What to Do When Your Water Heater Starts Leaking

Walking into your utility room and finding your water heater sitting in a puddle of water is a homeowner’s nightmare. A leaking water heater can cause severe property damage if not addressed immediately. However, keeping calm and taking the right steps can minimize the mess and keep you safe.

If you discover a leak, follow this step-by-step emergency guide.

Step 1: Turn Off the Power Source

Water and energy are a dangerous combination. Before you start investigating the leak or trying to clean up, you must shut off the power to the unit.

• For Electric Water Heaters: Go to your home’s electrical breaker panel and find the breaker labeled for the water heater. Flip it to the "Off" position. Never stand in a puddle of water while doing this.
• For Gas Water Heaters: Locate the thermostat dial near the bottom of the tank. Turn the dial to the "Off" setting. If you smell gas, leave the house immediately and call the gas company.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply

Next, you need to stop water from continuing to flow into the tank and feeding the leak. Look for the cold water inlet pipe at the top of the water heater. There should be a shut-off valve on this pipe.

• Gate Valve: A wheel-like handle. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
• Ball Valve: A straight handle. Turn it 90 degrees so it is perpendicular to the pipe.

If the valve on the water heater is broken or you can't reach it safely, find your home's main water shut-off valve and turn that off instead.

Step 3: Drain the Tank (Optional but Recommended)

If the leak is severe or coming from the bottom of the tank, you should drain the water heater to prevent further flooding. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run the other end to a floor drain or outside. Open the drain valve (you may need a flathead screwdriver). Warning: The water will be scalding hot! Proceed with extreme caution.

Step 4: Find the Source of the Leak

Once the situation is stabilized, try to determine where the water is coming from:

• Top of the tank: Usually a loose connection or pipe fitting. This is fixable.
• Side of the tank (T&P Valve): A leaky Temperature and Pressure relief valve. This is replaceable.
• Bottom of the tank: Usually indicates the inner steel tank has rusted through and cracked. The unit must be replaced.

Step 5: Call a Professional Plumber

Once the power and water are off, the immediate danger is over. Now it's time to call a professional. Do not attempt to dismantle the water heater or patch a cracked tank with sealant. A licensed plumber from Newark Water Heater Pros can assess the damage, give you a definitive diagnosis, and perform a safe repair or replacement.