How to Diagnose and Repair a Leaking Water Heater | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey finds a solution for a water heater that recently started leaking.
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Time: 3-4 hours

Cost: $100

Skill Level: Moderate

Tools List for Repairing a Leaky Water Heater:
Bucket
Flathead screwdriver
Pipe cutter

Shopping List:
Expansion tank certified for potable water
Quick connect T fitting
Quick connect ball valve
Quick connect elbow
Quick connect female adapter
Copper pipe

Steps:
1. If there’s a leak at your temperature and pressure relief valve, first test to ensure it’s operating correctly. If it isn’t working properly, replace it.
2. If the T&P valve is operational, check to see if you have a pressure reducing valve, usually near the main water shutoff. If a pressure reducing valve or other form of check valve is present, you’ll need to add a potable expansion tank.
3. Shut the water off at the water main.
4. Using a bucket, drain the hot water heater just enough to get below the pipes and the top of the tank.
5. Use copper pipe and push fittings to connect the expansion tank.
6. Cut the cold water line above the tank using a pipe cutter, then push both ends of the pipe into both sides of the push T fitting.
7. Turn the water back on.

Resources:
Richard added a potable water rated expansion tank to the water heater, which is available through plumbing supply companies.

To install the tank without soldering, Richard used quick connect copper fittings, manufactured by SharkBite (http://www.sharkbite.com ).

About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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How to Diagnose and Repair a Leaking Water Heater | Ask This Old House
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