Water heater leakage is not something to watch and see if it will stop. When ignored, it may result in:

• Corrosion
• Electrical risks
• Complete tank damage.

Here is what to do right away.

Disable the power or gas supply

Disconnect the energy source before making contact.

• For electric units: Disconnect the breaker at the panel.
• For gas units: Set the control valve off.

Ensure that the leakage does not come into contact with electrical components.

Stop the water supply

Find the cold water supply for the tank. It should be mounted over the heater. Rotate it clockwise until it stops. This prevents further entry of water into the tank. It reduces pressure at the leakage point.

Track down the origin of the leakage

Water on the top of the heater will typically be supplied by one of the following:

Hot or cold water supply

Common causes of leaks are:

• Loose fittings
• Worn-out pipe joints
• Weak threading connections.

Over time, vibration and thermal expansion cause these issues.

What to check:

Check for drips in the inlet or the outlet pipe connections. Try to tighten loose-fittings. But do not overtighten. This could ruin the threads.

Temperature/Pressure Relief Valve

This is a safety valve. It releases water if internal pressure is excessive. Constant leakage can mean:

• Too much pressure
• Too much heat
• Valve leakage.

What to check:

Is the water flowing out of the valve body? Or the discharge pipe at the top? This is a safety problem. It must be checked by a licensed technician immediately. This is where reliable 24 hour plumbers come in.

Inlet valve or shutoff valve failure

The cold water valve feeds the heater. It may corrode internally. When that happens, it starts leaking at the stem or where it is connected.

What to check:

Check the valve handle or compression fittings around the valve.

Expansion tank issues

Maybe your system has a thermal expansion tank. It is usually installed above the heater. The leaks may result from corrosion or bladder rupture of the main unit.

What to check:

Check the expansion tank to identify:

• Rust
• Standing water
• Loose connections.

Contain the water

Put towels or a shallow pan under the leak. This will prevent water damage. Even minor drops favor mold when left unattended.

Request professional assistance

Call a certified plumber if:

• The T&P valve is leaking.
• The tank itself seems to be corroded on the upper seam.
• It is impossible to put the brakes after tying knots.
• The flow of water does not reduce.

If there are signs of corrosion, the internal tank may be failing. In that case, you may have to replace it.

To sum up

If your water heater is leaking, do this:

• Turn off the power
• Cut off the water supply
• Find the cause
• Call an emergency plumber
• Fix the issue.