Water Heater Leaking? What to Do Right Now

Water under your water heater is one of those problems that doesn't fix itself. Some leaks are a quick repair. Others mean the tank is failing. Either way, the first few minutes matter most, so here's exactly what to do.

Step 1: Shut it down safely

1. Turn off the power. For an electric water heater, switch off its breaker in your electrical panel. For gas, turn the control knob to OFF or PILOT.
2. Close the cold water supply valve on the pipe that feeds into the top of the tank. This stops more water from entering.
3. If water is spreading, move stored items away and use towels or a wet vac. If the leak is heavy, you can shut off the main water valve to the house.

Don't touch the unit if you smell gas. Leave the house and call the gas company from outside.

Step 2: Figure out where the water is coming from

• Top of the tank: loose or corroded supply connections are common and usually repairable.
• Temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve: a pipe running down the side of the tank. If it's dripping, the valve may be faulty, or pressure or temperature in the tank is too high. Both need a professional look.
• Drain valve near the bottom: sometimes just needs tightening or replacing.
• Under the tank, with no obvious source: this often means the tank itself has rusted through. That can't be repaired.
• Condensation: a gas water heater can 'sweat' when cold water fills it. If the water stops once the tank heats up, it may not be a leak at all.

Repair or replace?

If the leak is from a valve or fitting and the water heater is reasonably young, a repair usually makes sense. If the tank itself is leaking, or the unit is 10 or more years old, replacement is almost always the better call. A tank that has started leaking won't stop, and older units lose efficiency every year.

Replacing is also a good time to consider whether a tank or tankless water heater fits your household best.

How to prevent the next one

• Flush the tank about once a year to clear sediment. See how often to flush your water heater.
• Have the anode rod checked every few years. It's the part that corrodes so your tank doesn't.
• Install a drain pan with a drain line if your water heater sits in a closet, attic or finished area.

Water heater leaking in Greer, Greenville, Spartanburg or anywhere in the Upstate? call us at 864-365-8900 — we answer 24/7, or see our water heater repair and replacement service.