Rheem Internal Water Leak

Water leaking from the bottom or sides of the heater cabinet

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Cracked heat exchanger, Leaking header gasket, Loose union or plumbing fitting, Condensate misidentified as leak

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: Turn off power and gas. Water inside the cabinet can contact electrical components.

  • Identify source: Remove access panels and use a flashlight to trace the leak. Check around the inlet/outlet headers, unions, and drain plugs.
  • Check unions and fittings: Tighten any loose unions or threaded fittings. Replace O-rings or gaskets if they are cracked or flattened.
  • Differentiate condensate vs. leak: On condensing models, some water discharge is normal from the condensate drain. Ensure the drain line is connected and routed properly.
  • Heat exchanger inspection: If water appears to be coming from inside the heat exchanger or header casting, the exchanger may be cracked and will likely need replacement by a professional.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Heat Exchanger / Header Gasket
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