Water Heater Leaking From Bottom

While your water heater is constantly supplying you with hot water in the morning, your water is supplying the ground with water, which means it’s leaking. You don’t know why, but there are many reasons why water heaters leak. So if you find yourself with a leaking water heater, don’t panic; we’re here to help.

• A Faulty Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve is a safety feature on your water heater is designed to release pressure if the tank gets too full. If the pressure relief valve is faulty, it can cause water to leak from the tank. You can test the pressure relief valve by lifting the handle and seeing if water comes out. If water does not come out, or if the valve does not close properly, it needs to be replaced.

• A Loose Drain Valve

The drain valve is located at the bottom of the water heater. It is used to drain the tank when it needs to be serviced. If the drain valve is loose, it can cause water to leak from the tank. To fix a loose drain valve, tighten it with a wrench.

• A Cracked Tank

Over time, the tank of your water heater can develop cracks. These cracks can be caused by corrosion. Or by the expansion and contraction of the metal as the water heater heats and cools the water. If your water heater is leaking, inspect the tank for cracks. If you find a crack, the only way to fix it is to replace the water heater.

• A Leaking Water Supply Line

The water supply lines are the pipes that bring water into your water heater. If one of these pipes is leaking, it can cause water to leak from your water heater. To fix a leaking water supply line, you will need to replace the faulty pipe.

• A Leaking Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure relief valve is located on the side of the water heater and is used to release pressure if the tank gets too full or if the water temperature gets too high. If this valve is leaking, it can cause water to leak from your water heater. You can test the temperature and pressure relief valve by lifting the handle and seeing if water comes out. If water does not come out, or if the valve does not close properly, it needs to be replaced.

Water heaters commonly last around 8 to 13 years, especially tank-style water heaters. Once water heaters start leaking from the bottom, one of the significant causes of leakage can be due to the tank’s age. Over the years, sediments have been piling up at the bottom of the tank. Also, the tank could be rusty to the point that it started to leak.

Unfortunately, even the most experienced plumber will advise you to change your water heater. This is something that they can no longer fix. Fixing the old water heater can incur more damage in the future. The best solution for this kind of instance is to replace the water heater with a new one. Replacing the water heater might sound like a tricky job. It could be, but luckily there are steps that you can take to take out the tank and replace it safely:

1. First, you have to turn off the water supply. This includes turning off the power that runs the water heater.
2. Wait for the water heater to drain all of the water. To avoid a messy drain process, you can attach a hose to the drain valve.
3. After emptying its water, unplug all the lines and pipes connected to the water heater. This includes the wirings from the power supply. Remove the water heater from its position.
4. Once removed, cleaning the area is the next step. Make sure that the surface is dry and water-free. Place the new water heater and reconnect all the wirings and the pipes. You can ask for help in doing these. For gas water heaters, make sure that the gas line joints. If there is a presence of bubbles, gas joints are loose and must be secured tight.
5. Turn on the power source and start filling the tank with water. For gas water heaters, make sure to ignite the pilot light. Set the temperature to 120-degrees Fahrenheit. Now your water heater is ready to supply hot water.

Water heaters are delicate units that have so many benefits. Checking any leakage from the bottom of the water tank can help you anticipate whether or not you will need a new water heater. Also, this can help you conserve water. A simple leakage from your water heater is a loss in itself. Water during these times is precious.

 

ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re looking to have a new HVAC system installed, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of an HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection! Our HVAC installation experts will check your ductwork, measure, check wire sizes, and more before making recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC installation team online by clicking here.