Water heaters
Water Heater Leaking? What to Do Now
Updated · Written by the SteadWell team
1. Make it safe
Close the cold-water inlet valve on the pipe entering the top of the heater. For an electric heater, switch off its breaker; for gas, turn the control knob to Off. Keep people away from hot water on the floor.
2. Find where the water comes from
- Top of the heater: loose inlet/outlet connections or a leaking pipe — usually repairable
- Relief valve or its discharge pipe: excess pressure or a failed valve — have pressure and the expansion tank checked
- Drain valve near the bottom: a loose or worn valve — replaceable
- Underneath, from the tank itself: the inner tank has corroded through — replacement
3. Protect the room
Attic and upper-floor heaters should sit in a drain pan piped to a safe location. If yours doesn't have one, water will reach the ceiling below quickly — put towels and a bucket down and call.
When to call
Call a plumber for any tank leak, any relief-valve discharge, a gas smell, or water near electrical components. If the tank itself is leaking, it cannot be patched — see when to replace a water heater.
This guide is general information, not a substitute for an on-site assessment. Read our editorial standards.