Water Heater Leaking? Not Sure What to Do About It? Austin Plumbing, Heating & Air Can Help.
Discovering a leaking water heater can be a frustrating and scary experience because water leaking from around your water heater can indicate a serious problem. In this article, our Master Tradesmen walk you through all of the most common problems regarding water heater leaks and what to do about it.
Step 1: Rule Out Other Water Leak Sources and Condensation Around Your Water Heater
Since water heaters are usually in the heart of the mechanical room in Wisconsin basements, other sources of water nearby might create confusion. For example, if water is leaking from your furnace or air conditioner, the water may flow toward the water heater, making it appear that the water heater is leaking. Learn how to troubleshoot furnace leaks or troubleshoot AC leaks if you’re noticing pooled water near your water heater.
Is the water around the base of your water heater just condensation? Condensation from a water heater tank is common when the tank is full of cold water and being heated for the first time. This typically happens when a brand-new hot water heater is filled up and fired for the first time or after a broken-down water heater is repaired. Another common occurrence is when clients turn their water heaters off while on vacation or switch the heater to vacation mode. If you recently refilled, serviced, or turned on your water heater after a long period, the “leak” might just be condensation.
Step 2: How to Stop a Leaking Water Heater
If you’re confident that your water heater is leaking, safely shutting it down is crucial. If you’re dealing with a major water heater leak and need more detailed guidance, follow our Master Tradesmen’s Guide on how to shut off a leaking water heater to stop the water flow and prepare for professional assistance.
Step 3: Identify Where the Water Heater is Leaking
After safely shutting down the water heater, let’s look at some common areas where leaks may appear. If your water heater has severe leaks or age-related damage, you may need to decide when to repair vs. replace a water heater to determine the most cost-effective and safe solution.
Water Heater Leaking from the Top
Since water doesn’t leak up, finding water pooling on or leaking out of the top of the tank means you may have a different source of water leaking that is dripping onto the water heater.
- Look for leaks above the water heater: Start by inspecting all plumbing above the water heater to ensure there’s nothing dripping down onto it.
- Check the connections to the water heater: Inspect connections to the top of the water heater to see if they’re causing the water heater to leak from the top.
- Check for leakage around the anode rod: The anode rod is a component that makes a water heater last in the harsh water conditions of Wisconsin. These rods thread into the tank from the top and are typically visible from above. Look for water pooling around the anode rod port.
Solution: Repair any leaking piping, failed connections at the top of the water heater, or replace the leaking anode rod.
Water Heater Leaking from the Side
If you see water streaming down the side of your water heater, trace it up to the top to double-check that it’s not a leak from the top flowing down. Assuming the top is dry, let’s dig into what could be happening with a side leak.
- Side Taps or Auxiliary Ports: Some water heaters have additional ports on the side. Make sure these plugs aren’t leaking.
- Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Relief Valve: The T&P valve may leak if temperature or pressure becomes too high but can sometimes discharge under other conditions.
- Electric Elements: For electric water heaters, side leaks might come from an electric element. If water is leaking from an element access cover, this likely points to a leaking element.
Solution: Replace the leaking T&P valve, repair side port leaks, or replace electric elements if needed.
Water Heater Leaking from the Bottom
The first place you’ll typically notice a water heater leaking is at the base. Be sure to eliminate the causes covered above to confirm you’re dealing with a water heater leaking at the bottom.
- Drain Valve: Located at the bottom, the drain valve may drip or become loose.
- Burner Compartment Welds: Inspect for cracks or leaking welds around the burner compartment in gas heaters.
Solution: Replace a corroded or leaking drain valve. If a cracked weld is causing the leak, it may be time to replace the tank.
Repairing or Replacing a Leaking Water Heater
A leaking water heater requires prompt action to avoid safety issues and further damage. Austin Plumbing, Heating & Air can help you troubleshoot a leaking water heater, pinpoint the cause, and discuss repair or replacement options. If you need further guidance, our Master Tradesman has produced additional resources on what water heater is best, how long a water heater lasts, and how to maintain your water heater.
For world-class water heater service, repairs, or installation, call Austin Plumbing, Heating & Air at 262-367-3808.
