Is your water heater leaking? Here’s how to fix it and prevent costly damage

If you’ve noticed that your water heater is leaking, you’re probably concerned about potential damage to your home and rising water bills. Let’s explore the most common causes behind this problem and find out how you can fix it yourself, without an expensive technician.

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Reasons why a water heater leaks

There are several reasons why a water heater may leak. Here are a few of the most common ones.

• Faulty temperature and pressure relief valve: The T&P valve is a safety feature that releases water if the pressure or temperature inside the tank becomes too high. If the water heater valve is leaking, the valve may be broken or the pressure inside the tank could be too high. 
• Leaking drain valve: A water heater drain valve is used to remove sediment from the tank, but over time, it can wear down or loosen, which may cause leaks. 
• Corroded water heater tank: Over time, sediment and rust can weaken the tank and cause leaks. Unfortunately, once the tank is corroded, the only solution is to replace the entire unit.
• Loose or damaged connections: If the unit leaks at the connections where water enters and exits the heater, there may be loose, worn or damaged connections that need tightening or replacement.
• Excessive pressure in the tank: If your water heater’s thermostat is set too high, it can create excessive pressure inside the tank, which may cause the water heater valve to leak. Lowering the temperature setting on the thermostat can help regulate the pressure, but you may also need to install a thermal expansion tank to prevent future leaks.

How to troubleshoot a leaking water heater

Note: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Step 1: Find the source of the leak

Check for water around the water heater valve leaking, the drain valve, and the base of the tank. Note everywhere you see leaks.

Step 2: Tighten any loose connections

If you find any loose connection points around the area that’s leaking, you’ll need to tighten them with a wrench. Be sure not to overtighten, as this can damage them. If you find any damaged parts, replace them.

Step 3: Check the pressure inside the tank

Use a pressure gauge to check the pressure inside the water heater tank. If there’s excess pressure, try reducing the temperature. If the pressure remains high, installing a thermal expansion tank may help regulate the pressure and prevent future leaks.

Step 4: Check the tank for corrosion and replace it if needed

If the inside of the tank is corroded, you’ll need to replace the entire unit. Unfortunately, once the tank has rusted, it’s not possible to repair it. 

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to common water heater questions. 

Why is my water heater leaking from the drain valve?

This may be happening due to a worn-out drain valve, which is used to drain the tank during maintenance. If it’s not tightly closed or has degraded, it may leak. If tightening the valve doesn’t stop the leak, you’ll probably need to replace the valve to fix the problem.

What causes a water heater to leak from the bottom?

Water heater leaks from the bottom typically happen due to corrosion inside the tank that’s most often caused by sediment buildup. If the tank rusts or has significant corrosion, the only solution is to replace the entire water heater, as the tank itself can’t be repaired.

Is a leaking water heater dangerous?

Yes, a leaking water heater can be dangerous, especially if the leak is due to high pressure in the tank. Excessive pressure can cause the T&P valve to malfunction, and in extreme cases, the tank could burst. As soon as you notice any problems — including any leaks — you should take immediate action to fix the unit to prevent any damage or injuries.

Can I still use my water heater if it’s leaking?

You should avoid using your water heater that’s leaking. Even minor leaks can lead to significant water damage, and in some cases, the leak may indicate a serious problem such as high pressure or corrosion in the tank. You should turn off the water and power supply and address the leak promptly to avoid any serious damage or injury.

More information

We appreciate you stopping by! Hopefully this guide helped you get your water heater back in shape. 

For help with other repairs, you can check out our large collection of troubleshooting guides and videos. Need parts? Just grab that model number and get on over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a tech, read our blog, and more. 

Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram to see our latest tutorials!