Water Spraying from Top of Water Heater - What to Do

Finding a leak in your water heater can be alarming. A steady drip or spray of water from the top of the tank signals trouble and needs immediate attention before serious damage occurs.

From loose fittings to faulty valves, several problems can cause water to leak from the top connections of your water heater. Catching the leak quickly and making the right repairs is key to avoiding catastrophic tank failure or flooding.

What Causes Water to Leak from the Top of a Water Heater?

Water heaters leak when water breaches the tank at any intake, output, or safety release points. The most common sources of leaks at the top of the water heater include:

• Defective or corroded temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve. All water heaters have this safety release valve to open and drain excess heat and pressure from the tank. If the T&P valve fails or has buildup blocking it, the excess pressure can force water to weep or spray from the valve.
• Loose, broken, or corroded fittings at the cold water inlet, hot water outlet, or plumbing connections. The repeated heating and pressurization of water causes fittings and gaskets to degrade over time. If they go unchecked, loose fittings can vibrate free and leak.
• Leaking or faulty inlet/outlet valves. The valves controlling cold water inflow and hot water outflow can stick open from mineral deposits allowing water to leak through during standby periods. Internal o-rings and seals wear out over time as well.
• Pinhole leaks or small cracks in the tank. While less common on newer models, very old tanks accumulate mineral scale and corrosion eventually weakening the metal walls. Small cracks and holes then form, leaking water from the upper portion.
• Heating element leaks. Electric water heaters have one or two heating elements that screw into the tank. Their gaskets and seals degrade, allowing heated water to slowly weep and drip from the element casing.

Signs of a Water Heater Leak

How do you know if your water heater has sprung a leak? Be on the lookout for these common signs of water escaping the tank:

• Water dripping from the T&P valve or other fittings and connections at the top of the unit.
• New water stains on the wall or floor surrounding the water heater.
• Puddles of water or damp areas around the base.
• The hot water pressure at your taps seems lower than normal.
• You hear new drips, hissing, popping, or rumbling sounds coming from the water heater.

Even small drips or slightly damp areas indicate a leak. It's smart to thoroughly inspect your water heater every 3-4 months for any evidence of water escaping the tank. Catching leaks when they first start minimizes damage.

Dangers of Water Leaking from Water Heater

While it might seem harmless at first, water dripping from your hot water heater can lead to several problems:

• Water damage - Unchecked drips or sprays from the tank quickly add up, soaking surrounding floors, walls, and furnishings. Leaks can travel under floors and behind walls, spreading damage if unaddressed.
• Fall and injury risk - Wet floors become hazardously slippery. Leaks frequently emerge right under the water heater where you may not see the puddle.
• Mold concerns - High humidity and dampness resulting from leaks promote mold growth in walls and carpets if not quickly remediated.
• Tank overpressure - If the T&P valve cannot release excess heat and pressure, the tank walls could rupture from the force. This causes instant, large-scale flooding.
• Electrocution risk - Leaks dripping onto the electrical elements and wiring of electric water heaters can be extremely dangerous.

Never dismiss small drips - have all leaks repaired as soon as possible. In some cases, it may be safest and most cost-effective to fully replace an older, leaking unit.

Pinpointing the Exact Source of the Leak

Before attempting any repairs, it's important to diagnose the exact location water is escaping from. Here are tips to inspect and isolate the source:

• Visually follow any water trails, drips, or stains back up to the highest point on the water heater. Use a flashlight to illuminate all sides and fittings.
• Remove the metal access panel and carefully examine the T&P valve, inlet and outlet fittings, and heating elements for drips or corrosion.
• Check areas you can't see by blotting connections with a dry rag. A damp spot on the rag indicates seepage.
• Test the water pressure at several faucets. Significantly higher than normal pressure may signal an issue.
• Relieve pressure by opening the T&P valve. If water spurts out forcefully, mineral buildup could be blocking proper valve function.
• Drain some water from the tank to check for sediment that could obstruct fixtures and fittings.

Locating the leak source is key for deciding the correct repairs. If needed, a plumber has tools to conduct pressure tests and pinpoint tricky internal leaks.

How to Stop Water from Spraying Out of Water Heater

Here are smart steps to stop a water heater leak based on the source:

• For loose fittings or connections, tighten with pipe tape and wrenches. Replace cracked, corroded or damaged fittings.
• Clear built-up mineral deposits by flushing the tank. In hard water areas, consider a whole-house water softener.
• If the T&P valve is constantly dripping or spraying, replace it. This valve is crucial safety equipment and shouldn't leak.
• Swap out old pipe gaskets and o-rings when doing fitting repairs to prevent future seepage.
• Install an electronic leak detector that triggers an alarm and shuts off the water supply line if a leak is sensed elsewhere.
• For a pinhole tank leak, drain and fully replace the water heater. Repairing small tank holes is challenging and usually short-lived.
• Replace the entire leaking heating element assembly. Check for sediment buildup which can cause elements to overheat.

In some cases, several components may need repair or replacement to fully resolve a stubborn leak situation.

Hiring a Pro for Water Heater Leak Repairs

Some water heater leak repairs are best left to qualified professionals:

• Replacing inlet valves and T&P valves requires shutting off water lines and draining the tank - difficult for DIY.
• If the leak source isn't obvious, a plumber has the tools and know-how to diagnose it.
• They can check if the tank itself is still structurally sound after years of mineral buildup and corrosion.
• Repairing hidden leaks inside the tank often requires total replacement.
• Proper disposal of old valves, fittings and the water heater itself if being replaced.

Don't continue struggling with a leak you can't resolve. With the right tools and training, plumbers can identify and fix an elusive water heater leak so you have hot water flowing again.