Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

While you may be trying to ignore the water pooling around your home’s hot water heater, did you know that 10 leak drips per minute wastes a gallon per day, or approximately 29 gallons per month? In a more extreme case, 120 drips per minute wastes 11 gallons per day, or 330 gallons per month. While the latter is clearly more costly, both scenarios are less than ideal if you want to avoid water damage, increased water bills, or worse – a water heater replacement.

First of all, there are several reasons your hot water heater may be leaking, some of which you can fix and others that will require a professional water heater inspection:

  1. High Water Temperature, Tank Pressure
  2. A Faulty T&P Valve
  3. Loose Inlet & Outlet Connections
  4. Sediment or Rust Corrosion
  5. A Loose Drain Valve

Green Group LLC services water heaters in Nashville, Franklin, and Murfreesboro!

High Water Temperature, Tank Pressure

Leak source: Around specific components, or random locations

Because your tank is holding and distributing very hot water, the high temperature naturally will create steam and elevate the pressure in the tank. Even though high pressures occur often, if too much pressure is present, you might notice the water leaking around loose components of your hot water heater, or springing from the smallest crack or crevice.

There are two simple solutions to this kind of leak; you can simply turn-down the water temperature or tighten any loose parts. If these remedies don’t fix the leak, then you should have a professional take a look.

A Faulty Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve

Leak source: Top of the water heater

Also known as a T&P valve, a temperature & pressure relief valve can often be the source of a water leak. If the valve is loose, or the part itself isn’t working properly, the water pressure will be higher and can cause a leak.

The valve can be tightened if it is loose or replaced if it is faulty. If the tank itself is not leaking, though, there is no need to worry about a more serious issue. At the same time, seeking out a professional opinion is a safe bet when it comes to your water heater’s maintenance.

Loose Inlet & Outlet Connections

Leak source: Top of the water heater

Another common culprit of leaks coming from the top of your water heater are the inlet & outlet valves. These are the connection points that transport water into your tank for heating and from your tank to the rest of your home. It’s not unusual for these connections to become loose from time to time.

If the leak is coming from the inlet & outlet connections, tighten the components and replace any necessary parts, if needed.

Sediment or Rust Corrosion

Leak source: Base of the water heater

While it is a worst case scenario, leaks from within the tank do happen if your water heater is not properly cared for. If sediment inside the tank isn’t flushed out regularly, it can build up and eventually corrode your tank. Your water heater also can simply rust and corrode after years’ of use. The water heater will need to be replaced if either of these are the case.

At the same time, sediment is a natural and common issue with water heaters. Most of the time, sediment will simply clog your system or lower your water quality. To fix these problems, your water heater needs to be flushed every six months to a year in order to remove the sediment that settles at the bottom of the tank. It also doesn’t hurt to run a bleach-water solution through the tank to clean any mold or mildew.

A Loose Drain Valve

Leak source: Base of the water heater

Speaking of cleaning sediment from your tank, the drain valve is an easy way for you to release water, and any sediment collection, from your tank. Plumbers are able to perform this task, but it is easy to do if you prefer to do it yourself.

It makes sense, then, that because the drain valve empties water from your tank it can appear to be the source of a leak, if loose. Check to be sure the drain valve is watertight, and close it tighter if you feel there is a gap allowing water to escape.

Contact Green Group to Repair Your Leak

Once you believe you’ve found the source of the leak, or if you are still unsure, contact us at Green Group LLC! We also offer 10% of your first service, military discounts, and more.