Water Heater Leaking? What to Do Right Now
Short answerIf your water heater is leaking, turn off its power or gas, then close the cold water valve above the tank. A leak from a pipe or valve can often be repaired. A leak from the bottom of the tank usually means the tank has failed and needs replacing. Call a plumber to confirm.
Safety first
- Turn off an electric water heater at the breaker before going near a puddle. If water reaches outlets or the panel, stay out and call an electrician.
- On a gas unit, turn the control to off. If water has reached the burner or gas control, do not relight it; have a plumber check it first. If you smell gas, leave right away and call from outside.
- Water in the tank can scald you. Do not open the drain valve or touch the relief valve. Never cap or plug the relief valve or its discharge pipe.
Likely causes
| Cause | How to tell | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Loose fittings or supply connections | Water is dripping from the top, with wet pipes above the tank. | A plumber tightens or replaces the connector. |
| Relief valve dripping | Water comes from the side valve or its discharge pipe. | Usually high pressure or a needed expansion tank. A plumber checks those before replacing the valve. |
| Drain valve | Water drips from the small valve near the bottom. | A plumber replaces the valve. |
| Tank failure | Water pools under the tank with no other wet parts, and you may see rust. | The water heater needs replacing. |
Why this is a job for a professional
- Call today for any leak, and right away if water is reaching floors, walls or electrical equipment.
- The unit is more than 10 years old or leaks around the base.
- Ask: where exactly is it leaking from? What is my water pressure? Do I need an expansion tank? Is repair worth it at this age? Does the price include removal, permits and code upgrades?
What it costs to have fixed
Water Heater Replacement is estimated at $750 to $2,050 nationally. See your state
Common questions
Why is my water heater leaking from the bottom?
It may be the drain valve, water running down from above, or a failed tank. If the valve and pipes are dry and water keeps pooling under the unit, the tank has likely failed and it should be replaced.
Is a leaking water heater dangerous?
It can be. The water is hot, the leak can reach electrical parts, and it can damage floors and walls. Turn off the power or gas, close the cold water valve, and dry the area within 24 to 48 hours.
How long do water heaters last?
One maker says the average tank lasts 8 to 12 years, and that replacement is often the better choice at 10 years or more.
Is water heater leak damage covered by insurance?
It depends on how it happened and on your policy. As an example from Texas, the Texas Department of Insurance says most home policies cover sudden, accidental water damage but usually not gradual leaks or seepage. Check your own policy and your state insurance department. Source
Related repairs
- Burst Pipe in House? What to Do First
- Clogged Drain? How to Unclog a Sink or Tub
- Frozen Pipes? How to Thaw Them Safely
- Garbage Disposal Not Working? Reset and Unjam It
- Leaky Faucet? How to Fix a Dripping Faucet
- Low Water Pressure in House? How to Find the Cause
- No Hot Water in House? What to Check First
- Sewer Smell in House? Causes and What to Do
Last verified 2026-11-01
Sources
- HotWater.com: When to Repair or Replace — Leak causes, base-of-tank leaks pointing to replacement, 8 to 12 year life, and the 10 year threshold
- HotWater.com: Water Heater Maintenance Guide — Relief valve drips usually meaning high pressure or a needed expansion tank, and most leaks coming from supply connections
- HotWater.com: Why Your Water Heater Isn't Working — Shutting off power before touching anything
- NC State Extension: Preventative Home Maintenance — Checking the water heater tank for leaks or rust
- CDC: About Mold — Drying wet areas within 24 to 48 hours
- A.O. Smith: Water Heater User Manual (copy on ManualsDir) — The relief valve discharge line must not be capped, blocked or plugged
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.