Why is my water heater leaking? Fix it in 4 steps

1. Why it's leaking

Water heaters leak for two common reasons: lack of service, and high water pressure. Without service the tank corrodes and eventually leaks. A broken pressure regulator lets high pressure in, which also causes leaks.

2. Repair or replace?

• Top of the heater: usually a quick fix. Check the cold in and hot out supply lines, nipples and thread collars, and the vent connection.
• T&P valve: leaking from the valve to its pipe means a new valve, about $35 in parts, and probably a new pressure regulator too. Leaking where the valve threads into the tank means the tank can't be repaired.
• Bottom of the heater: water collecting under it means the heater has reached the end of its life and needs replacing.

3. Stop the leak

1. 1

   Attach a garden hose to the drain valve.

2. 2

   Open the valve and let water flow for 60 seconds. It should flow freely, or the heater won't drain.

3. 3

   Shut off the water at the shutoff valve.

4. 4

   Open a hot water tap, or undo a supply line, so air can get in.

5. 5

   Drain the water heater.

6. 6

   Turn off the gas at the shutoff valve.

7. 7

   Call us or any qualified plumber.

4. Check your warranty

Manufacturers don't print warranty terms on the heater. They use codes in the serial number that tell plumbers when it was made. Your heater may still be covered, which can save you $600 to $1,000 or even get you a free heater.

More repair guides

• How to fix a pilot light that won't stay lit
• The temperature and pressure relief valve