It’s simple to imagine the worst-case scenario when your water heater expansion tank leaks. 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 their problems 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?
As a plumber with over a decade of experience, I have seen many cases where a quick inspection and adjustment prevented extensive damage. If you detect a leak in your water heater expansion tank, it’s crucial to check it immediately.
Water can damage the heater’s location and electrical components. Simple fixes like tightening connections or adjusting air pressure often resolve the issue before it escalates.
Water Heater Expansion Tank Leaking
If you see a water tank leaking from the bottom, you should examine five things to assess the severity of the issue.
- From my experience in maintaining various water heater systems, I’ve found that leaks near the bottom of the tank often stem from issues with the temperature-pressure relief valve or a loose drain valve. Tightening a loose valve can quickly stop a leak, but if the valve is faulty, it may need replacing. Additionally, checking and adjusting the pressure can prevent further complications.
- Leaks on or close to the expansion tank can cause a few potential issues. First, if the leak is on the tank, you must get a licensed plumber to replace it. 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.
- The cold water input valve is one potential area to verify if the leak is near the top of the tank. If the valve is slack, you can tighten it with a wrench to fix the problem. However, a broken valve must be replaced, and a competent specialist must handle this.
- The anode rod is another probable cause of leaks at the top of the tank. Water heaters often have this rod at the top. The anode is commonly called a “sacrificial component” by plumbers. Consequently, metals should corrode to be updated frequently every three years.
- The expansion tank of the water heater is leaking. A tank may rust from the inside out for several reasons, 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.
Common Issues with Water Heater Expansion Tanks
| Issue | Symptoms | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Leaking Expansion Tank | Water pooling around the tank | Tighten fittings, check diaphragm, consult a professional |
| Tank Pressure Loss | Low water pressure, frequent relief valve triggering | Moisture on the tank surface |
| High Tank Pressure | Excessive water pressure, relief valve discharge | Release air via Schrader valve, monitor pressure |
| Air Blockage | Sputtering hot water, inconsistent flow | Repressurize the tank using an air pump, replace if necessary |
| Repressurize the tank using an air pump, and replace if necessary | Condensation on the Tank Exterior | Lower water temperature, check tank size, avoid humid environments |
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
Close all the water supply valves for the main and expansion tanks. Then, turn off the tank’s electricity, unhook it, and flip the breaker. If your water heater is gas-powered, shut off the gas line.
Connect the garden hose to the expansion tank to drain it. 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. 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
After installing the replacement tank, test for leaks in the expansion tank (the entire process should take around 30 minutes). While you wait, restart the water slowly. The tank should start to fill soon.
Check the connections and the new tank; everything should be in order. If your tank has a support strap, make sure to resecure it. 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.
