How to Fix a Water Heater Leaking from Drain Valve

A leaking drain valve can cause water damage and lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly.

[{"selector":"#anim-e3ead45a-8b62-4e2d-a923-b4ebab704cf9","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-28985229-451d-4cd4-9ed6-1c8dbc341584","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-183.60653%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Learn more

Follow these steps to fix your water heater’s leaking drain valve.

[{"selector":"#anim-5082aaa8-956b-4b75-b6db-c476c92c2223","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":200,"duration":1400,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7f958bf7-f0c5-4042-aaa1-e1745c558a1b","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 217.99185%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":200,"duration":1400,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Learn more

Before starting any plumbing repair, it’s crucial to turn off the water and power supply to the water heater.

If you have a gas water heater, you’ll need to turn the gas off by turning the pilot knob off on the water heater. However, if you instead have an electric water heater, switch off the power supply to the water heater at the main electrical panel.

Attach a hose to the drain valve’s outlet and place the other end in a suitable drainage location, such as a floor drain or a large bucket.

Open the valve by turning it counterclockwise, allowing the water to flow out. It may take some time to empty the tank completely, but once it’s done, you’ll be finally ready to move onto the final step.

If the valve is easily accessible and it’s only a matter of tightening or reseating it, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting or repairing the valve.

If the valve is beyond repair and you have a replacement ready, carefully remove it using pliers or an adjustable wrench. Apply Teflon tape to the threads of the new valve and tighten it securely.

Swipe up to learn more!