Water Heater Leaking From Drain Valve

A leaking water heater drain valve is not always a complicated problem.

Water heater leaking from drain valve.

There s a problem with the valve such as a faulty seal and the water is unintentionally leaking. Hot water heater drain valves are prone to leaking and breakage. Sometimes the valve gets bumped and becomes loose or the moisture is caused by something other than the drain valve. After draining or flushing a water heater it is common for the drain valve to fail to close completely.

It s always a good idea to confirm the source of the water before assuming it s the drain valve though. While you can repair similar valves such as garden spigots it s not a good idea to attempt a repair on a water heater drain valve. When you see water coming out from the water heater release valve there are two most likely causes. If the repair isn t successful you ll have water.

Water heater drain valves are used to drain the hot water from the tanks which is a common maintenance task done to remove built up sediment. This drain valve can be capped with a hose cap or you can replace the drain valve completely with a new valve. Regular maintenance performed on a water heater will prolong the life of the unit. It water appears to be leaking from the valve try tightening it with a wrench until it is snug but be careful not to over tighten it.

A slow leak can add up to hundreds of dollars in water damage repairs. A leak in the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater is another common issue. The function of the drain valve is to allow the tank to be emptied during replacement or repair so water is only supposed to come out of it when the valve is intentionally opened generally after attaching a hose. A leaking hot water drain valve wastes energy and can ruin anything in the immediate area.

A leaky water heater drain valve can cause a multitude of problems from electrical fire to flooded floors and mold and mildew build up. The relief valve is working the way it s intended and water drained to reduce the pressure inside the tank.