Water heater supply pipe and hose leaks
Quick answer
If you smell gas, leave the area and call your gas supplier or emergency services from outside. Otherwise, if safe to reach, turn off the heater's gas or electrical supply before shutting off its cold water inlet. Stay clear of hot water and standing water near electrical equipment. Call a qualified plumber before draining a hot or damaged tank.
A connection leak is different from a tank leak
Water at the top of the heater can come from a supply connector, shutoff valve or threaded connection. It can run down the outer jacket and appear at the bottom. A corroded or split tank usually needs replacement, while a failed external connection may be repairable.
Record where the water first appears without handling hot fittings. Photos and the model number help the technician prepare, but an inspection is needed to confirm the source.
Repair the cause as well as the leak
High supply pressure, thermal expansion, corrosion or strain on a connector can contribute to a leak. Simply tightening a fitting may not solve the cause and can damage a connection. A repair should consider the shutoff, pressure control and support of the pipework.
Do not use tape on the outside of a pressurized hot water leak or substitute a garden hose for a rated supply connector. Gas supply connectors have different requirements and must never be treated as water hoses.
What to confirm in a quote
- Which connection or pipe has failed and whether the tank itself is sound.
- The replacement connector's rating and compatibility with the installation.
- Any pressure or expansion problem that needs a separate repair.
- The full parts and labor price and the checks after the repair.
Rather we did it?
Current repair prices and booking