Water Heater Leaking? What to Do First
Modern Perspective Plumbing, licensed plumbing contractor in Grover Beach, serving San Luis Obispo County
Shut off the cold water valve at the top of the heater. Then turn the gas control to OFF, or switch off the breaker on an electric heater. A leak from the tank itself usually means replacement. A leak from a fitting or valve can often be repaired.
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What to do first
- Turn off the cold water valve on the pipe at the top of the heater.
- Gas heater: turn the gas control knob to OFF. Electric heater: switch off its breaker.
- Stay out of standing water near electrical equipment.
- Take a photo of where the water is coming from, if you can do it safely.
Call right away if
- Water keeps spreading after you shut off the valve
- You can't reach or turn the shutoff valve
- You smell gas. Leave the house and call 911 and your gas company from outside
We answer Monday–Friday 8AM–5PM. After hours, we take your details and call back first thing the next business morning, or Monday morning on weekends. No crew goes out overnight.
What usually causes it
- Leak at the top. Often a fitting, supply connection or relief valve, which may be repairable.
- Relief valve or its discharge pipe. Water here can point to too much pressure or heat, so it needs a look, not a plug.
- Drain valve. A drip at the valve near the bottom can sometimes be fixed without replacing the heater.
- Bottom of the tank. Water from the tank itself usually means the tank has failed and needs replacing.
Coming out to look is free, and you get the price before any work starts. Learn more about our water heater repair and replacement.
Common questions
Is a leaking water heater an emergency?
It can be. Shut off the water and the gas or power first. If that stops the water, the urgency usually drops, but have it looked at soon.
Can a leaking water heater be repaired?
A leak at a fitting or valve often can be. A leak from the tank itself generally can't, so the heater needs replacing.