Here’s What You Need to Do When Water Heater Expansion Tank Leaking

It’s simple to imagine the worst-case scenario when your water heater expansion tank leaking. The pressure relief valve, expansion tank, cold-water input valve, anode rod, tank corrosion, and pipe fittings are typical of a water heater leak. However, you may be relieved to learn that not all faulty water heaters need significant repairs.

Is a Leaking Expansion Tank Dangerous?

No doubt. Modern homes depend on hot water systems, so problems with them can be unpleasant. A water heater’s expansion tank is crucial, yet leaks occasionally occur. So what does it indicate if you discover a leak in your water heater expansion tank?

You should check the Water heater expansion tanks immediately if they leak. The water may damage your water heater’s location and the electrical components. Fortunately, there are several simple repairs for leaking water heater expansion tanks, such as simply tightening connections or adjusting the air pressure within the tank to prevent overpressure.

water heater expansion tank leaking

Water Heater Expansion Tank Leaking

Here are five things to examine if you see a water tank leaking from the bottom to assess the severity of the issue.

  1. The temperature-pressure relief valve may need to be changed if the leak is near the bottom of the tank, or the pressure may need to be adjusted. A loose drain valve may also bring on leaks near the tank’s base. Make sure the drain valve is shut all the way.
  2. There are a few potential issues with leaks on or close to the expansion tank. First, you must get a licensed plumber to replace the expansion tank if the leak is on the tank itself. If the leak originates from the pipe fittings or the connection at the top of the tank, you probably only need to tighten the fitting with a tool.
  3. The cold water input valve is one potential area to verify if the leak is near the top of the tank. You can simply tighten the valve with a wrench if it is slack to fix the problem. It is necessary to replace a broken valve. It has to be handled by a competent specialist.
  4. Another probable cause of leaks at the top of the tank is the anode rod. Water heaters often have this rod at the top. The anode is commonly referred to as a “sacrificial component” by plumbers. Consequently, metals should corrode to be updated frequently every three years.
  5. There is a leak in the expansion tank of the water heater. A tank may rust from the inside out for several causes, including excessive sediment buildup, high water pressure inside the tank, or a worn-out anode rod. We advise replacing the unit when you notice a water tank leak to prevent worsening leaks or tank bursts.

How To Fix a Leaking Expansion Tank

Tools You Need for the Job:

  • Screwdriver
  • Garden hose
  • Bucket or towel
  • Teflon tape
  • Pipe wrenches or slip-joint pliers

Step 1: Turn Off the Water and Electricity in the Tank and Drain It

Make careful to close all of the water supply valves for the main tank and expansion tank. Then turn off the tank’s electricity, unhook it, and flip the breaker. Shut off the gas line if your water heater is gas-powered.

Drain the expansion tank by connecting the garden hose to the tank. As you proceed with the next step, place the towel or bucket below the tank to catch any spillage.

Step 2: Take Off the Shoulder Strap

Unscrew one side of the support strap holding your tank in place if it has one. Continue to the following step if your tank doesn’t have a support strap.

Step 3: Install the New Expansion Tank After Removing the Old

Use the slip-joint pliers to remove the fittings holding the tank. You should set the old tank aside. Before you attach the replacement tank, cover the male threads with Teflon tape.

The new expansion tank should be twisted into position and manually tightened. Finally, use the pliers to tighten it up.

Step 4: Verify for Leaks

Test for leaks in the expansion tank after installing the replacement tank (the entire process should take around 30 minutes). Restart the water slowly while you wait. The tank should start to fill soon.

Check the connections and the new tank; everything should be in order. Make careful to resecure the support strap on your tank if it has one. Before performing the replacement, turn back on any gas, electricity, pumps, breakers, and valves you have previously turned off.

Bottom Line

A water heater expansion tank leaking is a crucial piece of safety equipment for your home, and it won’t effectively function if it isn’t installed correctly and tested frequently.

Read also: Temporary Fix for Leaking Hot Water Heater

If you want to ensure that you won’t experience issues with it repeatedly, you could want to add inspecting this component to your routine for house maintenance. After all, this is not a task you cannot complete without the aid of experts.

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Heater Technician is a skilled author and water heater expert with years of experience in the field. He has authored several articles and books on various aspects of water heater installation, maintenance, and repair.