Is your water heater leaking or do you suspect there is a leak? If so, there are a number of possible causes for a water heater leak. You may be able to fix some of the causes, while at other times, it may be time for water heater repair and replacement by a professional plumber.

Here are 8 causes of a water heater leaking

Faulty Water Heater T&P Valve

The T&P valve is a safety device designed to release excess pressure. If this valve malfunctions, it can cause a continuous leak. Replacing the T&P valve involves draining the water heater tank, removing the old valve and then installing a new one.

Damaged Water Heater Tank

If a water heater tank has corrosion, cracks, or other physical damage, the water heater tank can cause leaks. In a lot of these cases, this will require installing a new water heater.

Loose Water Heater Connections

Loose fittings on the water heater inlet and outlet pipes, or at the drain valve, can lead to leaks too. These fittings need to be tightened or possibly replaced.

Water Heater Sediment Buildup

Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the water heater tank, potentially causing cracks and leaks. The water heater tank needs to be drained and sediment removed to fix this problem.

Worn Water Heater Anode Rod

The water heater anode rod is designed to corrode instead of the tank, but if it becomes too worn, it can lead to leaks. This will need to be replaced to fix the leak.

Excessive Pressure

Setting the water heater temperature too high can cause excessive pressure and potential leaks. This needs to be adjusted for proper water heater function.

Hard Water

Hard water minerals can accumulate over time, causing corrosion which causes leaks. This type of corrosion can’t be repaired and will require water heater tank replacement by a professional plumber.

Old Water Heater

Water heaters typically last 8 to 20 years, depending on the type. As the components in an older water heater begins to deteriorate, leaks can occur. In most cases, it is more cost-effective to replace an old water heater than repair it.

What to do if your water heater is leaking:

Turn off the water supply

Immediately shut off the water supply to the water heater. Do this step right away.

Identify the leak source

Check where the leak is coming from to determine the potential cause. Any of the 6 items above could be a cause.

Contact a professional plumber

3For most leaks, especially those related to the water heater tank or major water heater components, it’s best to call a professional plumber. For help with your water heater, get in touch with Jerry’s Plumbing & Heating today!