A little sleuthing can go a long way
A water heater leaking from the top may seem like an ordinary and minor problem—after all, it is a water heater. But such leaks can pose a serious safety issue when you discover water outside your water heater, as water and electricity don’t play nicely together. If you see water leaking from the top of your water heater, you'll want to look at these common causes and solutions to fix the issue as soon as possible.
Safety First: Before you attempt any solutions, you should turn off the gas or shut off the circuit breaker for your water heater, depending on whether you have a gas or electric water heater.
A temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve is typically a brass, gold-colored device attached to the top side of your water heater tank. Though it might not seem like much, this valve is crucial to regulating pressure in the tank. Fortunately, there are just a few potential issues at hand and solutions that could fix this problem.
If there is too much pressure inside your water heater tank, the TPR valve will release pressure and potentially leak water. A faulty or corroded TPR valve that needs replacing is another issue that can cause leaks from the TPR valve.
Inspect the TPR valve for signs of corrosion or looseness. If you suspect that the TPR valve is the cause of the leak, then it is important to shut off your water heater and replace the valve immediately to prevent an explosion.
On the other hand, if there is too much pressure inside your water heater, and the TPR valve is operating correctly, then there may be an underlying issue with your water heater that calls for a professional’s expertise.
A cold water inlet valve on a water heater manages cold water entering your water heater from the main supply, while a hot water inlet valve manages hot water entering from the main supply. You can identify a cold water inlet valve by looking for a blue or yellow valve. The hot water inlet valve is usually red and located next to the cold water inlet valve.
A loose or deteriorated hot or cold water inlet valve allows water entering from the main water line to leak outside of the water heater.
This is a common problem with a few common solutions. Observe the valves for signs of a leak to confirm this is the source of your water leaking. Signs of corrosion mean you'll need to replace the valve entirely. If there is no corrosion, check to see if either inlet valve is loose and wiggly. You can tighten these inlet valves using a wrench. But if there’s still a leak after tightening with the wrench, you'll need to replace the inlet valve.
Leaky pipes are part of the game when it comes to plumbing. So it makes sense that damaged, cracked, loose, or corroded pipe fittings can play a role in water leaking from your water heater. Let's take a closer look at the issue and how you can fix it.
We've already examined the cold and hot water inlet valves, but sometimes the issue starts before the valves—in the pipe fittings. Corrosion is a common issue with hot water heaters, so it's important to inspect them regularly for rust and corrosion.
If your pipe fittings are corroded and leaking, then you may see water droplets around the pipe fittings themselves. To fix these pipe fittings, you'll likely need to replace the pipes entirely. This may call for a professional, as you want to ensure that you choose the right parts, install the new pipe fittings correctly, and avoid any water or electrical issues from occurring during the removal of the old fittings and the installation of the new fittings.
The anode rod in your hot water heater helps prevent corrosion inside your hot water heater. This rod is useful for protecting your tank from corrosion, but it can become compromised if you don't keep up with maintaining and replacing the anode rod.
Without a fully operating anode rod port, corrosion can cause the rod to bubble and leak water out of the port and through the top of your tank, causing that pesky leak.
Fortunately, a solution is not far away. Simply replace the anode rod to prevent the port from leaking water. Doing so not only keeps water where it belongs but also protects the inside of your tank from corrosion. Corrosion left unattended can lead to water heater repair costs or even replacement costs down the line.
If you don't keep up with your water heater maintenance, then corrosion can work its way through your water heater tank and create leaks that require a replacement unit.
Corrosion is a hot water heater’s worst nightmare. Rust can eat away at the tank from the inside of your unit or from the outside if rainwater enters and settles on top of your hot water heater and you don't remove the water.
If you see corrosion, rust, or holes in your water heater tank, then the only way to solve this problem is to invest in a new water heater tank unit entirely. The cost of replacing a water heater is between $875 and $1,750. To safely install the new water heater, reach out to a pro instead of attempting to DIY it.
Sometimes, there isn’t a problem with your water heater at all. Instead, condensation or even a collection of rainwater is to blame for water appearing on the top of your water heater.
Condensation occurs when cold water enters the piping, and your water heater starts to heat it. Water heaters naturally produce water vapor and condensation on the outside of the unit. Though it may seem concerning, condensation is not a problem, and rainwater after a storm is also not an issue.
It's important to rule out other problems before deciding that it's just a matter of condensation or rainwater. Rainwater on top of your hot water heater should be wiped after the storm to protect the exterior of the water heater from corrosion. On the other hand, if you see condensation, then you don't need to take action.
One of the best ways to detect and protect your water heater from leaks and water damage is to have a solid water heater maintenance plan. Follow these tips to keep your water heater in tip-top shape.
To avoid issues with your water heater, you should have a professional inspect it once a year. You can also inspect it in the interim, such as after a heavy rain storm. Staying on top of inspections gives you the best chance of catching issues as they arise.
Water heaters need flushing at least once a year. You can either have a professional flush your water heater, or you can do it yourself if you know how to flush a water heater. Flushing a hot water heater helps remove the buildup of sediment in your tank, which can protect your water heater from corrosion and a reduced life span.
Inspect the T&P or TPR valve for signs of corrosion, and use a handy wrench to tighten the valve if it appears loose. Any leaks that occur as a result of the TPR valve after attempting to tighten the valve may require a replacement.
The anode rod in your water heater needs replacing every three to five years on average, but it's best to start inspecting the rod around the two-year mark. Hard water containing high levels of sediment will eat away at the rod faster than soft water.
You should always leave the space around your water heater tank open. If there is clutter around the tank, this can make it hard to identify leaks when they occur and find out where the leaks are coming from when you do finally discover there's an issue.
Insulating your water heater tank can help protect your tank and pipes during the winter. Moisture-resistant insulation also helps protect your tank from corroding from continuous leaks, condensation, and rainwater.
When you discover a leak from your water heater, it's important to take action quickly, but it's equally important to know when to call in a professional. While some minor issues like tightening a loose valve can be handled by most homeowners, many causes of leaking from the top require a pro’s expertise to fix safely.
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and attempting to fix more complex problems without the right expertise can lead to further damage and safety hazards. A professional water heater contractor near you can properly assess and diagnose the problem, and then fix it safely and efficiently.
Deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater depends on its age and the severity of the issue. If your water heater is relatively new, a minor leak might just require a simple repair. However, if the unit is older or the damage is extensive, replacing the water heater might be a more cost-effective and long-term solution.
Consulting with a water heater contractor can help you weigh your options and decide on the best course of action based on the condition of your unit.
If your leaking water heater requires a professional touch, you’ll need to find a plumber who can handle the job. And you’ll want to avoid picking the first plumber you talk to. Instead, reach out to multiple plumbers until you find the right person. A phone call is a great way to get an idea of their experience and knowledge as well as an estimate of the project’s cost. On average, hiring an emergency plumber costs $170, but this can range between $60 and $600. Make sure to move your talks from the phone to in person before making any final decisions or accepting any final quotes. When on-site, your water heater professional can assess the problem (e.g. tell you if you need a repair or replacement), give you a more accurate estimate, and answer any other questions you may have.
To save time as you weed through your list of local plumbers, use this list of questions to help you narrow down your selection to a professional who’s affordable, skilled, and up for the job.
Are you licensed?
How many years of experience do you have?
What experience do you have with water heater repairs?
Do you have insurance coverage, and does it cover accident damages?
Do you offer warranties or guarantees?
What’s your soonest availability?
Can my water heater wait until you’re available? If not, can you suggest a temporary fix?
Can I use my water if the water heater is leaking?
How long will it take to fix?
How much will the job cost?
A leaking water heater isn’t an automatic sign of a dangerous situation, but depending on where the leak is and what type of problem you’re dealing with, it can be. A leaking water heater can cause flooding, a gas leak, electrical issues, and scalding — burns caused by excessively hot water. Your leaking water heater merges into even more dangerous territory if you’re dealing with a gas leak or TPR valve issues. While a gas leak puts you at risk for a fire, a leaking TPR valve poses the risk of an explosion.
If you discover a leak in your water heater, turn off the water to the unit. You can continue using your water if the leak stops. If the leak stops, you can use the water for your regular household activities—taking a shower, washing dishes, and doing laundry. Remember—this water will be cold, and you may be dealing with less water pressure. If the leak doesn’t stop, avoid using any water and contact a plumbing professional.
Yes, a leaking water heater can burst. Water heaters are pressurized, and if too much pressure builds in the tank, it will burst. The temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve keeps the pressure inside the tank stable by periodically opening and expelling extra water. If the valve is broken or under too much pressure, the TPR valve stays open and can cause the entire tank to do more than burst—it’ll explode.
