Water heaters are expensive to fully replace.

Run a faucet on hot and check the temperature to ensure the valve is fully shut.

Use a stepladder to access and check the pipesespecially thewater supply linesgoing into the water heater.

Bottom of water heater tank with leaking water falling to wood floor

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

However, pipe replacement is a task that will need to be completed by a plumber.

Tip

Water lines can be rigid pipe connections or flexible supply tubes.

Flexible tubes are the most common cause of leaks above the water heater.

Materials and tools to fix a water heater leak

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Start by checking the temperature setting on your heater, and lowering it to 120F.

If the valve needs reinstalling or replacing, call a professional.

Afterdraining or flushing a water heater, it’s common for the drain valve to fail to close completely.

Power turned off in main service panel

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

A leaky drain valve can be capped with a hose cap, orreplaced completelywith a new valve.

These can start to leak from their threads, or if they’ve cracked from overtightening.

Removing the water heater nipples can be difficult and requiresa pipe wrenchand some leverage.

Copper water supply line checked above water heater for leaks

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Normally this will be a major, flooding leak, not small dripping.

No, continuing to use a leaking water heater makes the problem worse and even causes flooding.

However, if the tank leaks, the water heater can no longer operate and needs immediate replacement.

Pressure release valve pointed out for leaks on water heater

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Dielectric Fitting.National Institutes of Health.

Drain valve at bottom of water heater examined for leaks

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Copper supply tube removed to check water heater nipples for leaks

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Bottom of water heater tank checked for leaks near base

The Spruce / Kevin Norris