Safety: Disconnect electrical power and close the cold water supply. Hot water and leaks can cause burns and water damage.

1. Identify leak source: Remove the front/bottom panel and use a flashlight to locate where water first appears. Dry the area and watch for fresh drips.
2. Check fittings: Tighten unions and compression fittings on the cold inlet, hot outlet, and recirculation connections. Replace any visibly corroded fittings or seals.
3. Inspect flanges and gaskets: On ACV tanks with inspection flanges or manholes, check the gasket for signs of weeping. Drain the tank below the flange level and replace the gasket if necessary.
4. Assess tank integrity: If water is seeping from the tank body, welds, or from within the insulation with no visible fitting leak, the tank or internal coil is likely perforated.
5. Plan replacement: A leaking ACV tank or internal coil is not economically repairable on-site. Arrange for replacement of the complete tank or heat exchanger assembly.

Do not continue operating a leaking tank; it can fail catastrophically and cause significant damage.

Water heater leaking from bottom of casing or around base

Possible Causes