Fixing a water heater leak can be very challenging or just very easy. Most people think that at the first sign of leaking the water heater must be replaced, but this is usually not necessary. In fact, many fixes are inexpensive and simple. You can extend the water heater’s lifespan for several years by just replacing the part that is not functioning well anymore. Here are some common causes why a water heater may leak and some tips on how to fix them:

Water Supply Lines Leaking

It is recommended to check first those plumbing pipes that are located above the water heater. Water supply lines leaking from above may look like the leak is from the tank. For this reason, you should always look first above the heater. At that level flexible tubes may be the common cause of leaks. In order work on those tubes located above the water heater you have to remove the insulation first. Turn off the water before you start to replace the flexible lines of the water heater in order to avoid flooding.

Water Heater Nipples Leaking

You may also find water heater nipples leaking on top of the water heater. The leak can appear because the nipple’s threads are thin. A leak of the nipples can be difficult to differentiate from a supply tube leak. However, the nipples are the most likely cause in case that the supply tube was already changed but the leak still did not stop. Removing the nipples of the water heater is not an easy task and will require some leverage and a pipe wrench.

T and P Valve Leaking

The T and P valve is another possible cause of leaking. This is a serious situation that may appear if:

• It is possible that the valve fails to seal properly if it was removed recently. You may solve the situation with reinstalling or tightening the valve with some tape on the threads.

• The valve may leak due to excessive pressure when the heater is heating the water too much. In this case a possible fix could be the installation of a water expansion tank or lowering the water temperature.

• The valve leaking may be due to pressure of the water in your home that is too high. This situation can occur in case that the pressure regulator is damaged.

• If the heater is heating normally and the pressure of the water in your house is normal, then the leaking may be due to a faulty valve.

Drain Line Leaking

Another common issue could be a drain valve leak. The drain valve is located at the water heater’s bottom. After flushing or draining the heater, it may often happen that the drain valve fails to completely close. You can replace this drain valve completely or you can cap it using a fitting hose cap.

Tank Leaking

If you could not find a likely cause for leaking with any of these heater inspections, then it is possible that the leaking is coming from the tank located inside the water heater. In case that you come to the conclusion that the issue is a tank leak, then you cannot fix it and you have to replace the entire heater.

 

For more information, contact Vinny’s Jersey Plumbing, located in Wayne, New Jersey.  We also service other towns in New Jersey, such as Cedar Grove, West Orange and Livingston.