Water Leaking From Hot Water Heater Drain Valve

Often this happens after you drain the water heater as part of the regular maintenance of the unit but it can happen anytime.

Water leaking from hot water heater drain valve.

Worn out plastic some hot water tank drain valves are made of plastic. Regular maintenance performed on a water heater will prolong the life of the unit. A leaking hot water drain valve wastes energy and can ruin anything in the immediate area. Hot water heater drain valves are prone to leaking and breakage.

How to troubleshoot a leak from the drain valve on an electric water heater tighten the valve. A slow leak can add up to hundreds of dollars in water damage repairs. Replacing the washer should fix your leaky valve but if it doesn t you may have a more serious problem. Repairing a water heater leaking from the drain valve is a fairly easy but time consuming fix because you have to shut off the water and drain the tank.

A hot water heater leak by the drain valve may also be caused by a worn out washer. If the repair isn t successful you ll have water leaking into your house. Before calling a professional or taking your drain valve apart yourself confirm that the leak is. Like all water valves the drain valve on your water heater can wear out and leak.

Over the years this plastic can become brittle. Condensation can make it appear as though your drain valve is leaking. If you tighten. Once you ve confirmed the source of the leak as the drain valve check for these common issues.

Failing gasket plastic drain valves also use a rubber gasket that deteriorates. You ll have to drain the tank for that fix too. If you have a plastic drain valve your best bet is to replace the entire valve.