What to Do if Your Water Heater is Leaking

The water heater is the secret hero of your home. Day after day, it quietly heats water for your showers, laundry, and every load of dishes. But when your water heater starts leaking, that quiet helper can become a massive headache. 

Even a small drip from your water heater can quickly turn into a pool of water soaking into your floor, and a bigger leak can flood a room in no time. A plumber can fix the water heater itself. But you'll need a restoration professional if the water damages your walls, floors, or personal possessions.  

Key Takeaways

• A leaking water heater is usually caused by loose fittings, a worn drain valve, a falling anode rod, high pressure, or a corroded tank. 
• If your water heater’s leaking from the bottom, chances are you need a new tank, not just a repair. 
• Once you notice a problem with your water heater, shut off the power and water supply right away, then check how far the water has spread. 
• Fixing a water heater requires the expertise of a plumber, while cleaning up soaked floors, walls, and mold calls for a water damage restoration team. 

Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

A leaking water heater usually isn't random bad luck. Instead, it's your tank telling you something's wrong. By understanding the most common causes of water heater leaks, you have a better chance of spotting the problem and giving your plumber the right information.  

Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve exists to release built-up pressure inside the tank. A little dripping now and then can be normal. But if your water heater’s leaking steadily and won't stop, the valve itself may be worn out or failing to seat properly. Either way, it's worth a professional look.  

Drain Valve

Located near the bottom of the tank, the drain valve is used to empty your tank for maintenance. Over time, it can loosen, crack, or simply wear down, letting water seep out even when nobody's touched it.  

Loose Inlet and Outlet Connections

Your water heater connects to your home's plumbing system through fittings at the top of the tank. Vibration, age, or a less-than-perfect install can loosen these connections. That can lead to a slow drip that's easy for you to miss until it's caused real damage.  

Internal Tank Corrosion

Water heaters don't last forever. Over time, minerals and sediment in the water can eat away at the metal tank from the inside. Eventually, your tank can develop small holes or cracks. Once corrosion sets in, the leak will only get worse.  

Where Is Your Water Heater Leaking From?

The fastest way to figure out what's wrong when your hot water heater is leaking is to look at where the water’s coming from. The top and bottom of the tank point to two very different problems, and they don't have the same level of urgency. 

Immediate Steps to Take When Your Water Heater Is Leaking

The moment you spot your hot water heater leaking, your job is to stop the damage from spreading. Don't worry about diagnosing the problem or trying to fix it. You've got to protect your floors, walls, and possessions.  

Follow the steps below in order, no matter how big or small the leak looks.  

Shut Off the Water and Power Supply

Your first step is to turn off the water supply valve going into the tank. If you have a gas water heater, switch it to the "pilot" or "off" setting. For an electric unit, cut the power at the breaker. This stops more water from entering the tank and keeps you safe from an electrical accident.  

Contain the Water and Document the Damage

Grab towels, buckets, or anything else on hand to keep the water from spreading to other rooms. While you're at it, snap some photos or videos of the damage. This documentation will help you when you're ready to file your insurance claim. It can also give your restoration team a better idea of what they're dealing with. 

The silver lining is that most water damage from a water heater is Category 1, meaning the water is considered clean. That could change, however, if the water sits around for too long and bacteria begins to grow.  

Learn more about how water damage categories can affect cleanup.   

Remove Standing Water

Once you've stopped the flow of water, it's time to arm yourself with a mop or wet/dry vacuum. Clear out as much standing water as you safely can. The faster you get water off your floors and away from your walls, the less chance it has to soak in and cause mold growth.  

When to Call a Plumber and Restoration Service

A leaking water heater involves two different problems, and it usually takes two different professionals to solve them. A plumber fixes the water heater, while a restoration pro handles the water damage left behind.  

Call a Plumber If: 

• You notice any active leak in your water heater, no matter how small 
• Your temperature and pressure valve is discharging water 
• You see visible corrosion or a bulge in the tank 
• You can't tell where the leak is coming from 

Call a Restoration Pro If:

• The water has spread beyond the immediate area around the tank 
• Your floor feels soft or spongy 
• You notice a musty smell 
• Water has reached the drywall, cabinets, or nearby rooms 

Keep in mind that not all water damage is visible. Water can quietly soak into walls or under flooring. A restoration professional uses specialized equipment to find hidden moisture and dry it out properly before mold has a chance to take hold.  

How to Prevent Water Heater Leaks

A little routine goes a long way toward keeping your water heater leak-free for years to come. Regular maintenance can also extend the life of your water heater.  

Here's what to do: 

• Flush your water heater tank every year to clear out sediment buildup. 
• Test the T&P valve annually and swap it out every three to five years. 
• Check the anode rod every two to three years and make sure to replace it once it's worn out. 
• Look over your supply line connection and drain valve each year for looseness or wear. 
• If your water heater is older than 10 years, think about replacing it before it fails on its own. 

You can also always hire a plumber to inspect your water heater and advise you on whether you should replace it in the near future. See our water damage resources for more prevention tips. 

SERVPRO Is Here When the Water Heater Leaves a Mess

Once your local plumber has fixed your leaking water heater, it's time to call SERVPRO. Our team of water restoration specialists can dry out your floors and walls, track down hidden moisture, treat any mold growth, and restore or replace anything that's been damaged (like furniture and drywall).  

Don't let moisture from your water heater just sit around and damage your home. Find your local SERVPRO today.  

FAQs

Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

A leaking water heater is often caused by a worn drain valve, loose inlet or outlet connections, a failing T&P valve, or internal tank corrosion. The location of the leak, top or bottom, usually points to the cause. A water heater leaking from the bottom is usually ready to be replaced. 

What Should You Do if Your Water Heater Is Leaking?

Shut off the water supply and power to the unit right away. Contain the water, document the damage with photos, and remove standing water. Then call a plumber and, if needed, a restoration pro.  

What Causes a Water Heater to Leak?

Leaks typically stem from aging parts wearing out over time, such as a cracked drain valve, loose fittings, or sediment buildup damaging the tank. Corrosion inside an older tank is one of the most common long-term causes of hot water heaters leaking.  

Is It Normal for a Water Heater to Leak?

It's normal for your temperature and pressure valve to occasionally leak. But steady leaking, pooling water, or any moisture near the base of the tank isn't normal. If you notice any of these issues, call a plumber right away. 

How Can You Tell if Your Water Heater Is Leaking?

Look for puddles or damp spots around the base of the tank, moisture on top of the tank, rust or corrosion on the fittings, or a drop in water pressure. Another telltale sign of water damage is a musty smell in the space around your water heater.