Water Heater Leaks: Causes, Troubleshooting, and Fixes
A water heater is one of the most important appliances in any home or business. It provides hot water for showers, dishwashing, laundry, and sanitation. But when your water heater starts leaking, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it can cause water damage, waste energy, and lead to costly repairs if ignored.
At Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros, serving Orange County and Los Angeles County, we specialize in residential and commercial plumbing services, including leak detection, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and sewer line repairs. This guide will help you understand why water heaters leak, how to troubleshoot the issue, and when to call a professional.
1. Why a Leaking Water Heater Is Serious
- Water damage: Even a small leak can flood nearby floors, walls, or basements.
- Mold growth: Persistent leaks create damp environments where mold thrives.
- Energy waste: A leaking water heater uses more energy to maintain hot water.
- System failure: Small leaks often indicate larger problems with the tank or valves.
2. Common Causes of Water Heater Leaks
1. Leaking Drain Valve
Located near the bottom of the tank, this valve allows flushing and draining for maintenance. Over time, it can loosen or fail, causing drips.
2. Loose Inlet and Outlet Connections
The pipes carrying hot and cold water into and out of the heater may loosen, leading to leaks around fittings.
3. Faulty Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (T&P Valve)
This safety valve prevents the tank from over-pressurizing. If it malfunctions, water may escape through the discharge pipe.
4. Corroded Tank
Over time, sediment buildup eats away at the inside of the tank, leading to cracks and leaks.
5. Excessive Water Pressure
High water pressure in your plumbing system strains the water heater and can force leaks at weak points.
6. Old Age
Most water heaters last 8–12 years. If yours is older and leaking, it may be time for replacement.
3. Troubleshooting Water Heater Leaks
Step 1: Confirm It’s the Water Heater
- Sometimes nearby plumbing pipes drip and appear to leak from the water heater.
- Dry the area and inspect closely to confirm the leak’s source.
Step 2: Inspect the Drain Valve
- Check for drips at the bottom of the tank.
- Tighten the valve gently with a wrench.
- If the leak persists, replace the drain valve.
Step 3: Check Inlet and Outlet Connections
- Inspect pipes at the top of the heater.
- Tighten fittings with a wrench.
- Replace corroded pipes or fittings.
Step 4: Test the T&P Valve
- Locate the valve near the top of the tank with a discharge pipe running down.
- If water is dripping from the pipe, the valve may be faulty or the system may be over-pressurized.
- Replace the valve if defective.
Step 5: Inspect the Tank Itself
- Look for water pooling under the unit.
- Check for rust or cracks on the tank surface.
- Unfortunately, a leaking tank cannot be repaired—it requires replacement.
Step 6: Monitor Water Pressure
- Install a pressure gauge on your water line.
- Normal water pressure should be 40–60 PSI.
- If pressure is too high, install a pressure-reducing valve to protect your plumbing and water heater.
4. Preventing Water Heater Leaks
- Flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup.
- Inspect valves and connections every few months.
- Replace anode rods every 3–5 years to prevent tank corrosion.
- Check water pressure regularly.
- Schedule annual plumbing inspections to catch issues early.
5. When to Call a Professional
Call a plumber if:
- The tank itself is leaking.
- The T&P valve keeps discharging even after replacement.
- Your water heater is more than 10 years old and leaking.
- You see signs of water damage, mold, or corrosion around the unit.
At Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros, we provide expert water heater repair and replacement, along with leak detection services to protect your home or business.
6. Commercial Water Heater Leaks
Businesses rely on hot water for daily operations. Commercial water heater leaks can cause:
- Service interruptions in restaurants, hotels, and healthcare facilities.
- Energy waste from inefficient systems.
- Water damage to commercial properties.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential to prevent costly downtime.
Final Thoughts
A leaking water heater should never be ignored. Whether it’s a faulty drain valve, worn T&P valve, corroded tank, or excessive pressure, the problem will only worsen without attention. By troubleshooting the source of the leak and addressing issues promptly, you can extend the life of your water heater and protect your property.
At Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros, we proudly serve Orange County and Los Angeles County with expert residential and commercial plumbing services, specializing in drain cleaning, leak detection, hydro jetting, and sewer line repairs. If your water heater is leaking or you suspect a plumbing issue, our team is ready to provide fast, reliable service.