What do I do when my water heater is leaking?

Water heaters will typically leak from one of two places. Depending on where yours is leaking, you may or may not need a new water heater. If your heater is leaking from its T&P valve (a.k.a. Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve), you might not need a new heater. If it is leaking from the tank, then the time has come for you to get a new heater.
Video created with the KZbin Video Editor ( / editor )

[@FaithisKey792]

Very helpful. All the necessary things to look into. I woke up to an inner hot water tank leak. Crazy, I’m going tankless. Asap.

[@chearese]

Thank you so much for this help. I just had the 1st valve leaking very hot water and I was very concerned on what to do. Bless you for your help.

[@artvandeleah9952]

thank you! great video. she is as savy as I am with a water heater! had the same questions she did!!!

[@sundberg39]

Great explanation. Thank you for taking the time to explain

[@ericmudd4941]

||6p

[@melissadotson8533]

Very helpful thank you , you answered my questions, thanks

[@WTHNOV29]

Thanks dude Either way I’ve got a problem. Water pan overflowed first time ever.

[@Auraborialus]

he knows what he's talking about, just a bit bad at articulating it. all in all i learned something thanks.

[@kimbly411]

Yeah. He corrected later in the convo.

[@HelpMeHelpPDX]

thank you this video was super helpful today

[@inspiredtorhyme]

Ok so all of my water in my tank released out of the thermal expansion valve just last night. It was gushing all the hot water from the thermal expansion valve right onto the floor. Is my water tank damaged now and do I need to shut it off so it doesn't explode?

[@catrinaskinny3182]

Excellent Video!! Calling the plumber.....

[@matthewlysakowski4500]

Thanks enjoyed the video and informative.

[@akilla214u2c]

excellent video, I'm having this exact problem now. Where my pressure relief pipe leaked so much water, my basement floor and some of my carpet it damp. I'm not sure if the problem is the valve or some other major leak. Just submitted a request in Manassas, VA for support.

[@HomeServiceDoctors]

+akilla214u2c Were we able to solve the problem for you?

[@lylesnodgrass1961]

It's a good video. It could be better. I suggest scripting and practicing the video before shooting it. I suggest reshooting the parts that didn't go right and repairing it in post production. My water heater is leaking from the top, and it's so close to the wall that my plumbers wrench can hardly move. I'll call a plumber.

[@michaelweaver1575]

thanks for the video just saved alot of my shit from water damage

[@48sufi]

Would it also help to turn the heater off after we shut the water down?

[@Matowix]

our valve that is attached to the copper pipe that comes out of the top of the cylinder is hissing all the time and leaking some hot water through the valve all the time just a bit and it's hot on the other side of the valve where the pipe goes to the outside of the house to overflow is it normal is it a pressure relief valve and would the valve defiantly be the problem. thanks

[@squirrelattackspidy]

My water heater looks just like that one, but it's leaking and covered in rust. I wonder if there's a video of my model on KZbin?

[@neilwilliams8608]

Mine is a 40 gal. gas water heater that is about10 years old. There is a few very small rust streaks at the top. Is this something to be concerned about? Awesome video. Thanks a lot.

[@annalexander8752]

Sounds like my situation now. Water leaking from the valve running down the tank. I might have to change the valve.

[@SandraWade666]

Rust colored water from the top likely means your sacrificial anode needs replacing

[@Vizco]

Be notified of leaks and avoid potential water damage by adding a water heater alarm.

[@louiseroman1145]

excellent tip! I didn't know about these alarms.

[@gerardinecizmar]

My 6 yr old water heater is leaking from the seam where the lid of the tank connects with the tank. I have a plumber coming tomorrow to replace it because supposedly, it's run its course. A leak from that area wasn't included in the video. I hope the plumber I'm using isn't screwing me over if there was a fix for this.BTW, what's with water heaters dying so soon? They used to last decades.

[@barbarazylema3584]

Manufacturer's need to sell their product. If it lasts forever no one would need them and people would not have jobs.

[@gerardinecizmar]

@@barbarazylema3584 That makes no sense. No one said forever. Just a decent amount of time.

[@USCG.Brennan]

@@gerardinecizmar It only makes "sense" to the company who builds them......you and I evidently don't count.

[@phogol]

10 years is the new staple with modern appliances with a caveat. When they say 10 years they mean with service. So realistically they mean 5 years, then a repair somewhere in the next 5 years, then after 10 you should consider replacement due to engineered obsolesce. I do appliance repair and about half my calls end up with replacement unless it is high end equipment.

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

@@phogol My water heater is 22 years old ✔

[@darealblair3262]

Contrary to what he saying I have a drip coming out of that brass pipe at the bottom and it's cold and not hot. What is the problem when it's cold? And I have had less hot water in my shower lately.

[@leosegrue7768]

pilot cutting out maybe once a week , visible water leaking when main is initially lit then stops,f lame picture is good on pilot and burner ,old model state sensible any idea,s or suggestions , regards Leo in uk

[@joebell3220]

inner cylinder leak, thanks for the helpful tip. Turned the electric switch off.

[@LGAussie]

What happens if u just turn the water supply valve off but not the electric?

[@johnparedes5065]

I Have drip down the Cooper overflow from the top. What's the remedy to control the pressure to stop the leak?

[@alex140666]

one of the sides of "Trageser copper Works Inc" gas water heater is very hot to the touch the other side is cool. could this mean that there might be a leak on the inside tank? what else could be wrong? how can i check for the leak?

[@sleeptalken]

Thank you.

[@HomeServiceDoctors]

+Will Christian You're welcome! Glad we could help.

[@ana89leigh]

I have a leaky hot water heater it's pretty bad I've had anxiety for the last several days about it but it's getting worse and the owner of our home won't be fixing it for a couple more days .will it be okay if I shut off the gas valve but leave the water on? I looked on top and there was no spicket or anything to turn off the water and I'm not quite sure where the main source of water is for my mobile home. Thank you in advance

[@clupz0573]

What happened

[@kevemo]

this guy is an expert?

[@boyofGod81]

thanks from ca

[@HomeServiceDoctors]

You're welcome... from VA. :-)

[@Elwoodyoo]

So I recognize that you have covered the question on the pipe leaking water...my question again I guess and apologize for the repetitive question, should I be concerned of it leaking? When do I do something about it? Can I release pressure by turning the nozzle on the pressure pipe? I hate to call in a plumber and be charged an arm and leg if I can do a quick fix. Thanks

[@Matowix]

Elwoodyoo mind leaks a but continually and I was wondering the same thing I don't want to get ripped off by a plumber they charge like bulls

[@NikiSchroederMcIntire]

I'm using clear silconeand can't fix it for four days help

[@leliaedwards7539]

I replaced both thermostats on my electric water heater it is wet around the cover of the thermostat is this normal

[@jtcintl4373]

To fix high pressure: is it sufficient to slightly close/tighten supply valve and/or reduce heat of water in tank????

[@PROSDIY]

Hi JTC Intl, Closing the supply valve slightly will only reduce volume and not pressure. Reducing the heat won't effect water pressure as well because it is an open system. The only way to properly reduce or control water pressure is a pressure reducing valve. Hope this helps out. Take care!

[@dnawrapsatl]

Mine is leaking at the top on the cold side . Looks like an outdoor faucet with a blue handle. Can i just shut it off further down the cold pipe and replace the seal at the top?

[@SandraWade666]

Is it rust colored? If so, you may need to replace the sacrificial anode.

[@kitgames1174]

My unit has two shut off gate valves, one for cold and one for hot. But the cold shut off valve is broken, when I turn it clockwise it just keeps turning. I turned off the water heater breakers and I've turned on a hot water faucet to drain the water heater of hot water which should relieve any pressure build up, right? I'm guessing there is no point to just shutting off the hot water shut off valve, or is there?

[@superjbailey1]

Kit Games You have 2 valves. 1 cold and 1 hot. The cold water side is from the water coming into the house. The hot water side goes to the kitchen and the bathroom. If the cold water valve will not shut off, the valve is defective and needs to be replaced as soon as possible. The main shut off to your house needs to be shut off and the water drained. You never know when you might need to shut off the water in the future.

[@thedefinitive6296]

It's time to replace our heater but we dont have the means to get it replaced. I'm thinking of just turning the water supply off for the night and turning it back on in the morning for showers. Do I have to turn the gas off as well or is it ok to leave it on overnight as the water leaks out into buckets?

[@PalpatineExOrder66]

Well I raised the temp on my water heater a few days ago and today I went to the garage and I could hear water hitting the heating element. It's a gas water heater. In this case what Should I do? I turned it back down but not sure if it's still doing it.

[@HomeServiceDoctors]

+John Wick Hard to make those kind of calls without seeing the heater, but if you're at all concerned please give our office a call at [phone]. We'd be more than happy to take a look at it!

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

@@HomeServiceDoctors Yeah, naturally 🖓

[@virgenfigueroa6864]

What about just turning the water off without the gas??? Is it dangerous? I just did that...the water on the floor wasn't hot... but will puddle in matter of 30 min .. i did turn off the main water bc wouldn't stop just turning the faucet on top of the gas water heater... but i didn't turn off the gas now am scared :( it did stop the leaking

[@DragonGateDesign]

My water heater is on the lowest setting but still the relief valve still opens

[@johachurchill5811]

please I have a question is even I turn the power off from the main breaker and I check the water if it's colder the water still hot can you tell me from what the problem is and thank you in advance

[@MrTachyon3000]

+joha churchill All water heaters have insulation to maintain the water hot. Even if you shut off your appliance, it will take several hours for the water to cool down; maybe a whole day depending on the ambient temperature.

[@faffaflunkie]

Just put a METAL oil pan under the overflow pipe and call it a Day. If there REALLY is an overpressure problem in your tank- You will know it by the Mess you will find in your Basement.

[@MrAstephen]

Very good video. In my case a lot of hot water started running very fast in my back yard. It came thru the water dripper pipe attached to the Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve. Inside of the garage, were the water heater is installed, there's no sign of licking. The water heater and the floor are dry. I turned off the 2 valves and shut off the power. Any advice? Thanks. PS: You talk about "too much pressure in your house" How can I check and control it?

[@mickblock]

Mine started leaking from the drain valve at the bottom. The cheesy plastic drain valve cracked, I messed with it and it just completely came off. I shut off the water and the gas supply, and just went to sleep.

[@RapIsDeadly]

+Michael Block That's what I'd like to do...stop the leak and forget about it. ZZZZZzzzzz Hopefully when I wake up it was just a bad dream....NOT.

[@mickblock]

***** lol this was late after work. I fixed it properly with a new valve the next opportunity I had!

[@RapIsDeadly]

Michael Block I had the same problem at 10:00 pm on a Friday night. I went out to the garage to smoke a cig and saw water gushing out of the valve. I was like "aw shit." Turned the water off...turned the gas off...drained the tank....but the valve to the hot water heater didn't stop ALL the water from coming into the tank. I just turned the water to the house off. I called the Whrilpool warranty number and the guy said he's send me the part. I said I need it fixed NOW....I can't wait 3 days w/o any hot water. He gave me a number of a local guy and thank God that guy HAD the part I needed. Parts and labor covered 100% but I was w/o water for 36 hours. What a nightmare. When I saw your comment about just going to sleep I was thinking that's what I'd like to do and hope this was just a bad dream.

[@LokiZG]

some water in pan under electric water heater ,normal?

[@veroandariega]

Please, tell us what to do immediately, then give us the explanation of how everything works.

[@kenmcrae8591]

My hot water tank is leaking from the top, where the cold water line connects to the tank.

[@pdbailey2003]

righty tighty.... lefty loosey

[@steventodd3240]

Please turn up your volume.

[@30907bng]

I woke up this morning and mine was shooting water from the bottom.

[@cosmowarriorzero3530]

So what if I just found a couple puddles leading from the base of the tank? I have a Lochinvar tank

[@RedArrow73]

0:18 Don't say, "this", say the name of the component.

[@rogerrodriguez1099]

How can I turn it on if I'm missing the knob

[@edwardhernandez6668]

Woof that's the least of your worries

[@LubaLuba1]

My water heater is leaking out of pressure relief valve pipe so I think I need to replace the valve would you know what the pressure should be in the tank?? Only 7 years old.

[@HomeServiceDoctors]

+Danny Diet It's hard to say without actually seeing it, but we'd be more than happy to take a look at it for you, please give our office a call at [phone] so we can get you set up.

[@LubaLuba1]

Plumberologist I am in NY but changing relief valve worked temp was close to 130 I reduce to 120 no leaks. TY again

[@SFBay69]

Dont like rheems as well as BW

[@kathrynthekatness6312]

The snowman

[@ricardocedillo1681]

could bearly hear it

[@omniomega1]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@GhostRooter661]

Did he say lefty tighty?

[@ernestjohnson1479]

😂😂😜😜😂😂

[@QINNIYQ]

Lefty Loosy Righty Tighty, got that but is righty tighty on or off???

[@MrTachyon3000]

+QINNIYQ You can forget about lefty loosy righty righty on some of the new water heater components such as some thermocouples that are reverse thread.

[@xtinacortez9553]

Why when I shut it off because of water on floor by it, it stopped leaking? What does this mean please?

[@MrTachyon3000]

+xtina cortez Since I see no answer from him I'll take a guess. Maybe your water leak was out of the top on the hose or pipe going into the tank. You shut off your water line valve and soon the water leak stopped.

[@-slurmdaddy-8147]

Your heater stopped leaking because you had it off. There was no pressure build up from it being on. There for, it wasn’table to force itself to leak out of the tank. But had you left it on and run a fixture on hot, you would see the water leaking from the busted tank. Just pressure related. Sorry your tank crapped out, how’s the new one been? Lol

[@locchau405]

2:52 - did he really say “lefty tighty”?

[@jona5517]

Okay

[@XLast1LeftX]

He said lefty tighty.???

[@VanScheurich-hb4td]

He had to borrow the shirt on top of it.

[@Lstead15]

I peeped that too....LOL

[@donaldschmitz3706]

You you need flow checks

[@amaillet100]

Could another problem be, that some nasty person screwed with the Water Heater Setting?

[@williewilson7767]

my water heater is not leaking I want to turn it off so I can fog the house for insects

[@ottobauch2179]

2:50 "Lefty tighty" all credibility has been lost

[@louiseroman1145]

Ha! But he did correct it later in the video.

[@MrTachyon3000]

LEAKING WATER. Let's remember it can also leak gas.

[@hpygolkyone]

KZbin has a 10 "OKAY" limit. Exceeding saying "OKAY" more than 10 times causes my head to explode!

[@hankg6955]

Mansplained the fuck outta this to her

[@hectorcalderon3011]

Ok ok ok

[@zachzaffis979]

That isn't a thermal expansion valve. That's a T&P valve or Temperature and pressure valve. A thermal expansion valve or TXV/TEV/or TX. There is a HUGE difference. A TXV will use a probe to expand the valve, and is used mainly in refrigeration to control your superheating. There's a wild difference. Oxygen causes metal to rust, Lefty loose, righty tight unless a right thread threading. there's so much bad information here its a wonder you kept the video up... It's a good idea, but rehearse it a bit, and get the facts straight. How many people have wondered off to a big box store to get a thermal expansion valve for their water heater now?

[@Deejay_kNiGhT23_]

What happens if an ignorant guy from the gas company came over and messed up my heater this idiot came over and he messed up some tube and the water was coming out of the tube and now the heater dot wet and it doesn't want to turn on I don't see no flames coming under the heater should I report the idiot guy to the gas company?

[@boilermaker1069]

Change channel Caiden is amazing channel😜😍😍😍😍😍

[@TheJestor62]

do you think he's gonna do her now?

[@SandraWade666]

Are you a child?

[@cydoniaquest]

Here's how it's done....Go here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6HXfK2Qot2GrsU

[@itsmeanthony9704]

My main shut off is next to my water heater, so I’m fucked two ways from Sunday.

[@anthonynardella8907]

did he even mention a leak other than a pressure relief valve? I thought he was going to cover more. I guess I need to watch someone else's video to find out. Shhsh

[@fiddlefaddle1]

Anthony Nardella , another place is the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.

[@scotthosler7242]

This is not terrible, but it took 5:35 to only talk about two leak locations. What about pipe joints, drain valve, ball valve, etc. Great format idea, talking to and educating a customer, but work on the delivery and consider these other locations.

[@6955beniegn]

yeah, i agree, i woke up to water leak and it was coming from a pipe fitting, where the water goes into the water heater tank, on the top of the water heater. I'm sure this a very common area where a leak could occur, because over the years the connection can loosen and thus cause a leak.

[@mayberrysranch5156]

🤦🏿

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

Except for his comment on 210 degree water, he is correct. If the safety has kicked the valve open, there is generally a bigger issue that needs to be addressed, and should be checked by a licensed plumber. People like to complain about how much a plumber charges but like to ignore the fact that by getting the problem handled correctly, they are reducing the damage to all their other fixtures in the case of excessive pressure, and in almost all cases the water damage and mold that will form with an extended hot water leak. If you find that a plumber costs you a fortune, it is probably because you tried to fix it yourself first and really messed things up.

[@thinkonthesethings...2377]

Snooze. Daaaaaaaaa.

[@benbrown8835]

I feel like they" got it on" soon as the camera shut off

[@jesusanuchir8322]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@irondickey]

Talk slower

[@cydoniaquest]

This info is less than useless. It's dangerous, because he doesn't explain what valve he's turning off. Is that a water valve? Is that an incoming gas line? How hard would it be to explain this? That's the incoming cold water valve. That's NOT the first thing you need to turn off!!!!!! You FIRST need to turn off the gas or electricity to your water heater. That's a little valve over the thermostat on the bottom near his feat....Turn that gas off or turn the electrical power off in the case of an electric water heater at the circuit breaker box.....You don't want to kill the cooling water supply before you turn off the heat, right? Seriously....less than worthless communication here. A. Turn off the gas or power..(valve located on the bottom on top of the thermostat box)... B. Turn off the cold water supply. The valve he shows with the red handle...Sometimes a handle...Sometimes a circular wheel that you rotate. C. To drain the tank, attach a garden hose to the spigot at the bottom, and open up a hot water faucet valve at the house kitchen sink to let in the air into the line so there won't be a vacuum and it will drain... Now how hard was that?....I knew absolutely nothing about water heaters. That's why I came to this website....but look how much I learned more than the expert here in five minutes? It's ridiculous. ..

[@-slurmdaddy-8147]

No. I just came across old heater that was popped and leaking onto his basement. I proved to him it was indeed leaking internally by leaving heater on and having him run fixture to build pressure in the tank and watch as the leak from the shell. Otherwise without the pressure there was no saying If it was coming from his furnace or ac coil etc. Diagnosing you don’t turn off gas right away in all cases. Change outs yes, always