Water Heater Leaking From Drain Valve

One of the most common causes of water heater leakage is a loose drain valve.

Water heater leaking from drain valve.

There s a problem with the valve such as a faulty seal and the water is unintentionally leaking. It water appears to be leaking from the valve try tightening it with a wrench until it is snug but be careful not to over tighten it. The relief valve is working the way it s intended and water drained to reduce the pressure inside the tank. Why is your water heater leaking.

While you can repair similar valves such as garden spigots it s not a good idea to attempt a repair on a water heater drain valve. If the repair isn t successful you ll have water. A slow leak can add up to hundreds of dollars in water damage repairs. Hot water heater drain valves are prone to leaking and breakage.

Water heater drain valves are used to drain the hot water from the tanks which is a common maintenance task done to remove built up sediment. When you see water coming out from the water heater release valve there are two most likely causes. A leaky water heater drain valve can cause a multitude of problems from electrical fire to flooded floors and mold and mildew build up. A leak in the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater is another common issue.

A leaking water heater drain valve is not always a complicated problem. Regular maintenance performed on a water heater will prolong the life of the unit. After draining or flushing a water heater it is common for the drain valve to fail to close completely. Like all water valves the drain valve on your water heater can wear out and leak often this happens after you drain the water heater as part of the regular maintenance of the unit but it can happen anytime.

Sometimes the valve gets bumped and becomes loose or the moisture is caused by something other than the drain valve. It s always a good idea to confirm the source of the water before assuming it s the drain valve though.