Nobody wants to see a leak in their home, especially coming from their water heater. But leaks happen, and when they do, it’s important to address the issue right away. Otherwise, you could end up with a much bigger problem on your hands.
If your water heater is leaking from the bottom, here are some of the most common causes:
The Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve Is Faulty
Water heaters need to maintain a certain pressure in order to function properly. When the pressure gets too high, the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) springs into action and releases water to relieve excess pressure.
If the valve is faulty, it could be releasing water from the tank regularly—not just when the pressure gets too high. If a faulty valve is the source of the problem, replacing it should stop the leak.
It’s rare for pressure build-up to get so high inside your water heater tank that the pressure relief valve needs to be activated, but it can happen. If the valve is not faulty, and water is being released because the pressure is too high, your tank could be at risk of bursting. To avoid a tank rupture—and a huge mess—you should call a plumber to address the problem as quickly as possible.
The Drain Valve Is Loose
The drain valve is located at the bottom of your water heater and is used to drain the tank when maintenance or repairs are needed.
If your drain valve is loose, either because it was knocked out of place or wasn’t tightened properly the last time your water heater was repaired, it can start to leak. Thankfully, this is an easy fix—just tighten the valve. If the leak stops, problem solved!
A leaky drain valve could also mean that the part is faulty, however. If the leak doesn’t stop when you tighten the valve, you may have to replace the part.
The Tank Is Damaged
Damage to your water heater tank can cause it to leak from the bottom. Unfortunately, tank damage usually means that the water heater needs to be replaced.
Some common causes of an internal leak due to tank damage include:
- Sediment build-up — Sediment can cause your water heater tank to corrode, leading to leaks.
- Rust — Rust can weaken your water heater tank and lead to leaks, especially at the bottom.
- Age — Most water heaters can be expected to last for up to 12 years. After that, they need to be replaced. If your water heater has exceeded its lifespan, leaks are likely to occur.
Looking for Expert Water Heater Repair or Replacement?
If your water heater is leaking, don’t panic—call the pros at Greiner Heating and Air. We can stop the leak fast. Our technicians are standing by to make emergency water heater repairs.
Our techs will do everything they can to repair your damaged water heater, but sometimes, the unit is too far gone. In that case, we’ll talk to you about the different replacement options available and recommend the right unit for your needs and budget. We install high-efficiency tank water heaters.
Got a water heater leak? Get it fixed fast. Call or contact us here to schedule water heater repair or replacement.
