Blog

“My Electric Water Heater is Leaking.”

There are several reasons why your water heater might be leaking.  Most of them require assistance from a professional plumber, but there are a couple of simple fixes you can attempt on your own that hopefully will make the problem go away.

Water Leaking from the Bottom of an Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters contain a heating element located inside the bottom of the storage tank.  To operate at peak efficiency, it needs to removed and cleaned about every six months.

If you’re the handy type and want to try cleaning or replacing the heating element on your own, follow these simple but crucial steps:

• Shut off the water heater power and hot water supplies. If you’re not sure where they’re located – even after checking your manufacturer’s guide – stop right there and call your plumber.

• Once the power and water supplies are off, you next want to drain the storage tank. Attach a hose to the drain valve and then place the other end outdoors or in a sink. Keep it up until the tank is completely empty.

• Next, remove the heater element by unscrewing it with an element wrench. After that, remove and dispose of the rubber gasket.  Then thoroughly clean the element, paying special attention to sediment that may have formed on the threads of the element or tank.

• Attach a new gasket and place the heating element back inside the tank, making sure it’s thoroughly tightened.

• (You’re almost done!) Refill the tank by closing the drain valve, opening the cold-water valve, and opening a hot water faucet to avoid creating a vacuum.

• Turn the power and water supplies back on.

If the leak is gone, then give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.  On the other hand, if your water heater continues to leak, the heating element wasn’t the problem in first place.  And that’s when you need to call a professional plumber.

At Messmer Mechanical, we service and repair all makes and models of electric, gas, and tankless water heaters.  Which means no matter what the problem might be, we have the experience, know-how, and commitment to fix it right the first time, every time.  We look forward to your call.