Bradford White
Leaking Drain Valve
Bradford White water heater leaks from the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
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Possible Causes
Worn or cracked plastic drain valve, Debris stuck in valve seat, Valve not fully closed, Damaged valve threads or sealant
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Water may be hot and under pressure. Use gloves and eye protection.
Steps:
- Try reseating: Attach a hose, open the drain valve briefly to flush debris, then close firmly. Check if leak stops.
- Cap temporary fix: If the valve still drips, you can install a threaded hose cap or brass cap as a temporary measure.
- Replace valve: Turn off power/gas and cold water supply. Attach a hose and drain water below valve level. Unscrew the old valve and install a new Bradford White-compatible drain valve with Teflon tape. Refill and check for leaks.
If the tank itself is leaking around the drain connection, the tank may be failed and require replacement.
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Repair Difficulty
Easy
2/5
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