Checking the anode rod testing the t p valve inspecting for leaks and flushing your tank to remove sediment build up are all tasks that help your water heater reach it s full service life potential.
Water heater leaking cold water from bottom.
The first thing you ll want to do is determine where the water heater leak is located.
First turn off the water heater.
If during your sleuthing you determined the leak wasn t coming from any of the above spots the trouble is at the bottom of.
Whenever your water heater kicks on and off it s possible for the vibrations to gradually loosen the drain.
Although these are the two most common causes of a leaking water heater they are.
Nonetheless a water heater like other appliances has a lifespan that eventually runs out.
Before you resign yourself to replacing the entire water heater take a few minutes to determine where the leak is actually coming from and you may be able to fix the leak yourself with little or no cost.
Water leaking from the bottom.
For electric water heaters find the water heater s circuit breaker and flip it to off for gas water heaters look on your water heater for an on off switch or.
How to prevent water heater leaking from the bottom.
If the leak is coming from the bottom of the tank it is not looking good for you.
Replace the water heater if the leak is at the bottom of the tank.
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.
Loose drain valve the drain valve is located at the bottom of the water heater tank.
Turn off the water heater and water supply now that you know where the leak is you ll want to slow the leak to prevent further water damage.
It gets difficult at some point to prevent the water heater from leaking.
When you see water that appears to be leaking from the bottom of a gas water heater it could be because of condensation try turning up the thermostat a leaking or loose drain valve or the t p valve draining some water through the overflow pipe due to tank overpressurization.
A water heater leaking from the bottom is not always an indication of tank failure.
Luckily we re here to help.
A standard water heater lasts for 8 to 12 years but proper maintenance can keep it running for longer years than its lifespan.
Once the tank is full turn back on the water heater.
A leak in the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater is another common issue.
After draining or flushing a water heater it is common for the drain valve to fail to close completely.
This drain valve can be capped with a hose cap or you can replace the drain valve completely with a new valve.
The best part it actually isn t that hard to do.
Water heater maintenance can play a big role in getting the most from your water heater.