Why is my water heater leaking?
Where the water comes from tells you what's wrong. Leaks from the pipes on top, the relief valve, or the drain valve can usually be fixed. A leak from the tank itself means the heater needs replacing.
| Where | What it usually means | Fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Pipes on top | A loose fitting on the water lines | Often, by tightening or replacing a connector |
| Relief valve on the side | Too much pressure or heat, or a worn valve | Usually. Call a plumber, since pressure problems need a look |
| Drain valve at the bottom | A worn valve or sediment keeping it from sealing | Often, by tightening, capping, or replacing the valve |
| Bottom of the tank or the tank itself | The tank has rusted through inside | No. The heater needs replacing |
Condensation can look like a leak, especially on a gas heater when cold water first fills it. If the drip stops once the tank is hot, it may not be a leak at all.
Can a leaking water heater be fixed?
Often, if the leak is at a fitting or valve. Not if the tank itself is leaking.
A tank that leaks from its body can't be patched. Here's what the new one will likely cost: water heater replacement cost calculator. In Summit County, the replacement needs a permit (about $101 in the county's area), which the plumber normally pulls.
Before you call a plumber
- Have the heater's label handy (brand, model, and serial number). It tells the plumber the size, fuel, and age.
- Say where the water is coming from, and whether you've shut off the water and the heat.
- Ask whether the price includes the permit, haul-away, and an expansion tank if one is needed.
- Check the plumber's license and insurance: how to check a contractor in Ohio.
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