Why Is My Water Heater Leaking? Common Causes & How To Fix

January 8, 2025

Have you noticed a pool of water forming around your water heater? You may have a water heater leak. These leaks can range from minor to severe, especially if the pressure valve is broken.

The most common causes of a water heater leak Dauenhauer commonly services include age, tank damage (of all forms), and improper installation. Regardless of the source, Dauenhauer can stop the spread. Our team specializes in remediating water heater leaks in under an hour.

Not sure what the next steps are? Continue reading to learn how you can act fast following a water heater leak.

Table of Contents

Steps To Take When You Have a Leaking Water Heater

Don’t let a water heater leak disarm you. Although unsettling, it’s just a temporary consequence of a temporary issue. Our team at Dauenhauer can completely remediate water heater leaks. Before you call us, follow the steps below to help suppress a water heater leak:

Don’t Panic – The best thing you can do after finding a leak is to stay calm.
Locate the Source of the Leak – If it’s safe to do so, find out where the leak is coming from.
Switch off the Water Source – Stop the flow of water by cutting the water source.
Turn Off the Heater – Make sure you turn off the water heater if you’re able to.
Drain the Water Tank – If possible, stop any further water from leaking by draining the tank.
Call the Professionals – Once you’ve completed the steps above, contact a pro at Dauenhauer.

Common Causes for Water Heater Leaks

Water heaters may malfunction due to age or other issues. Ensure to routinely check the tank for cracks, openings, or misaligned parts.

If you can’t seem to locate the source of the leak, call on our team of professionals to identify and remediate these common causes:

Old Water Tank

Water tanks lose power as they age. Older water heaters may struggle to retain water and produce heat effectively. An easy DIY fix you can do yourself is to patch it up, but this is not a long-term fix.

Drain Valve

The drain valve releases water for cleaning. Frequent cleanings can loosen the drain valve, making it harder to drain the tank effectively. If the drain valve is loose at the base, you’ll need a professional to fully replace it.

High Water Pressure

Once the tank heats up, you must watch out for pressure cracks. Because your water heater’s main goal is to heat water, this is a common problem.

Look around the tank for cracks. Small openings could indicate high pressure pushing against your water heater’s tank.

Faulty Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve

Pressure relief valves control how much water can build up within the tank. If it breaks, pressure may create cracks.

Your water heater won’t be able to control much without a working relief valve. Temperatures may become inconsistent, making everyday routines like showering and washing dishes harder.

Crack or Damaged Water Heater

Cracks are an obvious sign of a problem. Whether from a loosened drain valve or repeated use, no crack is ever a good sign.

You can try DIY repairs like patching for temporary relief. However, most cracks require professional repair. For immediate repair, contact Dauenhauer.

Sediment Build Up

Calcium or mineral buildup at the bottom of a water tank can happen over time. Hard water releases unwanted debris into a water heater tank, causing minerals to pile around the base.

Inlet and Outlet Connections

Inlet and Outlet connections send cold water down a tube, blocking it from already heated water. If these specialized parts are causing the leak, the pipes between them are corroded.

Your service provider can easily fix this issue by tightening the fittings. If additional leaks occur, you’ll likely need a replacement.

Anode Rod

Anode rods sit at the top of water heater tanks to block debris from reaching the stream. However, they can break down from overuse.

A good way to curb this is to test your water’s condition for hard, unnecessary sediment. This will increase the durability of your tank’s anode rod.

How To Identify & Repair a Leaking Water Heater

It’s not hard to find the source of a water heater leak. Most of the time it can be attributed to a buildup or misaligned part.

Professional water heater repair companies can point you toward the source instantly. No need to struggle with tutorials or instructions when you have the accessible help of Dauenhauer.

Here’s how to locate and remediate a leaking water heater effectively:

Water Leaking From the Bottom

Leaks from the bottom normally signal a drain valve issue. Because the drain valve controls water release, it ensures that water doesn’t overfill.

Solution: Look for corrosion. If found, replace the drain valve.

Water Leaking From the Sides

If water is leaking from the side, it’s a problem with your temperature pressure relief valve.

Solution: Check the water temperature, which should not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Any heat above this level will create pressure issues. If the temperature is incorrect, you must replace the relief valve entirely.

Water Leaking From the Top

Water leaking from the top indicates an issue with the pipe connections at the top of the tank. A faulty pressure valve or loose-fitting pipes could be to blame.

Solution: You must tighten the cold and hot water inlet pipes. A professional water heater service is best suited for this task.

Maintenance tips to prevent water heater leaks

How to Prevent Water Heater Leaks

Leak prevention is key with water heaters. Prevent leaks by routinely monitoring your home water heater. Check the top, bottom, and side of the tank for any cracks or openings.

If all at-home prevention methods fail to stop a leak, contact us at Dauenhauer. We use specialized tools and equipment to eradicate leaks in development.

DIY maintenance tips:

Empty your water tank annually to minimize sediment buildup
Lift and release the pressure relief valve to see if water goes through the drainpipe
Set the unit thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to stop it from overheating

Leaking Water Heater FAQs

Dauenhauer understands that you might have a few questions about water heater leaks. From causes to how to mitigate them, here are a few frequently asked water heater leak questions:

What Should I Do if My Hot Water Heater Is Leaking?

Immediately contact your local water heater restoration company. If you can’t get to them in time, you can apply simple mitigation measures like patching cracks.

Can I Still Use My Water Heater if It’s Leaking?

You shouldn’t continue to use your water heater if it’s leaking. You’re increasing your safety risk when you use or power on a leaking water heater.

What Is the Life Expectancy of a Water Heater?

Depending on usage, a water heater lasts anywhere from eight to 12 years. To expand its lifespan, routinely check for cracks, misaligned parts, or other deteriorating issues.

How Long Can I Go With a Leaking Water Heater?

This is entirely dependent on the extent of the leak. If the damage is widespread or deep, your water heater may work for a few more weeks.

For smaller or developing leaks, your water heater could last a few months.

Certified Water Heater Repair by Dauenhauer

Certified and locally available water heater repair by Dauenhauer is available in your area. We work around your schedule to provide you with full-service, customizable water heater solutions.

Never go at it alone with our specialized care. Whether you need a repair, replacement, or preventative maintenance, give us a call.