Water Heater Tank Leaking From Top

However some models have these valves located on the very top of the machine.

Water heater tank leaking from top.

Many water heater tanks have their temperature and pressure relieve valve positioned on the side of the tank. Since water heater tanks are required to be elevated off the ground and are tall to begin with leaks in this location can be hard to notice right away. An expansion tank is a small tank that is typically located on or above the top of the water heater. If your hot water heater is designed like this then this could be a reason your water heater is leaking at the top.

This secondary safety device is designed to absorb excess hot water. A drip from above can easily leak down on top of the water heater and even work its way down the insulation and make it look like the leak is coming from the tank itself. Why is my hot water heater leaking from the top. By leaving the valve on a leak will be easier to find.

Cold water inlet valve. The first place to check is the plumbing pipes above the water heater. Not all water heaters have an expansion tank but if yours does it s function is similar to that of the t p relief valve. In this episode of repair and replace vance shows how to troubleshoot leaks in a gas or electric water heater.

On the other hand water runs downhill so failure to fix the leak can lead to more serious problems including electrical shorts additional damage to the water heater and the possibility of water damage such as ruined carpeting or drywall. Check the plumbing pipes above the water heater using a stepladder if necessary. First you ll want to turn the water back on and watch carefully for where the water is coming from. Another solution to solve the problem of your hot water tank leaking from top.

This will remove any air within the water heater tank eliminating any chance of damage to the heating elements. Once the power is off to the water heater locate the cold water inlet. A water heater leaking from the top is preferable to one from the bottom. Why is my water heater leaking.

Find the leak. Dry the top of the water heater where the cold water inlet enters the tank. The most common leaky areas at the top of a water heater include.