What should I do if my hot water heater is leaking?

Discovering a hot water heater leaking can be stressful, especially if you rely on it daily for showers, dishwashing, and laundry. A leaking water heater is not just an inconvenience—it can also cause significant water damage and lead to costly repairs if not handled quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps you should take if you find your hot water heater leaking and help you understand the common causes and when to call a professional.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Turn Off the Power

Safety should always come first when dealing with any appliance that uses both water and energy. Depending on the type of water heater you have—gas or electric—the method to shut it down will differ:

• Electric water heater: Locate your home’s breaker box and turn off the circuit breaker labeled for the water heater. Never attempt to touch or inspect an electric heater while it’s still powered on and leaking.
• Gas water heater: Turn the gas control valve to the “OFF” position. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call your gas utility provider or emergency services.

Turning off the power helps prevent electrical hazards and reduces the risk of further damage.

Step 2: Shut Off the Water Supply

Next, stop the flow of water to the tank to prevent additional leaking. Most hot water heaters have a shutoff valve located on the cold water pipe above the heater. Turn this valve clockwise to close it. If you can’t reach it or it’s stuck, you may need to shut off the main water supply to your home.

Step 3: Drain the Tank

Once the power and water are off, you’ll want to drain the tank to prevent further leakage and minimize water damage. Here’s how:

1. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the tank.
2. Run the other end of the hose to a nearby floor drain or outside.
3. Open the valve and allow the water to flow out. Be careful—the water may still be hot.
4. Open a hot water tap in your home to help air enter the tank and speed up draining.

This step is especially important if the leak is severe and causing puddling or flooding.

Step 4: Identify the Source of the Leak

After draining the tank, inspect the water heater closely. Here are some common areas where leaks occur:

• Cold water inlet or hot water outlet connections: Loose or corroded fittings at the top of the tank can cause leaks.
• Temperature and Pressure Relief (T&P) Valve: If this safety valve is leaking, it could be due to excessive pressure or temperature inside the tank.
• Drain Valve: A faulty or loose drain valve near the bottom can also be a source of leaking.
• Tank itself: If the tank is leaking from the base or body, it’s likely due to internal corrosion and will require replacement.

Step 5: Assess Whether Repair or Replacement Is Needed

Now that you’ve located the source, it’s time to determine what to do next:

• Minor leaks (e.g., loose fittings or faulty valves) can often be repaired by tightening connections or replacing inexpensive components.
• Major leaks, especially those coming from the tank itself, usually mean the water heater has reached the end of its lifespan.

Most water heaters last between 8 to 12 years. If yours is older and leaking from the inside, it’s usually more cost-effective to replace it.

Step 6: Clean Up and Prevent Water Damage

Use towels, a wet/dry vacuum, or a mop to clean up any standing water. Check for water damage on nearby floors, walls, and baseboards. Set up fans or a dehumidifier to dry the area thoroughly and prevent mold growth. Acting quickly can save you from expensive restoration bills later on.

Step 7: Call a Professional

Even if you’re handy, a hot water heater leaking is often best left to licensed plumbers. They can:

• Accurately diagnose the issue.
• Replace damaged parts.
• Install a new unit if necessary.
• Ensure all work is up to code and safe for use.

If you live in a colder region, ask about upgrading to an energy-efficient model or tankless water heater for better performance and lower energy bills.

Prevent Future Leaks

Preventative maintenance can extend the life of your water heater and minimize the risk of future leaks:

• Inspect it annually for rust, moisture, and loose fittings.
• Flush the tank once a year to remove sediment buildup.
• Test the T&P valve regularly to ensure it’s functioning properly.
• Install a leak detection system with automatic shutoff for peace of mind.

Final Thought

A hot water heater leaking is not something to ignore. The quicker you respond, the more likely you are to avoid serious damage and costly repairs. By following these steps—turning off the power and water, draining the tank, locating the source, and calling a professional—you can take control of the situation and protect your home.