Water Heater Leaking From Top Element Panel

Take a look at the top of your water heater.

Water heater leaking from top element panel. It s on the cold water pipe which supplies water to the water heater. First locate the nut that s attached to the handle of the water heater and tight it up. The heating element will sit in the control panel of the water heater and this panel typically sits underneath a metal cover. If it s a gas water heater it will have a dial or an on off switch near the spot where the gas line connects.

This will allow air to enter the tank. If your water heater is leaking water near the control panel of the device then the device is likely leaking fluid around the heating element. One of the most common reasons your hot water heater may be leaking at the top could be due to a faulty water inlet valve. If your valve is located on the top of your water heater like in the picture below check to see where it s leaking from.

Use a wrench to grab hold of the t p valve and turn it counter clockwise until the valve is loose. If you see a puddle of water this is more than likely the problem. The valve is usually a lever or a knob type valve. Over time the drain valve could slowly begin to leak water.

Turn off the power to the leaking water heater. Either tightening the drain valve with a wrench could help stop the leak but if not replacing the drain valve might be necessary. Two places it may be leaking from include. In most cases when a water heater is leaking from the top it s usually pretty easy to pinpoint to leak.

From its base where it screws into the water heater from the piping attached to the t p relief valve and also coming out of the open end of the pipe. If it s an electric water heater. One of the most common reasons for an electric water heater to leak is because of a loose drain valve. This type of leak is your best case scenario.

Drain the hot water tank. It s not necessary to drain it completely only so that the water inside the tank is lower. Find the cold water inlet valve. Keep reading to find out how to resolve the leak issue.

Turn off the power.