Is Your Water Heater Leaking From The Bottom? Here’s What You Need to Do
Every home needs a water heater because it supplies hot water for bathing, cleaning, and cooking. However, a hot water heater leaking from the bottom can seriously harm your home and increase your utility costs. It can lead to expensive water heater repairs in Orange County.
This article will discuss potential leak causes, how to check water leaks in heaters, and what to do if a leak is discovered.
We’ll also look at how to check the temperature and pressure relief valves and check the drain valve to stop water heater leaks.
The tips in this article will assist you in locating the problem and resolving it as soon as possible if you reside in Orange County and require water heater repairs.
How to Tell if Water Heater is Leaking
Any homeowner who has a leaking water heater knows how frustrating it can be, especially if you’re not sure whether the leak is coming from the bottom or not. It’s important to know how to check if the water heater is leaking.
A few warning signs are listed below:
- A puddle of water around the water heater’s base.
- The unit’s bottom is dripping with water.
- The water heater’s bottom may have rust or corrosion.
If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a professional for water heater repair in Orange County immediately.
How to Check Water Leaks in Heater
The most important details on how to check for water leaks in heaters are to:
- Turn off the power supply
- Switch off the circuit breaker at the main electrical panel
- Turn off the gas valve, turn off the cold water supply
- Allow the water heater to cool down for several hours
- Check the bottom of the unit for any signs of leakage.
If you notice any signs of water leakage, contact a professional plumber in Orange County for water heater repair immediately.
What Can Cause Your Water Heater to Leak?
The common issues that cause your water heater to leak are:
- Corrosion
- Sediment buildup
- Loose drain valve
- High water pressure
If you notice any signs of a water heater leaking from the bottom, it is important to contact a professional for water heater repair in Orange County immediately.
Delaying repairs can cause your water heater to leak more heavily, resulting in further damage to your home and higher utility bills.
What You Need to Do if Your Water Heater is Leaking from the Bottom
Check the temperature Valve
The Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (TPR valve) is designed to release excess pressure from the tank and prevent it from building up to dangerous levels.
If the pressure inside the tank becomes too high, the valve will open and release some of the hot water and steam to relieve the pressure.
To check the TPR valve, you need to turn off the power supply, switch off the circuit breaker, turn off the gas valve, turn off the cold water supply, drain the water from the tank, contact a professional for water heater repair in Orange County, and inspect the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (TPR valve).
Examine the drain valve
The drain valve is located near the bottom of the water heater and is used to drain the tank to remove sediment buildup or perform maintenance. If the drain valve is loose or damaged, it can cause your water heater to leak.
Here’s how to check the drain valve:
- Disconnect the water heater’s power and water supplies
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve
- Run the other end of the hose to a nearby drain or outside
- Slowly turn the valve counter-clockwise to open it and allow water to flow out.
If water flows out freely and there are no leaks around the valve, the valve is working properly.
If there are leaks around the valve or it’s difficult to turn, the valve may be loose or damaged and needs to be replaced.
If you need assistance checking or replacing the drain valve, contact a professional for water heater repair in Orange County.
They can help you with all your water heater needs and ensure that your system is functioning safely and efficiently.
Faulty Drain Valve
A faulty drain valve is a common issue that can cause a water heater to leak from the bottom. To fix this, you need to turn off the power supply to the water heater
- Affix a garden hose to the tank’s bottom drain valve.
- Remove the faulty drain valve
- Replace it with a new one
- Refill the tank with water
- Turn on the power supply to the water heater
- Set the water heater’s cold water supply on.
- Check for leaks around the drain valve.
If you are not comfortable replacing the drain valve yourself, you can contact a professional for water heater repair in Orange County.
Also Read – Water Heater Leaking? How To Fix It In 5 Easy Steps
Leaky Drain Valve
A leaky drain valve is another possible cause of a water heater leaking from the bottom.
To check for a leaky drain valve, turn off the power supply to the water heater, attach a garden hose to the drain valve and run it outside, open the drain valve and allow the tank to drain completely, close the drain valve, and remove the hose.
If the drain valve is loose or damaged, it can cause water to leak from the bottom of the tank.
To fix a leaky drain valve, you can try tightening it with a wrench or replacing the valve. If you’re not comfortable replacing the drain valve yourself, contact a professional for water heater repair in Orange County.
They’ll be able to replace the valve for you and ensure that your water heater is working properly.
Internal Tank
A leaking water heater from the bottom could indicate a crack or damage in the internal tank.
To check for a leak in the internal tank, it is important to turn off the power supply, turn off the cold water supply, allow the water heater to cool down completely, locate the pressure relief valve at the top of the water heater, lift the valve lever to release a burst of hot water and listen for any sounds of hissing or rushing water.
If you don’t hear any sounds, wait a few minutes and check for any signs of water around the base of the water heater. If you have confirmed that the internal tank is leaking, it is time to replace the water heater.
Contact a professional for water heater repair in Orange County to help you choose the right replacement unit for your needs and install it properly.
Conclusion
A hot water heater leaking from the bottom is a common issue that homeowners face. If
If you notice any signs of leakage, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent further damage to your home and appliances.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly determine if your water heater is leaking and take the necessary steps to repair it.
Remember that regular maintenance, such as flushing your water heater and checking for corrosion, can help prevent leaks from occurring.
If you need water heater repair in Orange County, EZ Heat & Air is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a professional inspection and repair.
