What To Do if Your Water Heater Is Leaking From the Bottom

Blakeland, Colorado, may be known for its rich soil and vast ranches, but for half the year, temperatures dip below freezing here, which makes staying outside to cultivate the land difficult. From October to March, the average lows range from 15 to 32 degrees in Blakeland, make staying in a far more inviting proposition. Still, you won’t have much indoor comfort if you notice pooling and wonder what to do if your water heater is leaking from the bottom. 

At Parker Heating & Air, we understand your water heater plays a central role in helping you and your family brave the cold here. Contact our trusted plumber in Blakeland, CO, for over 22 years of experience, or read on as our experts explain water heater leaks and what to do.

Why Is a Water Heater Necessary?

Aside from grabbing a blanket and sipping on some hot tea, one of the best ways to stay warm and relaxed during the winter is to take a hot bath or shower. If you turn the knob only to find the water won’t heat up after a few seconds, you feel even colder, not to mention frustrated. You’ll also need warm water running through:

• Sink faucets to brush your teeth and wash your hands comfortably 
• Washing machines to remove certain stains and grease spots
• Dishwashers to kill bacteria and make soap solutions more effective at cleaning
• Hydronic heating systems (like water-powered furnaces or heat pump water heaters) to heat indoor air

What Happens If Your Water Heater Leaks?

Wondering what to do if your water heater is leaking from the bottom? What are the biggest signs of a problem to note before the leak gets to this point?

Firstly, you’ll have less hot water at your disposal because your system will have to fill to a certain water level, and a leak forces it to constantly take in new, cold water. When you turn on your faucet or water appliance, that cold water comes through, not having had a chance to warm up yet. 

Similarly, a leak means you’ll notice lower water pressure since the water is leaking out elsewhere. Water damage in those areas around the leaks and higher water bills from constantly running water are also causes for concern. Knowing why water tank leakage happens might help.

Why Water Tanks Leak and How To Fix the Problem

If you have a new water tank that has started leaking from the base, blame it on improper installation. That’s common for a DIY project or an unprofessional job that does not properly seal all the connections. Loose pipe connections, misaligned or unsecured inlet or outlet lines, and tanks that don’t properly rest on mounting brackets can cause leakage.

If you’re wondering what to do if your water heater is leaking from the bottom, start by turning off the emergency shutoff valve. From there, turn off the power supply on the circuit breaker before checking for leaks and pooling. For severe leaks, drain the tank by running a hose from the drain valve to a bucket and troubleshoot the following potential issues:

Faulty Pressure Relief and Drain Valves 

Your water heater has a drain valve that allows you to flush out water from the tank occasionally, barring sediment from settling at the bottom of it. The tank also has a pressure relief valve, which releases built-up pressure and temperatures if they become dangerously high inside the tank. 

If either of these components becomes loose or broken, the sediments or pressure causes the tank to crack and leak. You should tighten or replace them.

Corrosion and Sediment Buildup

If you don’t use your drain valve regularly or it isn’t getting all the particles out properly, you may see corrosion or sediment buildup. Corrosion is common in steel tanks, which rust and weaken with age, leading to leaks. The tank also suffers under constant contact with chemicals and hot water. 

Corrosion breaks off bits of the tank wall and, alongside minerals from hard water, causes sediment buildup that rattles, forming various cracks and holes. A thorough flushing and some tank crack repairs might be enough to remedy your water heater.