Do this first. For an electric heater, switch off its breaker. For a gas heater, turn the gas control to Off or Pilot. Then close the cold-water valve on the pipe feeding the top of the tank. Don't touch the relief valve or its pipe if hot water is coming out; it can scald.
Find where the water is coming from
- Pipes and fittings on top. Drips from the connections above the tank are often a loose fitting or a worn connector. This is usually a repair.
- The relief valve pipe on the side. The temperature and pressure relief valve opens when the tank gets too hot or pressure is too high. A steady discharge needs a plumber to check the valve, the thermostat and your home's water pressure.
- The drain valve near the bottom. A drip from the drain valve can often be fixed by replacing the valve.
- Under the tank, with no other source. If water is seeping from the tank itself, the inner tank has usually rusted through. That can't be repaired; the heater needs replacing.
When to replace instead of repair
A leaking tank body, rust-colored hot water combined with a leak, or a heater past roughly 10 to 12 years old are all signs replacement makes more sense. We'll give you both prices in writing when both are options.