Can anyone help identify where this leak is coming from in the photo provided?
Asked by Amvrosiy Koval 
3 weeks ago
Last Updated: October 29, 2024
Hey, could you please take a look at this? There seems to be a leak coming from this area. (Check out the photo for reference) Thanks for any help you can provide!
How old is the tank? When was the last time it was drained or flushed?
We purchased our home 2 years ago, according to . He mentioned it was 3 years old at the time.
I have never done a draining process on it before.
Hey , just to clarify, I specialize in building not plumbing. In some cases, specific types of tanks and locations may need occasional draining to prevent sediment accumulation. The valve should be replaced and the connection sealed correctly. It’s not an emergency, but the issue will only worsen over time.
I really appreciate your feedback.
Check the tag on the bottom of the tank to see how old it is. You could attempt to purchase a new pressure release valve and see if that solves the issue, as there may be a small crack in the tank at that spot.
Got it, thanks. Not a crack, just a rusty water stain
He’s suggesting there might be a tiny crack in the valve threads, which is where the water could be leaking from
Okay. Appreciate it
If the tank is older than 5 years, it’s probably best to replace it. Otherwise, replace the temperature-pressure relief valve with a new one. You can find them at Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Let me share a cool story… real talk.
Our water heater stopped working, so I thought I’d drain and flush it.
Attached the hose to the drain, turned off the water to the heater, opened the vent.
Drained it and everything went smoothly.
Closed it back up, turned the inlet back on, closed the vent.
However, the vent began to leak.
Trip 1 to home depot.
Replaced the vent, turned the water back on… and now the water valve was leaking.
Trip 2 to home depot.
Switched out the water valve, turned the main back on, then the temp sensor started leaking.
Trip 3 to home depot.
In total, it took 6 trips to home depot, one night without water, and a very frustrated wife, to finally have hot water again.
I probably could have just replaced the darn heater for the amount of time, gas, and money I spent fixing our 6 year old heater.
III provided some excellent advice
Funny story – I brought up cleaning the water heater to my wife today. Her response? “No way, .”
Hey III, as long as you give it some regular TLC, you shouldn’t have any issues. Problems start popping up when you let too much time pass between cleanings.
Wow, can’t believe some of you are already swapping out your water heaters at just 6 years old! Mine’s a trooper at 15 years and still kicking. 🤔
III You know the old saying, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’? Sadly, it often holds true, my friend.
Unfortunately, insurance companies and inspectors have strict rules about hot water heaters. They typically require them to be newer than 6 years old, regardless of their actual condition.
The hardness of the water can vary depending on where you live. In Philly, the water is particularly hard and can cause sacrificial rods to deteriorate quickly.
It was already broken… there was no hot water.
I made it worse while trying to fix it.
III Our water is really hard too. I believe the rod is worn out, but replacing it seems impossible. We’ve already tried. I guess we’ll have to wait or figure out a good time to replace it. 🤷
III Sorry things didn’t work out as planned.
Great work, . Looks like you might have just cursed yourself, haha.
Remove the valve, clean the threads, reseal it, and then reinstall it. Your valve isn’t leaking as others have mentioned. It’s the threads where the valve connects to the tank that are leaking. You don’t need to get a new valve.
Sounds good. I’ll give this a shot. Appreciate it
In my opinion, the leak has been around long enough to cause rust to form around the threads. If you remove the TP valve, it might make the situation worse, or the threads could break off completely. If you decide to take on this task, be prepared to purchase a new hot water heater if things don’t go well.
Thank you,
Come on.
That should have a pipe attached to it that directs water into a can or bucket.
If it’s a slow drip, just empty the can.
If it’s a LEAK, try flushing it a couple of times. There might be some debris in the valve seat. Otherwise, replace it. It’s a straightforward task.
The can is NOT just for drips; it’s primarily a safety measure in case the valve fails, preventing you from being scalded.
Thanks, !
Your tank is still under warranty, I received a free tank when mine was leaking even though it was 6 months away from the end of the 10-year manufacturer’s warranty for leaks.
You have the option to replace that specific part.