Is your water heater leaking water from the drain valve? There might be a problem with the drain valve or any other part of the water heater. However, in most cases, the main problem is the water heater leaking drain valve. Whether the leak is small or large does not matter in this case, as all leaks can get worse and mess up the whole water heater in no time.
In any case, there is a problem with the heater, and you must fix it in no time to prevent any escalation of the situation. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of such leaks and see if you find any relating to your water heater. After we have discussed the reasons, we will move on to their solutions.
Causes Of Leaking Water Heaters
There are several areas where there can be damage to the water heater, and a leak can result, and you must check all of them before concluding that the problem lies in the drain valve. Some of the most common amongst these are:
1. Temperature Or Pressure Control Valves
These valves control the temperature and pressure in the heater and can be used to release either of these two in case of a buildup. Water can leak from these valves whenever the temperature or pressure exceeds a specific limit. Thus you must check both the temperature and pressure regularly.
2. Tank
Tanks are prone to wear and tear due to the water standing in them at all times, and holes can break at the bottom of them, leading to a leak.
3. Water Condensation
Condensation forms in drain pipe valves and other valves because of the continuous flow of hot water. After prolonged use, this condensation can also cause wear and tear and leak the water heater dripping from the drain valve.
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Among all these causes, if you have spotted that the problem lies with the drain valve itself, look for the following two main issues in the valve leading to the leak:
1. Broken Plastic
Many drain valves are made of plastic, and with time, this plastic wears out, and cracks lead to leaks through the valve.
2. Broken Gasket
Drain valves and valves of any other kind also have a plastic or metal gasket. This gasket is also susceptible to wear and tear; over time, it can give up and lead to a water heater drain valve leaking problem.
How To Fix A Leaking Water Heater Drain Valve
There are two main ways to go about fixing the business of a leaking drain valve. One of these is a temporary fix which can be beneficial in some cases. The other one is a more long-lasting solution but can cost a little. Let’s take a look at both these methods one by one.
Also Check: What is a Water Heater Connector Leak, And How to Fix it
1. Tightening The Valve With A Wrench
This is a temporary solution to the problem. Using a wrench to tighten the valve can fix the drain problem for some time as the leaking area gets filled and the leak stops. However, this method is unsuitable for long-term use, and leaks can start to appear after a short while. With this method, you also risk tightening the valve too much and damaging it, which can also impair the water flow.
2. Replacing The Valve With A New One
This is the long-term solution to the problem. Replacing the two parts of the valve we discussed after damage to either one or getting the whole valve can treat the leaks in the water heater. This means that the plastic part of the valve and the gasket can be replaced, and in many cases, this will fix the problem.
If replacing any of these parts does not solve the problem, you might want to consider replacing the whole valve. This can be costly as you would have to buy a new unit, not to mention that the help of a professional would be required. This can be an excellent permanent solution to the problem, and you won’t have to worry about the problem appearing for a long time.
Conclusion
Now you know the causes behind the water heater leaking drain valve and what to do if any of the said problems arise. Fixing the leaking solution should be a top priority since any leaks increase can break your water heater and put you into a more grave situation than you already started with. You can also prevent such problems from arising if you do a good maintenance job on your water heater.