Water Heater is Leaking from the Top: Troubleshooting and Repair Tips

photo: pixabay

If you've ever woken up to find your water heater is leaking from the top, it's understandable to feel a sense of worry or panic. However, it's important to remember that this is a common issue and there are steps you can take to address it.

While a leaky water heater can be a significant issue and potentially expensive to repair, it doesn't necessarily mean that you need to go out and purchase a new unit.

In this guide, we'll provide you with some practical steps you can take to address the problem and potentially save yourself from the cost of a replacement.

Generally, you can't afford to ignore a leak in the water heater because it will show up on the utility bill, reduce performance, or damage the surrounding area. However, not every leak requires a replacement of the water heater.

A leak from the top of the water heater can often be easily fixed. The important thing is to find the exact spot that's leaking and get it repaired.

Water heater is leaking from the top: Finding the causes and solutions

Gas water heater

If you've noticed that your water heater is leaking from the top, there could be several reasons why. In the following section, we'll discuss some of the most common causes of top leaks and provide guidance on how to troubleshoot and fix the issue.

On the other hand, if your water heater is leaking from the bottom, don't worry – it's not necessarily a lost cause. There are some simple steps that DIY-ers can take to diagnose and potentially resolve the problem. We'll cover those in more detail later in the guide.

In this article:

• How to repair a TPR (temperature and pressure relief) leak
• Water is leaking from the anode rod connection
• Water heater is leaking from the top heating element: Things to do
• Water heater is leaking from the top seam
• Water is leaking from the vents
• Leaking from the plumbing pipes
• Condensation
• What to do when your water heater is leaking from the top
• Dangers of a leaking water heater

How to repair a TPR (temperature and pressure relief) leak

When a water heater is leaking from the top, such as from the TPR valve (T&P), you might need to get a new valve. If the problem is inside the valve, do not attempt to repair it. The valve is a factory-calibrated safety device that's been tested for proper function.

If the leak is at the connection where the valve is screwed into the tank, you may only need to add or replace the Teflon tape or joint compound.

If the leak is from the discharge pipe connected to the T&P valve, the problem could be due to a failed valve that won't close, or high pressure and temperature inside the heater that are causing the valve to open (which is normal).

Check the pressure, expansion tank, or heating elements to address these issues.

The TPR valve is typically located on the top or side of the tank. Keep an eye out for any water seeping out of the valve.

To prevent such leaks from occurring, it's crucial to maintain pressure and temperature within the recommended operating range and below the maximum allowed. For instance, the average water heater temperature should be between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit, with a maximum temperature of 160 F and a pressure around 50-60 PSI.

The maximum value that the valve can handle is usually indicated on the valve plate (for residential homes, it's typically 150 PSI). Additionally, ensure that the valve's BTU rating does not exceed that of the water heater.

Remember, replacing the TPR valve is relatively affordable and easy to do.

Water is leaking from the anode rod connection: Troubleshooting and repair tips

The anode rod is a sacrificial rod that's screwed into the top of the water heater. Its core is usually made of stainless steel, and there are several types available, such as zinc, aluminum, and magnesium sacrificial types, as well as powered non-sacrificial types.

The anode rod is designed to prevent the metal tank from corroding over time. However, it can deteriorate and lose its ability to reduce corrosion, causing the connection to rust and produce leaks from the port. Additionally, other elements such as heat traps (nipples), which were previously tight, could become loose and develop leaks when the water heater is rusting out.

Typically, the anode rod has a lifespan of around 5 years, so it's recommended to replace it after that period. The unit should also be regularly maintained, especially if the water is hard and prone to sediment buildup.

If you notice brown rust in your tap water, it could be a sign of issues with the anode rod. A leak from the anode rod connection requires the attention of an expert immediately, or it could cost you the entire water heater.

It's important to drain your tank every year to prevent sediment buildup and extend the lifespan of the anode rod.

Water heater is leaking from the top heating element: Things to do

Electric water heater
(photo: amazon)

If your water heater is leaking from the top heating element, it could be due to a worn-out or damaged gasket, which causes dripping leaks. To fix this issue, you'll need to open the cover plate on the side of the tank and move the insulation aside to check for leaks and get easy access to the heating elements.

However, it's not always easy to detect the leak from the heating elements since they are insulated and covered by an access panel. You may need expert help with this. If the gaskets that seal the water are no longer watertight, they'll need to be replaced.

To remove the heating element and replace the gasket, you'll need to turn off the power at the main circuit breaker, drain the tank, and disconnect the wires from the terminals. It's also crucial to clean the contact surfaces thoroughly.

Then, use a socket or element wrench to unscrew the element and replace the damaged gasket with a new one. You can find replacement gaskets (washers) cheaply at big box and hardware stores.

Water heater is leaking from the top seam

Again, it is possible to have a leak from the seam at the top of the tank. This is a sign that your tank needs to be replaced as it developed some cracks. The main causes are corrosion, damages, or deformation due to high pressure. For this, you're going to need the services of a professional. Any structural damage would require you to buy a new water heater.

Water is leaking from the vents

Your water heater might experience leaks from the vent during heavy rain and high winds. This is a common issue and can be resolved by sealing the vent properly.

Additionally, it is normal to see condensation on high-efficiency water heaters, which can be mistaken for a leak. However, if you notice any excessive dripping or pooling of water, it is recommended to get professional help to avoid any further damage.

Leaking from the plumbing pipes

One important thing to keep in mind is that your water heater may be leaking from the pipes, which is often the first place you should check when there's a leak. In some cases, a drip from the plumbing pipes above can make it appear as though the tank is the source of the leak.

To check for leaks in the plumbing pipes, inspect the water supply lines that are connected to the heater. These lines can be either rigid or flexible tubes. Unfortunately, flexible tubes are more likely to fail and cause leaks long before the water heater itself needs to be replaced.

To properly inspect the supply lines, remove any insulation covering them above the heater. Once you've located the source of the leak, you may need to replace the affected section of the plumbing pipes to stop the leak.

Condensation

Sometimes, you may suspect that the water heater is leaking, but you can't seem to find any leaks. If that happens, use a piece of cloth to clean the standing water, then examine the plumbing elements and surrounding pipes. If the water puddle does not reappear, then it is likely that condensation caused it.

Condensation is very common with water heaters and their surrounding parts. Over time, they can leave small puddles of water on your basement floor. And if the unit cannot keep up with the hot water demand of your household, there may be even more condensation. The moisture on the tank may not dissipate because the tank is not large enough.

As such, it is important always correctly to size a new water heater before buying one.

What to do when your water heater is leaking from the top

1. Turn off the water supply. To turn off the water heater, start by turning off the cold water supply to the tank. This can be done by using the cold water shut-off valve located just above the water heater. Be careful during this process, as a major leak can cause flooding and damage. If you cannot access the valve due to flooding, turn off the main shut-off valve.
2. Turn off the power. Next, turn off the power supply to the water heater. This is an essential precautionary measure that can prevent accidents. For an electric heater, find the circuit breaker box in your home and turn off the electric breaker. For a gas water heater, turn off the gas supply using the dedicated gas shut-off valve on the gas line leading to the tank.
3. Find what's causing the leak. Again, several things could make a water heater leak from the top. It could be the TPR valve, a corroded anode, condensation, or bad plumbing work, among others. Check carefully to discover the source of the leak.
4. Repair or replace what is causing the leak. Now that you know the cause of the leak, it's important to repair it as soon as possible if it is fixable. If you can DIY, that's fine; if not, get an expert to handle the repairs. This might also be an excellent time to replace any worn-out parts.
5. Start your water heater again. Finally, turn on the unit once the repairs are done. You can do this by turning on the cold water supply as well as the circuit breaker.

Dangers of a leaking water heater

Let's face it, a leaking water heater can pose a serious threat to your safety. Like some home issues, it can cause inconvenience, property damage, and repair costs.

As water is heated inside the tank, pressure builds up, and at times, it can reach a dangerously high temperature. Your tank should automatically shut off in such instances or release pressure via the safety valve (T&P valve). Failure of both actions could lead to a rupture, flooding, or even an explosion.

Deformation of the tank can also cause a fire outbreak and the risk of electrocution. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly address any suspected leaks.

Finally, after repairing a water heater, it is essential to observe and monitor it to ensure the problem doesn't persist. If the leak continues, seek the services of a professional plumber.

Summary

If your water heater is leaking from the top, it can be an alarming situation. However, by following the steps mentioned above, you can prevent any further damage to your property and ensure the safety of your household. Remember to turn off the cold water supply and power supply, find the source of the leak, and repair or replace any worn-out parts.

It's important to note that regular maintenance of your water heater can help prevent leaks from happening in the first place. Flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup, checking and replacing the anode rod, and inspecting the T&P valve can all help keep your water heater in good condition.

Don't ignore any signs of a water leak, as it can cause damage to your property and pose a safety risk. If you're not confident in handling the repairs yourself, don't hesitate to call a professional plumber. Taking care of your water heater can go a long way in ensuring its longevity and avoiding costly repairs in the future.