SunHeater
Internal Water Leak / Heat Exchanger or Header Leak
Heater is running but there is water leaking from the bottom of the 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, Failed header gasket, Loose union fittings, Freeze damage
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Turn off power and gas. Shut off water flow to the heater to prevent further leakage.
- Identify leak source: Remove the front and side panels. Use a flashlight to trace water back to its origin: the Heat Exchanger, inlet/outlet headers, or unions.
- Check unions and gaskets: Tighten inlet and outlet union nuts by hand, then slightly with a wrench if needed. Inspect header gaskets for signs of bulging or deterioration.
- Look for corrosion: Green or white corrosion on the copper tubes or headers often indicates a pinhole leak in the exchanger, which typically requires replacement of the exchanger assembly.
- Inspect for freeze damage: If the heater was not winterized, look for split plastic headers or cracked manifolds. Replace any damaged Inlet/Outlet Header components.
- Dry and test: After repairs, dry the cabinet, restore flow, and monitor for new leaks.
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Repair Difficulty
Professional Required
5/5
Required Part
Heat Exchanger
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