Hot Water Heater Leaking From Bottom Access Panel

A leak in the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater is another common issue.

Hot water heater leaking from bottom access panel.

Water leaking from a valve may run down the sides of the tank giving you the impression that the leak is coming from the bottom but it s really originating from the top or sides. Before you try to find the leak you should turn off the power to your water heater. Turn off the power or your gas supply to your hot water heater in addition to closing the inlet valve on the top of your. For owners of an electric water heater turn the breaker off on your main electrical panel.

Carpeting must be protected by a metal or wood panel beneath do not assume the water heater is leaking until there has been through the access door of the water heater. The most likely scenario in this case is that sediment has built up and corroded the bottom of the tank causing a serious problem and the need for an entirely new water heater. Instruction manual for residential gas water heaters. Check the drain valve.

The leak may actually be at the top of the water heater and simply running down through the body of the heater before escaping at a lower level. Both thermostats should be set the same to spec of 120degrees which will say on upper and lower when panels are. Open a hot water faucet. Remove the access door s and insulation pad s.

Once the tank is empty shut the drain valve and. Water heater leaking from access panel. It s not necessary to drain it completely only so that the water inside the tank is lower. This will allow air to enter the tank.

Although these are the two most common causes of a leaking water heater they are not always the culprits. If you have a gas water heater look for the on off dial located on the gas regulator on the side of your water heater. Attach one end of a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of your tank and stick the other end in a safe place to. After draining or flushing a water heater it is common for the drain valve to fail to close completely.

The first places to check if it appears that you have a leak from the bottom of your water heater are the drain valve and temperature pressure relief valve t p valve. Use a wrench to grab hold of the t p valve and turn it counter clockwise until the valve is loose. Your elements have seals so if it s leaking from the thermostats you have a bad seal. If the leak is coming from the bottom of the tank the tank itself may be cracked which means it will need to be replaced.

Drain the hot water tank. Set the dial to pilot or off. Below is a list of the four most probable causes of a leak in your water heater.