Water Heater Leaking? 7 Things to Do in the Next Hour
Finding water around the heater is stressful, and the first hour decides how much it costs. Here is what to do, in order, whether it is a slow drip or a steady flow.
1. Turn off the gas or the power
On a gas heater, turn the gas control knob to OFF. On an electric heater, switch off its breaker at the panel. Do this before touching anything wet near the controls or wiring.
2. Close the cold water supply
Follow the two pipes on top of the tank. The cold one has a shut-off valve; close it. If that valve looks old and seized, do not force it: close the main water valve to the house instead.
3. Decide: slow drip or steady flow?
If water is spraying or pouring, keep the supply off. If it is a slow drip, you can briefly leave the supply on to see where it starts, then close it once you know.
4. Find where it starts
Dry everything and check from the top down: connections and valves on top, the relief valve and its pipe, the drain valve, then the base. The guides to leaks from the top and leaks from the bottom go fitting by fitting.
5. Contain the water
Towels, a bucket under the drip and a wet vacuum on the floor. Move anything stored near the tank, and in a closet or attic, check the ceiling and floor below.
6. Drain the tank if the tank itself is leaking
If the water is coming from the tank body, connect a garden hose to the drain valve and run it to a floor drain or outside. Opening a hot tap in the house lets air in so it drains faster. For a valve or fitting leak, draining usually is not needed.
7. Note the age and call
The rating label on the side shows the model and serial number, and the serial usually encodes the year. Note it, take a photo of the leak, and call. With those, a plumber can usually tell you on the phone whether you are looking at a repair or a replacement decision. For a visit, book water heater leak repair near you.
Can I still shower if my hot water heater is leaking?
Not with hot water: the heater is off and its supply is closed. Cold water still runs everywhere else in the house, because the cold lines branch off before the heater.
Will a leaking water heater explode?
Very rarely. The relief valve prevents dangerous pressure and temperature. The real risk is flooding when a corroded tank gives way, which is why a leaking tank should not be left running.
Quick answers
Should I turn off the hot water heater if it is leaking?
Yes. Turn the gas control to OFF or switch off the breaker, then close the cold supply valve.
Should I drain my hot water heater if it's leaking?
Only if the tank itself is leaking. For valve or fitting leaks, closing the supply is enough.
What to do when a water heater is leaking while on vacation?
Shut off the house main water valve if you can reach it or have someone do it, then turn off the heater's gas or power and arrange a visit for when you are back.
Leak still running?
A plumber who handles leaking water heaters can trace it and quote it in writing.
