Hot Water Heater Leaking From Bottom Rust

A leak in the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater is another common issue.

Hot water heater leaking from bottom rust.

If your hot water heater is in a basement you may be seeing rust that is originating from outside the unit. Call a licensed plumber for help. Drain the water out of the water heater tank by opening the valve at the bottom of the tank near the floor. Sediment is brought into your tank with the incoming water and it s also made up of rust and other destructive remnants from within your tank.

The rusting process can be slowed by regularly draining and. However if the problem happens to be from the temperature and pressure valve you will have to invite a plumber. Over time sediment can settle in the bottom of a hot water heater eventually leading to rust that eats through the bottom of the tank. It could be flakes of rust or pieces of your anode rod.

Drain pan or floor for signs of rust or water staining. The first places to check if it appears that you have a leak from the bottom of your water heater are the drain valve and temperature pressure relief valve t p valve. As discussed above when sediment builds up in the bottom of a water tank for years and years it will eventually corrode through the bottom of the tank and begin to leak. Shut off the water supply to the water heater also shut off the electrical power if you have an electric water heater.

In case there s water on the floor then the problem is probably from the t p relief valve. Press the red. If you find your water heater leaking from the bottom check your discharge tube carefully to find leaks. Basically it is anything that settles on the bottom of your water heater.

Damp basements promote rust growth and if your hot water heater has been exposed to. Attach one end of a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of your tank and stick the other end in a safe place to. Turn off the power or your gas supply to your hot water heater in addition to closing the inlet valve on the top of your. Check the water heater for signs of leaking or corrosion.

Once the tank is empty shut the drain valve and. If age and deterioration is the cause of your leak you will need to call a professional plumber to replace your water heater. The leak may actually be at the top of the water heater and simply running down through the body of the heater before escaping at a lower level. Turn the wrench counter clockwise until it turns easily.

This drain valve can be capped with a hose cap or you can replace the drain valve completely with a new valve.