Gas Water Heater Leaking From Bottom Element

Monitor the valve for leaks.

Gas water heater leaking from bottom element.

After draining or flushing a water heater it is common for the drain valve to fail to close completely. After lowering the temperature turn on the water at the cold water inlet valve and power gas to your water heater. All water heaters have a drain near the bottom of the unit so that the tank can be emptied before removal or during routine cleaning of the tank itself. Another reason your hot water heater may be leaking from bottom could be due to an internal leak.

Although these are the two most common causes of a leaking water heater they are. See below for a visual illustration of a gas water. A leak in the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater is another common issue. Keep reading to find out how to resolve the leak issue.

The rusting process can be slowed by regularly draining and flushing out the water heater but if the bottom is already leaking it s time for a new water heater. Temperature pressure relief valve also referred to as the t p valve. Gas water heater what to do with a leaking hot water heater gas water heater. Because of the limited possible causes of the bottom leak it would be.

Overtime if the tank is not regularly flushed out this build up can cause the tank to rust and spring a leak. However if you are unsure you may want to consider calling a professional. A leaking drain valve can be identified by moisture or water dripping either out of the drain opening or around the valve itself. This drain valve can be capped with a hose cap or you can replace the drain valve completely with a new valve.

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. If you observe leaks even after reducing the temperature then it is likely that you have a faulty valve. In most cases a build up of sediment is the leading cause of this. Check to make sure that the bottom valve is fully closed by turning the valve control clockwise.

There should be a dedicated gas shut off valve on the gas line leading to the tank. Local building codes often do. If your water heater is leaking water near the control panel of the device then the device is likely leaking fluid around the heating element. Turn off the power.

The above parts are generally the only source of leaks on the bottom of your heater unlike leaks on top that can also originate from the water inlet and outlet valves as well as the overflow pipe.