A leaking water heater is an emergency when water comes from the tank itself or spreads across the floor, because the tank has rusted through and the cold line will keep refilling it. A drip from a fitting or the relief valve pipe is urgent but usually not an emergency. Either way, shut the cold-water valve above the tank and turn off the gas or power, then call (413) 603-1274.
Where is the water coming from?
- The bottom of the tank or through the jacket: the tank has failed. It has to be replaced. Emergency.
- The relief valve discharge pipe on the side: pressure or temperature is too high, or the valve has failed. Do not plug it. Urgent.
- The pipe connections on top: a fitting or nipple is leaking. Often repairable. Urgent.
- The drain valve near the bottom: a loose or failed drain valve. Often repairable.
- Not the heater at all: condensation, or a nearby pipe dripping onto it.
What to do now
- Close the cold-water valve on the pipe going into the top of the heater.
- Turn the gas control to off, or switch off the breaker for an electric heater.
- Keep clear of hot water.
- Move stored items away and photograph the leak and the label. See how to document water damage.
- Call us: (413) 603-1274.
How old is your tank?
Most tank water heaters last around 8 to 12 years. The manufacture date is usually coded in the serial number on the label. An older tank with rust at the base or rusty hot water is close to failing. Replacing it on your schedule beats a flooded basement on a January night. See water heater burst cleanup.
Where to look on the tank
| Where the water is | Likely cause | Usually |
|---|---|---|
| Pipes on top of the tank | Loose fitting or failed connector | Repairable |
| Relief valve pipe on the side | Too much pressure or heat, or a worn valve | Repairable, but have the cause checked |
| Drain valve near the bottom | Worn or loose drain valve | Repairable |
| Under the tank, from the base | Tank rusted through | Replace the heater |
Is the relief valve dangerous?
The temperature and pressure relief valve is a safety device. If it is releasing water, the tank may be too hot or under too much pressure, or the valve itself may be worn. Do not cap or plug that pipe. Turn off the heater and the cold supply, and have it checked. A working relief valve is what keeps a water heater from becoming dangerous.
Condensation is not a leak
A gas water heater can drip a little condensation when it first fires on cold water. It stops once the tank warms up. A steady puddle that keeps growing is a leak.
If you are not sure which kind of leak you have, dry the floor with a towel and watch for 15 minutes. That tells you a lot.
Questions
Can a water heater explode?
A working relief valve prevents dangerous pressure. That is why a dripping or blocked relief valve should be checked, never plugged.
Does insurance cover a leaking water heater?
The sudden water damage often is. The heater itself usually is not. A slow leak may be excluded. See slow leak vs sudden burst.
Water heater leaking? Call now
If the basement is already wet, see flooded basement cleanup.
Call (413) 603-1274 now. Locally owned in Chicopee.