Where it's leaking tells you what's wrong
| Where | What it usually means | Fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Pipes on top | A loose fitting on the water lines | Often, by tightening or replacing a connector |
| Relief valve on the side | Too much pressure or heat, or a worn valve | Usually. Call a plumber, since pressure problems need a look |
| Drain valve at the bottom | A worn valve or sediment keeping it from sealing | Often, by tightening, capping, or replacing the valve |
| Bottom of the tank or the tank itself | The tank has rusted through inside | No. The heater needs replacing |
Condensation can look like a leak, especially on a gas heater when cold water first fills it. If the drip stops once the tank is hot, it may not be a leak at all.
If it needs replacing
A tank that leaks from its body can't be patched. Here's what the new one will likely cost: water heater replacement cost calculator. In Summit County, the replacement needs a $40 permit, which the plumber normally pulls.
Before you call a plumber
- Have the heater's label handy (brand, model, and serial number). It tells the plumber the size, fuel, and age.
- Say where the water is coming from, and whether you've shut off the water and the heat.
- Ask whether the price includes the permit, haul-away, and an expansion tank if one is needed.
- Check the plumber's license and insurance: how to check a contractor in Ohio.