American Water Heaters Leaking Drain Valve

Water heater leaks from the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.

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Possible Causes

Worn drain valve washer, Debris caught in valve seat, Plastic drain valve cracked from overtightening or freezing

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Turn off power or gas and close the cold water supply before working on leaks.

  • 1. Try reseating: Attach a garden hose, open the drain briefly to flush debris, then close firmly.
  • 2. Cap the valve: As a temporary fix, install a threaded hose cap with gasket on the drain outlet.
  • 3. Replace drain valve: Turn off water, relieve pressure, drain water level below the valve, then unscrew and replace the drain valve with a brass replacement rated for water heater use. Use pipe thread sealant or Teflon tape.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Drain Valve
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