Removing Water From The Water Heater Pan

Water heater pans are designed to catch water in the event of a leak. If you find water in your water heater pan, it means your water heater is leaking. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as a loose pipe connection, a valve issue, or a damaged internal tank. If you have basic DIY skills, you may be able to fix the issue yourself, but in some cases, it may be necessary to call a plumber or water heater technician. In this article, we will discuss the common causes of water in a water heater pan and provide step-by-step guidance on how to get the water out and address the underlying issue.

Check for a loose pipe connection

If you find water in your water heater pan, it could be due to a loose pipe connection. Take a close look at the water heater. If you see water dripping from the pipes, it could be that there's a loose connection somewhere. If you have basic DIY skills, you can attempt to tighten the connections yourself with a wrench. Alternatively, you can make an appointment with a technician to do it for you. If, after tightening the pipes, the water heater pan is dry, the problem is solved.

If your water heater is connected with rigid pipe, it will be difficult to get a pan underneath it. If it is connected with flexible fittings, you may be able to drain the water heater and then raise the tank to slide the pan underneath.

If your water heater is on bricks, you can slowly and gently tip and roll the bottom edge of the heater off its stand, then put down a new stand and roll the heater onto it. You can then tip the heater to insert the pan under the tipped side. Finally, gently rock or jiggle the heater to get it, the pan, and the pan's drain centered and aligned.

If your water heater is plumbed with rigid pipe, it will be difficult to get a pan underneath it. If it is connected with flexible fittings, you may be able to drain the water heater and then raise the tank to slide the pan underneath.

It is recommended that you inspect your water heater annually for signs of degradation. If you spot any potential warning signs, consider contacting a local plumber.

Check for a valve issue

If you have water in your water heater pan, a valve issue is likely the cause. There are two valves on a water heater: the drain valve and the temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valve.

The Drain Valve

The drain valve is located at the bottom of the tank on the side and is used to remove any sediment that builds up. If the drain valve is the source of the leak, you can try tightening the valve by hand. If the valve is still dripping after tightening, you will need to replace it.

The Temperature-Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve

The TPR valve is a safety feature that automatically opens to release hot water when the tank gets too hot or too much pressure builds up. It is typically found at the top of the tank with a pipe that comes down to about a foot or so from the ground. If you notice water dripping from the pipe or the bottom of the pipe is wet, you will need to replace the TPR valve.

Other Potential Issues

In addition to valve issues, water in the water heater pan could be caused by a loose pipe connection, a damaged internal tank, condensation in the flue, or a leak from a pipe or valve above the water heater. It is recommended to inspect your water heater annually for signs of degradation and to contact a local plumber if you notice any potential issues.

Check for internal tank damage

Checking for internal tank damage on your water heater is crucial to prevent further issues and ensure its proper functioning. Here are some detailed steps and signs to look out for when inspecting your water heater for internal damage:

Inspect for Physical Damage:

• Carefully examine the interior components of your water heater. Look for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks, holes, or deformities on the tank's surface. These issues could lead to leaks and should be addressed immediately.
• Pay close attention to the fittings, valves, and connections. Loose connections or damage in these areas can result in leaks. Make sure all connections are secure and show no signs of deterioration.

Check for Corrosion and Rust:

• Corrosion and rust are significant concerns for water heaters. Inspect the tank, fittings, valves, and pipes for any signs of corrosion or rust buildup. Corrosion weakens the metal, making it susceptible to leaks.
• If you notice corrosion or rust, it's important to address it promptly. You may need to replace affected parts or consider installing a sacrificial anode rod to minimize future corrosion.

Monitor Water Quality:

• Discolored, rusty, or brown water is a sign of internal tank damage. This issue could be due to corrosion, sediment buildup, or other contaminants in the water.
• If your hot water appears discolored, it may indicate that the anode rod in your water heater tank is failing. The anode rod is responsible for protecting the interior of the tank from corrosion, so its failure can lead to internal tank damage over time.

Listen for Strange Noises:

• Unusual noises, such as hissing, popping, banging, or rumbling, could indicate internal damage to your water heater. These sounds may be caused by sediment buildup or water contacting hot surfaces inside the tank.
• If you hear strange noises, it's important to investigate further and consider contacting a professional for an inspection.

Check for Water Leaks:

• Even a few drops of water on the floor near your water heater can indicate a problem. Always check for dripping or nearby puddles of water. Water accumulation can damage floors, walls, and other parts of your home, and it can also lead to mold issues.
• If you notice a leak, identify its source. Leaks from the drain valve are typically simple and inexpensive fixes. However, if the leak is coming from the structure of the tank, it may be time for a new water heater.

Remember, addressing internal tank damage promptly can help prevent further complications and ensure the longevity of your water heater. If you're unsure or uncomfortable performing these inspections, it's always best to contact a professional plumber or water heater specialist for assistance.

Check for condensation in the flue

If you have water in your water heater pan, it could be due to condensation in the flue. Here's how to check for this:

Step 1: Check for Water Under the Heater

First, check for water under the heater. If there is water, wipe it up. This will help you determine whether more water collects under the heater after you've turned it off.

Step 2: Turn Off the Gas Control Valve

Turn the gas control valve to the OFF position. This will allow you to see if water is still being released from the heater when it is not in operation.

Step 3: Wait and Observe

Wait for several hours to see if water collects under the heater again. If no new water appears, it is likely that the water was due to condensation. If water does appear, it is likely that you have a leak.

Condensation occurs when flue gases are cooled below their "dew point". The dew point is the temperature at which water vapour turns into a liquid. Several factors can cause flue gases to be cooled below the dew point:

• Cold air supply
• Water temperature inside the tank being below 110°F (43°C)
• Cold start-up of a new unit
• Undersized gas heater
• Low temperature setting
• Large amount of hot water used in a short time while the incoming water is very cold

Problems Associated with Condensation

While condensation may not be a significant problem in itself, excessive condensation can lead to several issues:

• Dripping onto the burner and causing pilot outage
• Corrosion on metal surfaces
• Corrosion inside the water heater

If you suspect that condensation is a problem, you should call a technician to fix it.

Check for a leak above the water heater

If you suspect a leak in your water heater, it's important to act quickly to avoid damage and unnecessary repair costs.

First, you need to rule out condensation as the cause of any water on the floor. To do this, wipe up the water, turn off the heater, and wait several hours. If the water reappears, it's likely not condensation.

Next, check that the leak is not coming from any surrounding appliances, such as your HVAC system, AC, or furnace. You can do this by putting paper towels on the floor to test where the water is coming from.

If you've established that the water is, in fact, coming from your water heater, turn off the power supply. For a gas heater, turn the gas control valve to the 'off' position. For an electric heater, turn off the circuit breakers in your electrical panel.

Now, turn off the water supply. Locate your main shut-off valve and turn it off, then find the cold water supply for your hot water heater and shut this off, too.

With the power and water supply turned off, you can now try to establish the source of the leak.

If you see water leaking from the top of your water heater, it's likely coming from the cold or hot water inlets that bring water into the tank. Loose pipe connections can cause leaks from the top of the heater, so try tightening the cold and hot water inlet pipes with a pipe wrench.

If water is leaking from the side of the heater, it's likely coming from the temperature and pressure relief valve (also known as the T&P valve). This valve releases water if too much pressure builds up inside the tank. Check that the temperature is not set too high (it should be 120°F). If the temperature is correct and the leak persists, the valve may be defective and need replacing.

If water is leaking from the bottom of the heater, it could be an issue with the drain valve. Inspect the valve for corrosion and replace it if necessary. If there is no corrosion, try tightening the valve slightly, but be careful not to over-tighten as this can cause damage.

If you're still unable to establish the source of the leak, or if you don't feel comfortable carrying out these checks and repairs yourself, it's best to call a professional plumber for help.

Frequently asked questions