A hot water heater leak is not only a safety hazard and an inconvenience, it’s a very frustrating and often costly problem. But it doesn’t have to be. It’s not always necessary to replace the hot water tank entirely if you notice it leaking.
Instead, there are a few things you should look for. Examine the hot water heater for the source of the leak before making any decisions about repairs or replacements.
The first place you should look is the relief valve. It’s one of the most important safety devices on your hot water heater and it could be the source of the leak. Begin by feeling the drain. If you feel any moisture or leakage, it’s possible that the spring is corroded and the valve is not closing properly. Additionally, check to see if there’s any water leaking around the threads. If there’s a slow, continuous leak, then you should replace the relief valve. Fortunately, this a much cheaper and easier fix than buying a new water heater altogether.
If the relief valve is not the culprit, you’ll also want to check the drain valve, the pipe connections, and the inner tank. There are many possible reasons for a hot water heater leak, and they don’t all cost you a fortune. Hopefully, the source of your hot water tank’s leak is something you can easily fix yourself.