Why Your Hot Water Runs Out So Fast
Hot water that vanishes mid-shower usually has a specific, fixable cause. Here are the usual suspects.
Read more →Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?
A leak can mean a $20 valve—or a tank you need to replace today. Here's how to tell the difference and what to do first.
Finding water around your heater is alarming, but not every leak is a disaster. Some are simple, inexpensive fixes. Others mean the tank has failed. The key is finding where the water is actually coming from.
First: make it safe
- Turn off the water supply at the cold-inlet valve on top of the heater
- For electric, switch off the breaker; for gas, turn the control to 'Off' or 'Pilot'
- Mop up so you can see where new water appears
- Call a pro if you can't find the source or the leak is significant
Common leak sources—and what they mean
Once it's safe, trace the water to its origin.
T&P relief valve (often fixable)
The temperature & pressure valve on the side discharges if pressure climbs too high. A dripping T&P valve may just need replacement—or it may signal excess pressure that an expansion tank would solve.
Drain valve or fittings (often fixable)
A loose drain valve at the base or a connection at the top is frequently a straightforward repair.
The tank body (not fixable)
If water is weeping from a seam in the tank itself, internal corrosion has won. A tank leak cannot be repaired—the unit must be replaced before it ruptures.
Water pooling under the center of the tank, not from a valve or fitting, almost always means the tank has failed. Don't wait—replace it before it bursts.
Why tanks leak in the first place
- Age and internal corrosion (most common)
- A depleted anode rod that stopped protecting the steel
- Sediment overheating and weakening the tank floor
- Excess water pressure with no expansion tank
Get it diagnosed fast
A small leak today can be a flooded basement tomorrow. If you're not sure what's leaking, we'll diagnose it quickly and tell you honestly whether it's a repair or a replacement. For active leaks we offer emergency service—call 973-834-8833.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a leaking water heater be repaired?
If the leak is from a valve or fitting, yes. If it's from the tank body, no—the tank must be replaced.
Is a leaking water heater dangerous?
It can be. A full tank failure floods the area, and on gas units water near the burner is a safety concern. Shut off water and power and call promptly.
Need a hand from a licensed NJ water heater pro? Hot Water NJ installs, repairs, and replaces every type of water heater across Northern New Jersey—usually same day. Call 973-834-8833 or request a free estimate below.