Kenmore Water Heater: Leaking Water
Most often a failing pressure-relief valve, a loose drain valve, or tank corrosion. Add a photo of your Kenmore Water Heater in the box below: the Triage Profile says what it is, how urgent it is, and who to call.
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In the next five minutes
Safe first steps, before the call. Nothing here needs a tool.
If you smell gas, a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, or anyone feels dizzy or sick: don’t touch any switch or plug, leave and get everyone out, then call 911 or the gas company from outside.
If water is near an outlet or cord, don’t touch them. Either way, turn the water heater’s gas control knob to OFF if it’s gas, or switch off its breaker if it’s electric. Don’t stand in water to reach the breaker panel; if the panel is wet or you’d have to stand in water, leave it and call.
Then close the cold water valve on the pipe into the top of the tank, and keep people away from hot water on the floor.
Everything else about this problem
Is it an emergency?
Is a Kenmore water heater leaking water an emergency?
Usually urgent, not an emergency. Turn off the water to it and switch off its breaker, then soak up standing water. If water is reaching outlets or cords, switch off the breaker before touching anything; water coming through a ceiling is an emergency.
Symptoms & causes
Visible puddles around the base of your Kenmore water heater or dripping from the pressure relief valve are common signs of a leak. Leaks often stem from a corroded tank, loose plumbing connections, a faulty temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve, or a failing drain valve. Pinpoint the exact location of the leak to determine if it's a minor fix like a loose fitting or a major issue like a compromised tank.
Tools & parts
For minor leaks, you might need a pipe wrench or adjustable wrench to tighten connections or replace a faulty drain valve. If the T&P relief valve is the culprit, a new Kenmore T&P valve and Teflon tape will be necessary. For tank leaks, unfortunately, the only tool needed is a new Kenmore water heater.
Safety first
Before any inspection or repair, always shut off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker or pull the fuse, and turn off the cold water supply valve to the unit. Failure to disconnect power can result in severe electrical shock, while not shutting off water can lead to flooding and property damage. Be cautious of hot water, especially when draining the tank, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment like gloves and eye protection.
When to call a pro
A professional technician is required if the leak originates from the main storage tank itself, indicating internal corrosion and a complete unit failure. If the leak is from the top of the tank where the hot and cold water lines connect, and tightening doesn't resolve it, the tank's internal dip tube or anode rod might be compromised, requiring specialized tools and expertise. Persistent leaks from the T&P valve after replacement, or if the valve is stuck open, could signal dangerously high internal pressure or temperature issues that a professional must track down and correct.
Questions people ask
Why is my Kenmore water heater leaking from the bottom?
Leaks from the bottom often indicate a corroded tank, which means the inner lining has failed and the unit needs replacement. It could also be a loose drain valve or a leak from an internal component dripping down.
Can I fix a Kenmore water heater tank leak myself?
Unfortunately, a leak from the main storage tank itself is not repairable and signifies the end of the water heater's life. The only solution is to replace the entire unit.
How do I stop a Kenmore water heater from leaking temporarily?
To temporarily stop a leak, immediately shut off the cold water supply to the heater and turn off its power at the breaker. This will prevent further water damage and reduce the risk of electrical hazards until a permanent solution can be implemented.
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What it is, how urgent, who to call
Add a photo of your Kenmore Water Heater in the box at the top. The Triage Profile says what it is, how urgent it is, and who to call.