What Sediment Buildup Looks Like:
A leaky water heater is nothing to take lightly. Over time, the leaks could cause water damage to the flooring and any surrounding items in your utility area, and they’ll only get worse over time. If your water heater is leaking from the bottom, this almost always indicates a serious problem with your unit.
Wondering why your hot water tank is leaking, and if you should call a professional like G&C Plumbing and Heating to troubleshoot and repair your unit? Read on, and learn about the most common causes of hot water heaters leaking from the bottom.
1. Faulty Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve (Or Excess Pressure Buildup in Tank)
The T&P (Temperature & Pressure) relief valve is a safety feature found on all commonly-sold hot water heaters. It releases excess pressure from the tank through a tube directed at the floor – if the pressure gets too high in the tank, water will typically be sprayed through this tube as the pressure is relieved.
If you check your discharge tube and it’s wet, the T&P valve is probably the culprit. It may be faulty, and activating even when the pressure inside the hot water tank is normal. You’ll need to call a plumber to replace the valve and ensure your tank stops leaking.
In rare cases, though, your T&P valve may be functioning properly – and there may be too much pressure in your hot water tank. Pressure may build if the hot water tank is heating water too high (exceeding 140-145° F), which could happen with a faulty temperature regulator. Your hot water heater may be at risk of bursting if it exceeds its rated PSI, so contact a plumber for help immediately.
2. Drain Valve Leak
Another common cause of water heaters leaking from the bottom is a drain valve that’s not completely closed or is faulty and is leaking. The drain valve is used to drain out the tank to perform maintenance or repairs on the water heater, and is also used to drain sediment that gathers at the bottom of the tank.
If your drain valve is leaking, it may not be damaged. It’s possible that it’s just not completely closed. You may have knocked the handle loose at some point, loosening the drain valve slightly and allowing some water to drip out. Check the knob or handle and ensure it’s completely tightened.
If the water stops dripping, congratulations! Your water heater is in good shape. But if the leak continues, the valve itself is faulty and will need to be replaced either by you (if you’re handy) or by a plumber. The leak will only get worse with time, so we recommend handling the issue as soon as you can.
3. Internal Tank Leak
The final – and most common – reason that your hot water heater may be leaking from the bottom is due to damage to the tank itself. If your hot water tank is leaking, that means it’s suffering from an internal, structural problem that is allowing water to leak out and pool at the base of the tank.
The most typical cause of a faulty tank and internal tank leak is a failure to remove sediment from the hot water tank. This is particularly common in areas with very hard water. You should flush your tank and remove sediment every six months.
If you don’t, the efficiency of your water heater will begin to suffer. And over time, the sediment can contribute to corrosion and cracking of the tank shell, leading to a leak that will allow water to pool around the base of the unit.
In the case of internal damage to the hot water heater, you’ll almost always need to replace the unit completely. If you think that your hot water tank is compromised but you’re not certain, it’s a good idea to hire a plumber to take a look at it – that way, if the issue isn’t with the heater tank, you can avoid the expense of purchasing a brand-new unit.
Do you have this Gadget? It could save your space from flooding by a simple water tank leak https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ac49C06svgQ
Got A Leaky Water Heater? Get Professional Troubleshooting & Diagnosis
A leaky water heater is a big deal. If your water heater is leaking, it’s likely in need of urgent repairs. Read about if your water heater is leaking around the top.
Contact the pros at G&C Plumbing and Heating. We can examine your hot water heater, determine the root cause of the problem, and recommend the appropriate maintenance and repairs – or install a new water heater to replace your damaged unit. Contact us now to get the help you need.