How to Stop My Hot Water Heater From Leaking
- 1). Check and tighten all the cold and water pipe connections with an adjustable wrench.
- 2). Verify the TPRV valves, located on the top of your hot water tank and through the top right side of the tank are tight. These are connected to copper piping. These valves release pressure and release water. If the valves leak, lower your thermostat and open the TPRV valves with your adjustable wrench long enough to release a small amount of water. Turn on your hot water faucets for the release.
- 3). Verify if water leaks from the heating elements. Hot water tanks contain an upper heating element located at the top of the tank, and a lower heating element located towards the bottom of the tank. Turn off the power to the hot water heater before checking the elements for tightness. If you notice the heating elements have become loose, tighten them with your adjustable wrench.
- 4). Verify the threaded fittings on the inlet tube located at the top of the hot water tank do not leak. If they leak, remove the fittings and clean them with a wire brush. Wrap the fittings with plumber's tape and reinstall. If the inlet fittings contain damage, replace them with a copper flexible fitting hose.
- 5). Verify if water leaks through the hot water heater tank itself. You must replace the entire hot water heater tank.
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