Your water heater is leaking — how serious is it?
Check the safety items below first. A leak from the top is often a loose fitting or the T&P valve and can be fixable; a leak from the bottom of the tank itself usually means internal corrosion — a failed tank that needs replacing, not repairing. Either way, if it's more than a trickle: shut off the water to the heater and, on electric units, the breaker (on gas, set it to 'pilot'). A tank typically lasts 6–12 years, so age tells you a lot.
First, a safety check — is any of this true right now?
No hazard flagged — the diagnostic steps below are appropriate. If any of the above changes, stop and follow the safety guidance.
Top leak vs. bottom leak
Dry the area, then watch where water reappears. From the top: usually the cold/hot water connections or the temperature-and-pressure (T&P) relief valve — often a tightening or a valve replacement, a plumber's quick job. From the bottom, pooling under the tank: usually the tank has corroded through, which can't be repaired — plan a replacement.
A little water at the drain valve or from the T&P discharge pipe can also be normal expansion; a steady leak is not.
If the tank has failed
A tank water heater typically lasts 6–12 years (InterNACHI). Past that and leaking from the body, replacement is the answer — a tank replacement runs roughly $881–$1,825 installed (industry estimate). See the replacement-cost and no-hot-water pages for the next steps.
When to call a professional
- • Gas smell, water reaching outlets/panel, or a gushing leak — shut off and follow the safety steps.
- • The leak is from the tank body (bottom) — get a replacement quote.
- • You can't tell the source or safely shut off the supply.
Common questions
- Is a leaking water heater an emergency?
- A gushing tank or water reaching electrical is — shut off water and power and follow the safety steps. A slow drip isn't an emergency but shouldn't wait; a failing tank can eventually burst.
- Can a leaking tank be repaired?
- A leak from a fitting or valve, yes. A leak from the steel tank itself, no — internal corrosion means replacement.
Sources
- Conventional tank water heater typical service life: 6-12 years. Tier 2 (standards/extension)
InterNACHI (Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart) · verified 2026-07-26 - Tank water heater replacement (unit + install): $881–$1,825 (avg ~$1,300) (US, industry estimate). Tier 3 (industry estimate)estimate · has commercial bias
HomeGuide · verified 2026-07-26 - Set a water heater to 120°F to reduce scald risk while limiting bacteria growth. Tier 1 (official)
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC Pub. 5098) · verified 2026-07-26