Water heater leaking from bottom or from tank seam
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF power or gas immediately. Close the cold water supply and attach a hose to the drain valve to control leakage.
Actions:
- Inspect to confirm leak is from the tank body, not from drain valve or fittings.
- If water is emerging from the jacket seams or under the tank, the inner tank is compromised.
- Drain the heater completely and replace the entire water heater. Tank leaks are not repairable.
Tip: When installing a new Whirlpool heater, install a new anode rod and expansion tank (if needed) to extend service life.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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