Water Heater Repair
Track down cold showers, rumbling noises, leaks and a pilot light that keeps going out.
Homeowner guide
A Water Heater Leaking From the Bottom in Lafayette
Water on the floor near a heater makes the stomach drop. Sometimes the cause is a loose fitting you can fix in minutes. Sometimes the tank has rusted through and it is time to replace it.
By the Lafayette Plumbers team ·
Shut things off first
Electric heaters lose power at the breaker; gas models get the control turned to off or pilot. Close the cold supply valve on the line feeding the tank top. This stops new water from entering the tank and slows the leak.
Open a hot faucet somewhere else so air can get in, and hook a hose to the drain valve when the tank must be emptied. Keep people and pets away from the spill, and watch for slippery floors.
Find where the water starts
Dry the area with a towel and watch where fresh drops appear. Water running down the outside of the tank may come from a fitting higher up. Inspect the supply pipes on top, the relief valve with its discharge pipe, and the drain valve.
A drip from the relief valve discharge pipe can mean the valve is bad, or that pressure or temperature is too high. A loose drain valve may only need tightening. These leaks are repairable, and the tank can stay in service.
When the tank has failed
If water comes from the bottom of the tank itself, or from a seam in the shell, the steel has corroded through. Hard water speeds this up because scale sits on the bottom and holds moisture against the metal.
A leaking tank cannot be patched. The right move is to drain it and replace it. See water heater replacement for what a new install includes.
Where the water comes from
The source decides the fix.
| Source | What it suggests | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Supply pipe connection at the top | A loose or worn fitting | Tighten or replace the fitting |
| Relief valve discharge pipe | A worn valve or high pressure | Replace the valve and check pressure |
| Drain valve | A loose or worn valve | Tighten or replace it |
| Tank shell or seam | The tank has corroded through | Replace the heater |
Condensation and look-alikes
Not every puddle is a leak. A high-efficiency gas heater produces condensate that drains through a small tube. A cold pipe sweating on a humid day can drip. A leaking pipe overhead can run down to the heater.
Wipe everything dry and watch for an hour. A pattern that follows the heating cycle points to condensate, while a steady drip points to a leak.
Protecting the floor
A pan beneath the heater collects small leaks and sends them to a floor drain or outside. A water alarm on the floor gives an early warning. A leak sensor with automatic shutoff stops the water before much damage.
If the heater sits on finished flooring, ask a plumber about a pan with a drain line. If water has soaked drywall or carpet, see water damage restoration about drying.
Repair or replace
A leaking fitting or valve on a relatively new heater is worth fixing. A tank at least ten years old that leaks through its shell cannot be saved. The age is printed on the label.
Ask for repair and replacement prices side by side. See water heater repair for the common faults and what they cost to fix.
Why tanks fail
Years of heating and cooling stress the steel. Sediment collects, and the lining cracks. Once rust perforates the tank, water seeps out, usually near the bottom.
Hard water speeds up the process. Flushing a tank and checking the anode rod can delay failure, but cannot repair a leak that has begun.
Planning the replacement
Decide whether to match the old unit or change type. Measure the space, check the venting and the gas or electric supply, and ask about permits.
Replacing before a total failure avoids water damage. If your tank is near the end of its typical life, plan ahead.
Cleaning up safely
Turn off power before standing in water near electrical parts. Use a wet vacuum, run fans and open windows to dry the area.
Check nearby drywall and flooring for moisture over the next days. If water spread widely, a restoration crew can dry it properly.
Questions to ask about a new heater
Find out about the tank and parts warranty, the venting, the expansion tank and who removes the old heater. A permit may be needed, and the inspector may check for earthquake straps or seismic rules where they apply.
Compare sizes by household use rather than by habit. A right-sized tank saves energy and meets daily demand.
Reading the date on the tank
The data plate lists a serial number that usually encodes the month and year of manufacture. A unit more than ten years old with a leak is rarely worth repairing.
Write the date in your home records. It helps you plan the next replacement and answers questions from an insurer or a buyer.
First moves when you find a puddle
Turn off the power or gas, close the cold inlet and open a hot tap to relieve pressure. Dry the area and place a bucket or towel under any drip. Avoid standing in water near wiring.
Look at where the water starts before you decide anything. A loose fitting and a rusted tank need different answers.
Why the tank itself fails
Years of heating and cooling stress the steel lining, and sediment speeds the damage. When the lining cracks, water reaches the steel and rust follows. Leaks near the bottom of the shell cannot be patched.
Hard water speeds this up, so flushing and checking the anode rod can delay it. A tank past ten years that leaks is rarely worth saving.
Common questions
Answers on leaking water heater
Not if the tank is leaking. Isolate the water along with the electricity or gas, and book an inspection.
It means pressure or temperature is too high, or the valve is worn. Have it checked.
Often a decade or more, shorter in hard water.
Many policies cover sudden leaks but not the heater itself. Ask your insurer.
Related services
Water Heater Installation & Replacement
Pull a worn-out tank and select the proper capacity, fuel and exhaust.
Water Damage Restoration
Pump out water, dry the building and repair it after a leak or flood.
More plumbing guides
Tankless or tank water heater
Tankless units save space and last longer, tanks cost less up front. Cold Colorado incoming water changes the math.
Hard water: signs and fixes
Hard Front Range water leaves scale on fixtures and shortens the life of heaters. Learn how to spot it and what to do.
Finding the main water shutoff
When a pipe splits, the first move is the main valve. Find the valve, understand how it operates and know your options if it jams.
Speak with the phone desk
Water heater leaking now?
Shut off the supply and power, then call the 24/7 line and describe where the water starts.
Call (720) 743-9476(720) 743-9476 · day and night