Water Heater leaking from top seam. Water heaters are among the most important components of a home. You’ve probably used it at least once in your life, whether it was to wash dishes, bathe, or cook.
Water heater leaks can be detected in two ways: first, by noticing cold air coming from the seams on top of the unit, or second, by noticing discoloration around the top fold.
Whatever the case may be, if you notice any type of leakage in your heating system, we will be able to estimate how much damage could have been prevented.
There can be a few problems caused by a leak at the top seam.
Water Heater leaking from top seam
Here’s a breakdown of the most common problems and their corresponding solutions. The cold water inlet valve is responsible for turning the water into the tank during either a hot or cold start-up.
If your cold water inlet valve is faulty, it could be due to corrosion around the handle or at the bottom part of the faucet.
Among the common problems with leaky water heaters are loose fittings, a loose T&P relief valve, and an expansion tank that is not fully closed.
Loose-Fitting
Pipe fittings should always be checked for leaks, whether there is bubbling at the inlet or outlet points or a leak coming from somewhere in between.
If this happens regularly, if coupling nuts are broken or need to be tightened every so often, that’s a sign that more needs to be done.
It could mean in cases of leakage, the tank itself needs to be repaired, while contamination most likely indicates serious damage and will require thorough cleaning.
Loose T&P Relief Valve
A pressure relief valve and a temperature control valve are usually located on the side of a tank.
They should be easy to find and should have visible heads on the sides while those on top can be more challenging to locate.
If there is leakage, inspect the threads near where the valve meets the tank to see if it is caused by the valve.
This will allow you to determine if these are your problem areas and if they are, you may need replacement T/P valves.
Expansion Tank Issue
An expansion tank is an optional expansion device installed by homeowners to store excess home hot water in case it’s needed later on.
In many homes, residents install these tanks above the main water heater and if you notice a leak anytime near the top of your unit.
Check whether or not your home has an expansion tank because if it does, one could assume that it may be leaking from something like a loose connection or possibly even the actual tank itself.
Water Inlet Valve Fault
You may find water on the top of your water heater if there is a leak in either the outlet or inlet pipe. Water leaks are usually caused by the cold water inlet pipe, so inspect this first.
If you notice any drips, turn off the supply valve using a gate valve or inlet valve.
If tightening these nuts doesn’t do it, but you have no evidence of damage to your valves, then you may have a bad ball–and-sleeve joint just replace them.
When your hot water system begins to leak from the top seam it is important to quickly fix the problem since this overflow can work its way down over time causing problems such as electrical short-circuiting.
FAQs
Why does my water heater leak at the top?
Leaks from gas water heaters from the top are typically caused by damaged temperature and pressure valves. You need to replace the T&P valve or check where the problem lies if you find water at the bottom of your tank.
What should I do if my hot water heater leaks?
It is recommended that you turn off the water supply to your hot water heater if its leaks. It should be possible to find a valve for this on the cold pipes leading into your water heater tank. Turn the valve clockwise as far as you can until you hear or feel it “click.”
Conclusion
If your water heater is leaking from the top seam, it is important to address the issue immediately. If a water heater continues to leak, it can cause some serious damage to floors and walls.
We hope this article answered your question and was able to help you understand a little more about the dangers of a leaking tank.
Related Guides
