Is Your Water Heater Leaking From Bottom? Everything That You Need To Know!

Is your water heater leaking from bottom? Are you feeling helpless as even after back to back calls to your plumber, he has not yet shown up? Well, undoubtedly, a leaky water heater is frustrating. It not only wastes water but can also turn into a major household problem, especially when you have your kids running around. They might get slipped or catch the current.

Fret no more! Here are some easy steps that can you follow in order to repair a leaky water heater yourself.

Before checking for leakage, make sure that the leakage is not caused by water from condensation on the surface of the water heater. Place your hand on the water heater surface and check for moisture.

Find the cause of the problem

Before you can fix the leaking water heater, it is important to know and understand the root cause of the problem. One of the main reasons for leakage of water from the bottom of the water heater can be a leak from the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve).

The temperature and pressure relief valve is supposed to relieve the pressure of the tank or in case the temperature of the heater goes beyond the capacity. The temperature and pressure relief valves are equipped with a discharge tube that is utilized to direct the flow of leaking water from the inside of the heater to outside, downwards.

Temperature And Pressure Relief Valve

Another cause of leakage from the bottom could be the fault of the drain valve. Every heater is fitted with a drain valve. The drainage valve is used to remove the sediments that collect in the water heater over the year that may cause damage to the water heater.

Water Heater Drain Valve

However, if none of the above-mentioned causes seem to be the real reason behind the problem, water leakage from the bottom of the water heater can be because of a faulty tank in the water heater.

If you find that the tank is leaking, it may be a sign of internal problems in the tank, like a loose component etc. The tank can also accumulate sediment over time and can crack and leak.

Fixing the problem

Once you have located the reason for the problem, it’s time for us to take action. Depending on the cause of the leakage, you can either decide to fix the leak yourself or call a plumber.

Faulty pipes

If the problem is just a leak from elsewhere, it is possible to replace the pipes.

Faulty temperature pressure relief valve

If you notice that the temperature pressure relief valve is the cause of the leak, then it could mean that there is excess pressure or temperature inside the water heater. Most heaters are supposed to withstand 150 psi of pressure and up to 230 F. The further buildup of pressure may even cause the heater to explode, so care has to be taken.

In this case, then you have to shut down the power and water outlet to the water heater. In most heaters, the shut-off valve can be found in its vicinity. Shut off the electrical or gas valve depending on the type of your heater. As the leaking water can be really hot and coming out with great pressure, it is advised to take necessary precaution while approaching the heater.

Check the video below to find how to replace the T&P valve:

Is it not possible to reach the shut off valve? Well, you can shut off the main valve for the house which can be found outside the house. Then, you can fix it by replacing the valve or calling a plumber to deal with the problem.

Faulty tank

In case the leak is not from any of the above-said sources, it might mean that the leak is from the tank. To check the tank, uninstall the tank. There might be substantial sediment build up, so it is advised to open the tank outside. If you find that the tank is faulty, then it is better to replace the tank.

via researchgate.net

Over to You

It is very important to repair and replace the water heater as it can result in major consequences if not attended. The buildup of pressure could even cause the heater to explode. But once you find the source of the leak and attend to it, it can easily be taken care of.

If it is the drain valve or the pressure temperature relief valve which is faulty, you can easily get it repaired and replaced. However, if it is the tank which has started leaking, it is highly recommended to buy a new water heater, just to be safe.

What are your views on this? How do you approach a leaking water heater? Do let us know in the comments!