Water Heater Leaking From Bottom. What To Do? Easy Fix? Does It Need to be Replaced?
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- Is your water heater leaking and there is a puddle on the bottom of it? In this video I go over how to figure out if your leaking water heater needs to be replaced or does is simply need an easy fix.
I work on water heaters almost on a daily basis and thought I would briefly explain how to tell if your water heater leak is terminal or if its repairable. The common leak spots that are not terminal are: the drain valve, pressure relieve valve (PRV), and pipe joints or fittings. If it's not leaking at one of those spots, then your inner tank is the one leaking. A leaking inner tank is not repairable and at this point you would need a new water heater.
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![Why Is My Water Heater Leaking [Fix It With These 4 Easy Steps]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GkwuzWRzE50/mqdefault.jpg)
⬇ Other Water Heater Videos You May Find Useful:
How a Gas Water Heater Works:
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How to Light Your Water Heater Pilot:
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Why Your Water Heater Runs Out of Hot Water Fast:
ruclips.net/video/o-LsUWlWVh0/видео.html
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I never seen a guy so happy to have a leaking water heater :D
🤣
It’s not his
Plot twist:He’s the plumber
He has an awesome disposition! Grateful he made this video to educate us layman & women.
😂😂😂😂
Straight to the point and accurate. Water leaking at bottom of tank inside compartment means tank failure and needs replacement.
Ok, you've just solved my problem. Had water on the floor for a few months now and with your video I've determined that the water is coming from the bottom and inside of my water heater. So now I need a new heater, but at least now I know. The heater is 22 years old. Thanks so much, you've made my day!
I have the same problem but the water heater was installed only 10 years ago by Home depot
My new one was installed by Lowe's...total price was $3300.! Wow!!!@@WiscoDrinks
22 years!!! I'm now on number 4 in 17 years
woke up this past saturday, ( july 4th weekened no less) to water leaking from my 4 year old-40 gallon A o Smith water heater. checked water feed at the top, pressure relief valve, drain valve at the bottom.. determined it was coming from the tank.. called A o smith at noon, could not believe i got someone 4th of july weekened, gave them all the information including s/n.. to my surprise, they said it had a 6 year warranty and would replace it.....they gave me an Ra# ....i called my plumber giving him all the information, he showed up at my house tues morning (yesterday) and installed new heater.. unbelievable. i'm just glad it's done...
This video made it very clear what our water heater issue is and now we know it needs to be replaced. We were worried the plumber just wanted the easy fix, but now we have peace of mind our money will not he wasted. Thanks for such a clear explanation!
Glad to hear the video helped! May the new water heater last twice as long!
@@WordofAdviceTV Yeah, I watched the video because I was wondering the same thing. Had to replace my water heater 11 yrs ago and now it's leaking again. (Warranty ran out 1 year ago. Gee, go figure!) Was wondering if I REALLY had to replace it. After watching your video I now know that I DO need a new one. Well, at least I know I'm not being scammed.
Thank you! Now I know I need a new water heater
After watching this video, I assumed my water heater was dead. I got a new one, installed it, and had the same problem! When starting a gas water heater with a cold tank, condensation occurs in the flue vent and drips back down onto the heating element. Only with further research did I learn about that and apparently it's pretty common. It's definitely worth a mention.
This is exactly what I was looking for, but this video did not cover that. Everyone knows about leaking valve and pipes, why mention? No one will come to youtube to check on those. If the inside is wet that does not mean ther is a leak in the tank. It is a metal tank and as long as you are on public water system, why does a metal tank gets a hole in it? I have seen some plumbers fooling around, so be careful. This video is not one-stop answer for your water heater leak is what I want to emphasize
How did you deal with the condensation issue?
Excellent...covered everything and right to the point
5 years still helping people out
Thank you for the video. In my case, the last option was where it was wet. Now I know we need a new one. This one has lasted 26 years. Your video was a big help. 👍👏👏
Thank you for this information!!! Thought I needed a new tank as I saw a small leak, but what it needed was a tightening of the valve.
This is the first video I clicked and the last one. I checked my water heater tank with recommendations from here; it only leaks from the bottom. When the water supply is turned on, it leaks but stops when it's off; it does not leak. Thanks for the info. It really did help me make a decision!!!
Love the concise info in a short video. Kudos!
Love the straight to the point video
Goodness, thank you for posting this! We weren't sure what was happening with our hot water heater, having only determined a leak was coming from the bottom. My husband did tighten the valve at the bottom, but a bit of the insulation inside was wet. So, we'll see if tightening that valve solves the problem, or if the leak continues, then we know we need a new hot water heater! Thanks again!!
You have great videos..Have helped me many times..I've found if I check with you first, I'll know which way to fix or replace..Thank you
Thank you for this video. Now I know what’s wrong with my water heater.
So helpful and clear explanation. Well done. Thanks your the MaN.
Nice quick concise video. Thanks
Great Job on video! I’ve watched 20 or 30 and you provided the best explanation!
Thank you! That's quite the compliment heh :)
Same
Thank you! your video was very helpful
I had a leaking drain valve. I started to order the replacement part from the manufacturer, but they were expensive. I figured out the local hardware store sells generic ones for just a few dollars. It saved me some money.
Thank you for your suggestions .
Thank you for your help, I appreciate it.
Thanks for sharing. Need a new tank.
Exactly what I needed, thank you!
Just found and love these videos. Setting the heater on an aluminum drain pan (HD, Lowes etc.) and connected to a floor drain will contain any leak until replacement . Also a bad idea to have these sit directly on concrete as corrosion can occur from the contact. Definitely have an expansion tank on the cold water side as that absorbs pressure from heat buildup with faucets off reducing the expansion inside the tank. Maybe do a quick hardness test of your water - hard water reduces WH life. Also, should drain a little water (5 gallons or so) from tank drain valve every few months to flush out sediment- always do this after municipality flushes your street main (once or twice a year). You would be surprised how much crap flows in to the low spot ! Lot of yes/no opinions on a full drain once a year. I'd rather do small drains under pressure and it works for me.
clear, concise communication :-) Very straight forward. THANK YOU!! This quick, informative video really helped us! Keep up the excellent work!
Just the front valve here! Woot! Thanks my dude
Great! Thank you for commenting!
Mine just started leaking hope I'm lucky its five years old.
Thank you this video was so helpful - everything else is dry but my insulation is wet inside the tank in my 20+ yr old water heater - glad I have an emergency fund. At least I know what is going on.
Best video of the many I viewed.
Thank you! :)
Thanks for allowing me to confirm what was wrong so I can make sure the plumber arrives with a replacement unit ready to go.
Great video buddy thanks for the tips very helpful as always 👍👍
Thanks this video helped greatly
Great video bro. Thank you!
Great information brother! Turns out none of those spots were wet. Looks like I'm getting a new eater heater ahhhh!!
Also great music selection in the video! Love Allan Walker, was jamming out to him earlier in the day before watching your video🤙❤☮️
On mine, the top pipe connections aren't wet, the pressure valve tube is dry, the drain spigot is dry. I had put a container order each to check if it was leaking too and the container was dry but floor wet again. I took off the panel and the insulation is dry but the ring at the bottom is damp. I guess the tank is leaking on the back side where I can't touch the insulation and running down to that ring and then the floor? I guess I need to replace it? How much of a priority do I need to make the replacement? Will it all of a sudden leak really bad and flood my basement? I definitely don't want that but don't want to replace it now if it can wait awhile and I just clean up the dampness every couple days. Thanks for a reply.
Good to know. Great video. Straight to the point.
Quick tip to those who shut their water off when away for long periods of time . Make sure you also turn down your water heater .Some areas do not require an expansion tank and heating water which would typically expand back into the main during normal operation now has nowhere to go and will cause premature damage to your tank.
Thank You so Much for your words of wisdom :)
Excellent Job
nicely explained good sense 👍👍👍
Thank you my friend
Thank you for this. I am so glad for RUclips and the help I have found there from good hearted people like you. I set my water heater to “Vacation” when I went out of town to help a family member for two weeks. Came home to find water on the floor from a slow leak. Unfortunately, using your excellent instruction I found water pooled at both pipe connections on top with lots of corrosion that has probably been there for a long time. The insulation at the bottom of the tank is also very wet. It is Sunday 🙁. I would love to take a shower but I am not sure if that would make the leak more severe. What is the average life of a water heater? This one is about 16 years old. Time to call the plumber.
Beware of information from RUclips constitutes whose main objective is money… there’s quite a bit of misinformation!
I had a scenario where my tank pan has a drain hole right below the tank. My tank is in a closet shared with the furnace and A/C. The A/C condenser line was connected to the water tank drain hole and when the A/C drained it has a small pump that was pushing water back up into the water heater pan. Which led me to believe my tank was leaking... lesson learned after replacing the tank and then seeing water come up while I was installing the new tank.
Thanks, much needed.
Great video, my inner tank ruptured and leaked on Christmas Eve, perfect timing and thank god because Lowes was still open and I could go buy a new one and all the parts to install a new one.
How long did your old one last?
Steve redman it was the original tank I believe in the house. House was built in 2004 and I’m the third owner of the house. Was a 55 gallon tank, but my garage did flood twice from Hurricane Matthew and Florence. I think that could have contributed to it failing early. So your original question would be 15 years old.
@@mkrisch1986Mine is a 2004 and it also just failed same brand & same size
Me Name wow what’s the chances. 15 years isn’t bad at all for a hot water tank.
Great video, thanks
Very helpful
Replace the Anode Rod regularly. Have a well & replaced tank every 6-7 years, started replacing Anode Rod every 5 years, tank is now 20 years old!
Good video thanks 👍😊
Hi, any idea on what to expect in labor cost to have the water heater replaced? I had purchased on from Sears which had manufacturer warranty on it. It just started to leak from the bottom. They are saying that they will replace it as part of warranty but I'll be responsible for the labor cost. I'm just trying to have some what of an idea. I live in Illinois.
As suggested, checked pressure relief valve/pipe and the faucet - both dry. Problem was a leaking copper joint on the cold water supply line (panic-stricken caused me to miss the puddle on top of the heater - dooh). Used a role of "FiberFix" from Lowes ($7.00). No more leaks. Thanks - great video... :-)
Hah, that's awesome! Glad to hear you were able to get it fixed quickly! Thanks for sharing that! I'm sure eventually someone with a similar problem will love you for writing that ;) I also just looked up "FiberFix". Wow, that is some amazing stuff!! Ordered it. :D
Sir,
We have AO Smith dve 3000 water heater almost 35 years old its leaking now and its insulation also wet so Should I go for replacement or its repairable
I had just pinch of clear water on botton water heater, all those points to look at you suggested are dry, I took cover off and bottom of inner pan is dry along with insulation is dry...could it be condensation from water line above it? Tia
Excellent thanks 🙏
Thanks great quick check video.
Perfect explanation. Now to go get dirty.
We had a freeze last night. I woke up this morning and found ice on the hot water heater. After monitoring it for over 10 hours later, I noticed about 3 little drops of water in the pan I placed on top of the hot water heater to monitor one of the connection joints. I've called numerous specialists, but no one can come out because they are swamped with work and because it's Christmas. I don't know what to do. I don't know how to shut it off if I had to. This is my 1st winter in my house. The hot water heater is close to 9 years old. I kind of think a pipe didn't burst because it warmed up a little today, and I really didn't see a lot of leaking water. What should I do? Thanks in advance.
Awesome brother
My cold water valve was leaking 2 days ago so I replaced it and had lots of water pour down onto tank. Since then it has a leak from the bottom which is clear room temp water. Can it be all that water escaping since it's not hot and not rusty
Great video
I have a 2009 Rheem (I think the first) Heat Pump water heater and I noticed the water intake connection at the bottom is terribly rusted. I didn't notice before but when my water softener died a year ago, it spewed salty water everywhere and I guess this tank's pan held it for awhile hence the corrosion. I was told I'd have to get an entire new unit installed to a hefty price b/c no one will touch that cold water nipple. They said it could disintegrate and ruin the heater. Do you think I should try to replace it myself. Worse case is having to get a new unit put in....
Ah.. Sounds like a troublesome situation. To be honest, I am not sure what to suggest. If you try to replace it yourself and things don't go as planned, things could get ugly real quick. I don't know.. Unfortunately I don't have any good advice for this problem, you will have to make that call yourself.
Thx for the video, I was ready to see if mine could be fixed but my insulation is wet hah.
Hello, I have a gas Bradford White water heather. It is one month old, It have been working fine from installation. Now is not heating well, the pilot is on but looks like the burner does not come on,, what can I do?.. Thanks
Hi. My electric heater stopped giving hot water. WHen I opened the upper panel and measured the voltage, my meter showed only 80V. In addition, there is water on floor and the insulation itself was dripping water. Is this heater likely totally done? I tried to measure the voltage directly on the terminals for the upper element instead sticking inside of the lugs on the top of the unit (I didn't pick up any voltage when i tried to do that). Thanks for any additional tips.
From what you described, that does sound like a leaking inner tank so the whole heater would need to be replaced. Aside from that, there must be something else going on too since electric water heaters run on 240v. 80v is very low. The power is being interrupted somewhere.
Just noticed a wet spot on the floor - not very large considering it is cement. Drip seemed to be coming from the edge of a recessed area in the bottom - location was near pilot light but could have originated anywhere. It covered the bottom of a pop corn bucket quickly, but 2 hours later it's not even 1 cm deep.
We're a week into a 92+ heat wave. IDK exactly, but I'd guess the heater has 10+ years of 130+ degree summers until i placed a ceiling fan last year. Now it's
Very good
a wet bottom where ithe insulation could also be leaking from where the thermostat goes in . Also what if it is leaking from the top? How do we fix? Thanks
i,m going to watch his videos,i like them
Thanks!
Thank you. Very informative.
Good video
I have a basin where my water heater sits and I keep on draining it because it s catching all the water coming out of the tank . But u don’t know where it’s coming from . There used to be a loud noise like a bubbling water that come in and out . Is the tank repairable or needs replacement .
Missed a few things. But definitely basics are covered
Thanks
Ok so I need a water heater….. thanks for the info
Hi
I checked my water heater as per yours instructions inner side too there’s no leakage but still water in bottom so how I can find out leakage .
Woo-hoo!! It's my drain valve and I'm SAAAFE!
Glad to hear that! Thanks for leaving a comment!
Me too! Screwdriver did the trick
What's a good brand water heater to purchase. I had a AO Smith which lasted 5 yrs sigh 😕
Got an electric tank water heater about 27 years old that has been in use for the past 20 years. I saw the rust and felt the moisture running down from the heating element. Thinking of removing the element, grinding the rust around the element port and replacing the element seal as well as the element. It is the universal flange type element with the four bolt holds around it. Will that stop the leak?
As long as this is not a Rheem Marathon water heater, that should do the trick :) (those have plastic threads and if they leak, that's game over. You can try layering on teflon tape as a last resort) Most elements will come with a new seal but there are some that don't. Good luck and stay safe!
thanks alot
27 years old? throw that pos out
thanks
So when a water tank starts leaking (like this one), you won't find a basement with 6 inches high of water, it's more like a slow leak? I go to my basement every day and have had concerns about the age of my water heater and worrying about it catastrophally failing. Is this likely?
Hi my water heater is old leaking some water on the bottom, not much but clearly there is water the plumber can't come till.tue and today is friday is that ok as I said very small bit of water
Can you still light the pilot if it is leaking inside the tank?
Hi, really need your help about our water heater! Our water heater was installed new last Summer in August, until Christmas Day, our water heater shut off suddenly and we tried to turn it back on, not working until our builder send someone to light it up again. Later we found out there are a lot of water under the tank, we don’t know where it’s leaking water, but since then, our gas bill doubled even we are out for vacation has not using any gas at all, the gas company and the plumber came to check and found nothing, the plumber just tell us it has no problem with leaking, because it’s not leaking now. He can’t find any problems
Tanks
Would turning off the electricity to the hot water heater stop the water heater from leaking?
Yes I think my inner tank is leaking. How long can I go without changing it...I was told it’ll be almost $12000 for a new one including the furnace apparently I also have change both...I honestly don’t have the budget for it but I’m afraid it might explode? So how long can I wait before changing it out for a complete new system?
$12,000 is pretty hefty.. I would get a few more estimates from other companies. If your inner tank is leaking, usually it leaks from the welded bottom side of the tank where the burner section is. The tank will not explode. The worst that can happen is it will "bottom out". It's rare but if it happens (especially if you are not home) that would be a bad day. That just means that the bottom of the tank drops down and then you have a very big leak plus the city water pressure is constantly adding more water. I have seen people have a leaking inner tank and leave it like that for up to 2 years. If it's not a big leak then it's highly unlikely that it will bottom out. I hope that helps!
Thank you for asking this and for his response too.
Mine is leaking from the bottom seems like it’s a lot I can see the water poring down on the bottom of the burner! Any advice? Thanks in advance
I have rusty water in the tray but none of the spots you mentioned are wet. Is it still possible nothing is wrong?
If there is no fresh water, I wouldn't worry about it :) Just check up on it once in a while.
What if it's leaking from the tpr pipe? I have yet to find a video with a solution to that...it's a ton of videos on Valve. Ugh
That just means you have a slow leak coming from your pressure relief valve. The pipe is just there to direct the water downwards. Usually you can take that pipe off with just a wrench. To stop the leak, you need to replace that pressure relief valve. You can also try opening and closing the valve a bunch of times to see if that will ultimately seal better. Usually I end up replacing the valve though. It's not very expensive and is pretty easy to replace.
What if its leaking cold water from near the door thing you took off. It's not really pouring out but also not just a few drips?
What is on top of that door thing? That component may be leaking, otherwise it's the inner tank that is starting to leak..
Thank you for making this video. Very informative. 👍. However, my water heater still lets water out after shutting off the supply line. ☹️ (Pretty sure tank is rusted) Had to shut off main line for now. Someone Please HELP!
My valve is leaking but also dripping from the bottom of the water heater behind the apron that goes around the bottom. Rheem sent me a brass valve but I can’t figure out why it’s …also… dripping at the bottom behind the apron. No drops on top or sides that’s visible. Water heater is only four years old. Any ideas on that 2nd drip? Thanks, great video BTW!
There is a small tray under my water heater, it is a smaller heater, and it has pipes leading to a drain but lately we can hear the water going through the pipes more
I'm not getting any warm water. I checked the water heater and there was water all over the bottom. Can a leak be the issue with the water no longer getting warm or hot?
Great video what if it's leaking from the bottom, all those areas including the insulation are dry?
If you cannot find where the leak is coming from, most of the time that would be the inner tank. The insulation is often wet when the inner tank is leaking towards the front of the heater but if the leak is in the back, then the insulation will be wet in the back where you can't get to. Also, are you sure it is the water heater that is leaking? I have seen a water softner leaking before and the water from it went under the water heater. So it looked like the water heater was leaking but really the water was coming from the softner.
@@WordofAdviceTV what’s the softner?
FYI if you have a plastic drain valve like a lot of Rheem water heaters they are notorious for leaking at the threads. Swapping it out with a brass valve could fix the problem.
At 1:15
That's where mine just started leaking from with one of those water pipes. So it's probably that inner tank? I'll check if my warranty is still good.
Can you tell if one of the pipe fittings is leaking or is the water bubbling up from the water heater? If it's leaking at one of the pipe fittings, then the fitting can be re-soldered/tightened. But if the water is coming up from the top of the tank then it's time for a new water heater.
@@WordofAdviceTV
I tried tightening the cold water pipe but it seemed tight enough. There's no reason for it to be lose since no one has messed with it. I took a closer look and It does look like the water is leaking from the hole at the top of the tank. What do you think causes the water to leak out from the top?
@@CrowdPleeza Most likely the inner tank is cracked near the top. It's possible that it's cracked at the threads where the pipe screws in. Unfortunately there's no fix for that..