Why Is My Hot Water Heater Leaking? Causes & What To Do Next

It’s the middle of the night, and you’re awake looking for a midnight snack. Right as you open the fridge, you notice that there’s a puddle of water leaking out from the water heater closet. Rather than counting sheep, you now have an inconvenient mess to clean up and a complex problem to diagnose. 

When you have a hot water heater leaking, it’s more than just an inconvenience. Water damage can be costly to repair. At the very least, the wasted water means you’re paying more in energy and water bills than you need to. Additionally, the leak can lead to serious burns, electric shock, and even explosions. 

As a homeowner, it’s essential to figure out the water heater leak causes so that you can determine the best course of action. When in doubt, our experienced plumbers are always available for 24/7 repairs and water heater maintenance.

Common Causes of a Leaking Water Heater

As a homeowner, there are a few common water heater leak causes you should watch out for. If you are struggling to diagnose the issue with your water heater, reach out to Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for 24/7 emergency repairs and support. 

Loose or Faulty Connections (Top Leaks)

To diagnose the cause of your water leak, you first have to figure out where it is coming from. If the leak appears to be happening on the top of your water heater, it is likely from the inlet and outlet pipe fittings. The most frequent source of the issue is normally the cold water inlet and outlet nipples. 

Over time, these fittings can become loose or corroded. In most cases, you can stop the leak by just tightening these loose connections. 

Faulty Drain Valve (Bottom Leaks)

When leaks occur toward the bottom of your water heater, the cause is likely related to the drain valve. If the drain valve is loose or damaged, it may drip or leak. 

This issue can generally be repaired by tightening the drain valve. If that doesn’t do the trick, the valve may need to be replaced.

T&P (Temperature & Pressure Relief) Valve Issues (Side or Top)

Another common reason for a hot water heater leaking is the T&P valve. If this is the cause, you’ll notice the leak near the side or top. 

Over time, the safety valve can become worn because of the excessive pressure and normal usage. If this is the cause, it needs to be tested and replaced.

Corroded or Damaged Tank

Time and sediment buildup are two factors that can lead to tank corrosion. If your leak is due to tank corrosion or damage, you’ll generally need to replace the entire unit.

High Water Pressure

Water may seem gentle, but high-pressure water is an incredibly destructive force. Excess water pressure increases stress on the water heater’s tank and valves. Eventually, this can cause leaks to develop.

We recommend setting your water pressure to around 45 to 60 psi. If you try to set it higher than this, it can cause damage and may require a pressure-reducing valve. 

Sediment Buildup & Anode Rod Wear

When sediment builds up in your water heater, it acts like an insulating layer. This can lead to your tank overheating and the development of rust. If the anode rod has also become worn, the corrosion may occur at a faster rate. 

Condensation (Not Always a Leak)

It’s important to note that the presence of moisture isn’t always a sign of a hot water heater leaking. In some cases, water heaters have moisture because of condensation. This is more likely if your indoor air temperature is especially humid and warm. You can try adjusting the water heater’s thermostat to see if this is the cause. If your home is frequently humid, you may want to try installing a dehumidifier. 

Identifying the Leak Source

To determine the underlying cause of your leak and how to repair it, you first have to identify the location where the leak is occurring. Depending on the location, there are different possible causes behind the water heater leak.

• Top: When the leak occurs from the top of the unit, it is likely due to the valves or pipe connections.
• Side: A leak on the side of the water heater is more likely to be due to the T&P valve.
• Bottom: If the leak is happening on the bottom of the water heater, it is more likely to be from tank corrosion or the drain valve.

Besides looking at the location of the leak, there are also other symptoms you should look out for. Sudden increases in your water bill could indicate a leak. You should also call for professional repairs if you notice puddles, rust-colored water, or unusual noises.

Immediate Steps To Take

If you notice signs of a water leak, there are a few immediate steps you need to take to protect your home.

• Turn off the power. For electric water heaters, this is done at the breaker. With a gas water heater, you need to turn off the gas at the gas valve.
• Shut off the cold water supply. 
• Use a hose to drain the tank. If needed, you can place a bucket to catch water.
• Because the water can scald you, it’s important to wear gloves and take safety precautions.
• Before doing anything else, you need to verify if the leak is urgent or potentially dangerous. If it is, you need to call one of our professional plumbers right away. 

DIY Fixes You Can Try

To repair your water heater, you can try using the following DIY fixes.

Tightening Loose Connections 

First, try using a simple wrench to tighten loose connections. Be careful not to overtighten or damage the water heater.

Replacing the Drain or T&P Valve

To replace the drain or T&P valve, first shut off the power, gas, and cold water supply line. Then, drain the tank completely. The old valve can be removed with a wrench. Afterward, the new valve can be attached after the sealant is added to the threads. Once everything is put back together and turned on again, it’s important to test the tank to make sure it’s working properly.

Flushing the Tank 

To care for your tank, you should flush it at least once a year. This prevents sediment buildup, corrosion, and internal stress.

Installing a Pressure-Reducing Valve 

Sometimes, leaks occur when the pressure is too high in the tank. In these instances, it’s a good idea to install a pressure-reducing valve.

Replacing the Anode Rod 

Anode rods are essential for protecting against corrosion. If your tank is older, it may be time to get the anode rod replaced.

When To Call a Professional

If you are experiencing any of the following situations, you shouldn’t try to repair your water heater on your own. Instead, reach out to one of Balance Point’s plumbers as soon as you notice any of the following problems.

• Gas connections are involved.
• You’re unsure how to do the repairs.
• The leak is from the tank itself due to corrosion or is especially large.
• You’re unable to locate the source or stop the leak.
• The water heater is older than 10 years and is reaching the end of its lifespan.
• You need to get a professional to decide if it should be repaired or replaced.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Once you’ve repaired the water heater leak, the next step is preventing future repair issues. The following water heater maintenance tips should be performed throughout the year. 

• Annual Flush: To remove sediment and prevent unnecessary wear, you should make sure the water heater is flushed at least once per year. Older units or units in areas with hard water should be flushed more frequently.
• Inspect Valves: Throughout the year, check the T&P and drain valve to make sure they are tightened and not leaking. 
• Monitor Water Pressure: You can protect your water heater by making sure the pressure is set to 45 to 60 psi. If the water pressure is set too high, it can end up damaging the water heater.
• Replace Anode Rod: The anode rod is sacrificial, so it is designed to be sacrificed to save the tank from corrosion. As a result, the anode rod should be replaced every three to five years.
• Schedule Annual Professional Check-Ups: To keep your plumbing system functioning at its best, it’s essential to schedule routine inspections. One of our plumbers can quickly inspect the water heater and diagnose any potential problems.

In general, a tank water heater should last around 6 to 12 years. Tankless water heaters can last over 20 years. By performing preventative maintenance and scheduling regular check-ups, you can get the most out of your water heater’s lifespan.

FAQs About Hot Water Heater Leaks

At Balance Point, we’ve fielded a number of common questions related to a hot water heater leaking. The following are just a few of the ones that we hear the most.

Can I still use a leaking water heater?

No. You never want to continue using a water heater that is leaking. Leaks can quickly escalate. If you continue to use your water heater, you risk major safety issues as well as damage to your home. 

Continuing to use a leaking water heater can result in the following issues.

• Costly water damage to your home
• Burns from touching the hot water
• Gas leaks and explosions
• Electrocution or electric shocks
• Additional damage to your water heater and more expensive repairs

How often should I flush my water heater?

We recommend flushing your water heater once per year. If you have an older unit or live somewhere that has hard water, the tank needs to be flushed more frequently. 

When water heater tanks aren’t flushed regularly, sediment can build up in the tank. Normally, the anode rod functions to attract this sediment so that other components aren’t harmed. Eventually, the anode rod can become so corroded that it is unable to function properly anymore, necessitating its replacement. 

If you don’t flush the tank, it can not only damage your water heater but also cause higher energy bills. Sediment builds up above the heating elements and functions like an insulator, forcing it to work harder to warm the water.

What pressure is safe for my water heater?

To ensure the safety of your water heater, you should set it to between 45 and 60 psi. While higher water pressure might be enjoyable for showers, it increases the likelihood of leaks and damage. 

You can adjust the water heater’s pressure by turning off the power and cold water supply. Then, change the pressure regulator valve so that it is at the appropriate setting. Once the pressure regulator is at the right level, you can turn the power and water supply back on.

How long do water heaters last?

Your water heater should last around 8 to 12 years if it is cared for properly. We recommend getting your water heater replaced once it starts to leak or is past 12 years old. As it gets closer to the end of its lifespan, you should also get more frequent water heater maintenance to help it maintain its optimal condition.

Is that moisture always a leak?

While seeing moisture near your water heater tank can be a cause for panic, it doesn’t always mean that you have an actual leak. Sometimes, condensation occurs around the tank. Anytime humid air meets a cold surface, it can cause condensation. Often, this condensation happens after the tank has been refilled with cold water. 

To see if condensation is the issue, try checking the water heater after it has had a chance to heat the water up again. If the moisture is always present, you may have a leak and not condensation.

Schedule Your Water Heater Repair Services

Struggling to deal with your hot water heater leaking? Contact Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today for fast, expert service. From diagnosing water heater leak causes to tank replacement services, we can solve all of your water heater issues. 

Keep your hot water flowing safely and efficiently by scheduling your inspection now!