Can you Fix a Leaky Hot Water Heater?

When your hot water heater is leaking it’s important to figure out where the water is coming from before trying to determine if you can fix it yourself. Typically, homeowners will find a puddle underneath or next to their hot water heater, indicating that there is a problem with the unit somewhere. However, it’s also possible that the water is coming from a nearby source like a pipe, sump pump, toilet, or humidifier.

If you can trace the water back to its source to determine that it’s from a valve on the hot water heater, or connector plumbing, you may be able to fix the problem. However, if the leak is from the tank itself because of a crack, you will likely need to replace your hot water heater. A cracked hot water heater can be very dangerous because it can allow hot water to leak, creating a burn risk, or altering the pressure inside unpredictably, increasing the chances of an explosion. If you notice a crack, turn off the water and call a licensed plumber right away to have someone come out and inspect the unit. The local plumber will tell you what can be done to repair the hot water heater or whether it will need to be replaced.

If water is leaking from one of the components of a hot water heater, it can likely be fixed. A pressure relief valve or drain valve failure are common causes for hot water tank leaks. Turn off the water and then test the valves by manually opening them with a bucket underneath to determine if they can be turned on and off effectively. If either does not work as expected, it may need to be replaced. These are relatively minor fixes, which means that you can either choose to do the work yourself or have a plumber come out and do the fix.

Remember, when you are repairing a hot water heater, you need to consider both the potential of injury as well as the potential for damage to your home. If you attempt to fix it and make a mistake, you can end up getting burned or even flooding the area when you turn the water back on to test that the unit is working correctly. To have a licensed local plumber come out and fix your hot water heater, give us a call at 1 (800) 674-9130.

Additional Resources:
Leaky Hot Water Tank: What Now?
Where Did My Hot Water Go?
How Expensive is Thermocouple Replacement?
Water Heater Installment Costs
Can Hot Water Heaters be Fixed by Plumbers?
Is My Plumbing Repair an Emergency?
Who Does Emergency Plumbing?
Emergency Plumbing Costs
Water Heater Replacement Companies
Who Repairs Hot Water Tanks?
What Does It Cost to Repair Water Heater Backdraft
Can I Repair My Water Heater Valve or Do I Need to Replace It?
Who Replaces Water Heaters?
Should I Replace My Water Heater?
Is Water Heater Repair Expensive?
Repairs on Hot Water Heaters
Common Hot Water Tank Problems
Leaky Hot Water Tank Repair Companies
How to Fix a Hot Water Heater