Hot Water Heater Leaks and What To Do

If your water heater is leaking, shut off the power or fuel supply and the cold water inlet, then call for service. Fittings and valves can be repaired, but a leaking tank must be replaced.

First steps when you see a puddle

Do not panic, but act fast. Turn off the electric breaker, or set a gas or oil water heater to off or pilot. Close the cold water supply valve on the pipe above the tank. If water is still flowing, shut off the main. Move belongings out of the way and use a bucket or wet vacuum.

Many Upstate homes have finished basements or utility rooms with laundry, so even a slow leak can ruin a lot before it is noticed.

Find the source

Dry the area with a towel, then look closely at likely spots: the inlet and outlet pipes, the drain valve, the temperature and pressure relief valve and its discharge pipe, and the bottom of the tank. Hold a dry paper towel against each fitting to see where it gets wet. Photographs help when you call us, so take a few before you clean up.

Leaks that can be fixed

• Loose or corroded fittings on the supply lines
• A dripping drain valve
• A faulty relief valve or discharge pipe
• Condensation on the tank after a big fill of very cold winter water, which looks like a leak but is not

These repairs are usually quick, and Superior CO-OP HVAC provides a written quote before any work begins.

Leaks that mean replacement

Water seeping from the base or the tank jacket means the steel tank has corroded through, and it cannot be patched. The leak will grow, so replace the unit promptly. As a rule of thumb, most tanks last 8 to 12 years, and a leaking tank near that age is a clear replace decision.

Why tanks leak here

Very cold incoming water, hard-water scale and sediment, and an anode rod that has been used up all contribute to tank failure. A yearly service and flush can extend life. Check the unit seasonally for rust at the base and fittings. See our guide to warning signs a water heater is failing.

Replacement options

Superior CO-OP HVAC installs RUUD tank, tankless and hybrid heat pump water heaters; see hot water heaters. A hybrid heat pump model uses electricity more efficiently than standard electric resistance. Call (518) 719-5614 on weekdays or use the 24/7 booking line at (518) 333-7431 for urgent service.

Prevent the next leak

Flush the tank, have the anode rod checked, inspect connections and keep the area clear of storage so a drip is easy to spot. A maintenance plan keeps the service scheduled. Tune-ups for water heaters start at $198.89.

Considering a heat pump water heater?

When a leaking tank forces a replacement, it is the right time to compare options. A hybrid heat pump water heater uses electricity more efficiently than a standard electric tank, and tankless models free up floor space and provide continuous hot water. Gas and propane tanks remain a solid choice where those fuels are available.

What fits depends on your fuel, family size and the space you have in your basement or utility room. Superior CO-OP HVAC offers a free in-home estimate and puts a written quote in your hands before any work starts. Start with hot water heaters to see the choices.

Frequently asked questions