Water Heater Leaking from Bottom: Repair or Replace?
Water Heaters
Discovering water pooling around the base of your water heater is alarming. Before you panic and buy a new unit, you need to determine the source of the leak. Some leaks are simple fixes; others are fatal for the unit.
Scenario A: The Drain Valve (Fixable)
Check the plastic or brass spigot at the bottom of the tank (where you attach a hose). If water is dripping from the spout, the washer inside might be worn out. You can often cap this valve or replace it entirely without replacing the whole heater.
Scenario B: The T&P Valve (Fixable)
Look for the Temperature and Pressure (T&P) relief valve on the side of the tank. If water is dripping from the discharge pipe connected to it, the valve might be faulty or doing its job releasing excess pressure. This is a replaceable part.
Scenario C: The Tank Itself (Fatal)
If the water appears to be seeping out from underneath the metal casing or the seams, the internal glass-lined steel tank has likely cracked due to corrosion. There is no patch for this.
Verdict: If the tank itself is leaking, you must replace the water heater immediately. A small crack can turn into a catastrophic flood very quickly.