency visit from your plumber, while others could be a quick DIY fix.
Common causes of a water heater leak:
- Faulty drain valve
- Too much pressure in the tank
- Faulty Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve
- Internal problem with the tank
LEAK FROM THE DRAIN VALVE
The drain valve is at the bottom of the tank. Every water heater, tank and tankless, has a drain valve. This is used for draining built-up sediment from the inside of the tank.
A leak from your drain valve will cause a puddle under your tank. The area around the drain valve will be wet as well.
If the drain valve is faulty, it may begin to leak from the valve itself. However, if the valve is not sealed properly, water can start to leak out from the edges of the valve.
A leaky drain valve is relatively cheap and fast to fix. The valve will need to be replaced by a plumber. If you don’t have time or money to hire a plumber, you can DIY fix this by screwing a brass garden hose cap onto the valve to stop the leak.
To fix a valve that was not sealed properly, you’ll need to hire a plumber.
A LEAK FROM THE TEMPERATURE & PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
The temperature & pressure relief valve releases water when there is too much pressure inside the tank or if the water gets too hot. The valve has a tube the runs to the floor to safely discharge the excess water onto the floor rather than outwards.
If there is a puddle of water under your water heater, check the discharge tube. If you see moisture inside the tube, then the water is originating from the temperature & pressure relief valve.
Call a plumber to fix this problem. If there is too much pressure inside the tank, they will relieve the pressure and fix the underlying problem. However, if the problem is with the valve rather than the tank, they will probably recommend replacing the valve.
A LEAK FROM THE TANK
This is the most common kind of leak. However, it is not the kind of leak you want. A leak from the tank is a sign of an internal problem with the water heater. This could be caused by:
- A malfunctioning component
- A broken part
- Sediment build-up inside the tank
- Rusted tank
You should call a plumber to diagnose and repair a leak coming from the water heater tank. Repairs for a tank leak almost always means the water heater unit needs to be replaced.
CONTACT A PROFESSIONAL
If your water heater is leaking, you should call a professional plumber to inspect the unit. The fix may be easier than you think, or it could be more complicated than you expect. A failed DIY could lead to more damage too.
To stop your water heater from leaking, call First Class today to speak with one of our expert Delaware plumbers. Call 302-804-1309 today.