Quick answer
A water heater dripping from the drain valve near the bottom usually has a valve that is not fully closed, sediment stuck in the seat, or a worn plastic valve. Make sure it is closed clockwise, then screw a garden hose cap onto the outlet with a new washer, which stops most drips. Flushing the tank can clear sediment from the seat. A valve that leaks around the stem is replaced; water coming from the tank itself, not the valve, means the tank has failed. Call (888) 217-6781 to reach a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
The drain valve is the spigot near the bottom of a tank water heater, used to flush sediment and drain the tank. When it drips, the fix is usually simple. The important thing is to be sure the water is coming from the valve, not the tank.
Where Is the Water Coming From?
| Where | What it means |
|---|---|
| Dripping from the outlet | Valve not closed, sediment, or worn seat |
| Leaking around the stem or handle | Worn valve; replace it |
| Seeping where the valve threads into the tank | Loose or corroded fitting |
| Coming from under the jacket or the tank bottom | Tank has failed; see water heater repair or replace |
Fix It
- 1Close it fully, clockwise, by hand.
- 2Cap it. A brass garden hose cap with a new rubber washer stops most outlet drips.
- 3Flush the sediment. Attach a hose, run it to a drain, and open the valve for a minute. Sediment caught in the seat can stop it closing. See water heater maintenance.
- 4Replace a worn valve. Turn off the power or gas and the cold supply, drain the tank, and thread in a new valve, ideally brass. Plastic valves become brittle.
Talk to a plumber about this
One call reaches a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Safety
The water in the tank can be scalding. Let it cool or turn down the temperature before opening the valve. If the leak is from the tank, turn off power or gas and the cold supply. See water heater leaking: what to do.
The Call
Call when the valve will not close, the threads are corroded, or water is coming from the tank. (888) 217-6781 connects you to a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more, because the companies taking calls change minute to minute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my water heater drain valve leaking?
It may not be fully closed, sediment may be holding the seat open, or a plastic valve may be worn or cracked.
Can I put a cap on a leaking water heater drain valve?
YesA brass garden hose cap with a new washer stops most drips from the outlet. It does not fix a leak around the valve stem.
Is a leaking drain valve an emergency?
A drip is not, but catch it and fix it soon. Water from the tank body rather than the valve means the tank has failed.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.
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