Water Heater Leaking? Here’s What You Should Do First

May 6, 2025

Water Heater Leaking? Here’s What You Should Do First

A white water heater is sitting on a concrete floor


Water Heater Leaking? Here’s What You Should Do First


Posted by Water Heater Repair of Phoenix | Call 602-428-2585


So, you walked into your garage or utility closet and noticed a small puddle under your water heater. Or maybe your hot water isn’t working quite right and you see moisture around the base. Either way, a leaking water heater isn’t something you want to ignore.


In this post, we’ll walk you through what you should do first, what could be causing the leak, and how to fix it before it turns into a bigger problem.




Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply


If you see active dripping or a growing puddle, the first thing you should do is shut off the water going into the tank.


  • Look for the cold water shut-off valve—usually a lever or round knob above the tank.
  • Turn the valve clockwise (righty-tighty) until it stops.
  • If you can’t find the valve or it’s stuck, shut off the water at the main line to your house.


Stopping the water flow can prevent flooding and minimize damage.


Step 2: Turn Off Power or Gas to the Unit


For electric water heaters, flip the breaker to “off” in your main panel.

For gas water heaters, turn the gas control knob to the “pilot” setting or shut the gas supply valve.


This keeps the system from heating an empty tank, which can cause more damage—and it’s a safety must.



Step 3: Call a Professional for Help


A leaking water heater can mean a lot of different things—from a loose valve to a corroded tank. If you’re not sure what’s leaking or how bad it is, give us a call at 602-428-2585. We’ll walk you through what’s happening and schedule a fast, affordable service call.


You can also visit our water heater leak detection phoenix page for more info on what we do and how we can help.


What Causes Water Heaters to Leak?


Here are the most common reasons:


  • Loose drain valve: This is a simple fix if water is dripping from the bottom spout.
  • Temperature and pressure (T&P) valve leak: If this valve is leaking, the tank may be over-pressurized or too hot.
  • Leaking supply lines: Check the pipe connections going in and out of the tank.
  • Corrosion inside the tank: If the tank itself is rusted through, it usually means replacement is necessary.
  • Sediment buildup: Over time, minerals from hard water settle at the bottom and crack the tank or weaken seals.


Some of these issues are fixable. Others, like a cracked or rusted tank, usually mean it’s time for a new one. Check out our phoenix water heater replacement service if you’re exploring options.


Can I Still Use My Water Heater If It’s Leaking?


We don’t recommend it. Even a small leak can turn into a burst tank or significant flood. A leaking water heater is also wasting energy, water, and could be driving up your bills without you realizing it.


How We Help at Water Heater Repair of Phoenix


When you call us, here’s what you can expect:


  • A fast response with same-day availability whenever possible
  • A licensed technician who inspects the system and explains what’s going on
  • No-pressure advice on whether to repair or replace your system
  • Fair, upfront pricing
  • Service for all types and brands of water heaters (tank and tankless)


We’ve helped homeowners all over Phoenix fix leaking water heaters quickly—and affordably.



Still Not Sure What to Do?


Here’s your action plan:


  1. Turn off the water and power to the unit
  2. Call Water Heater Repair of Phoenix at 602-428-2585
  3. Let us inspect the issue and offer the best fix for your home
  4. Get back to reliable, hot water without the stress



Leaking water heaters never fix themselves—but we can. Give us a call today or schedule a visit through our water heater repair phoenix az page.



Water Heater Repair of Phoenix – Fast Fixes for Leaks, Heat, and Peace of Mind. https://waterheaterrepairphoenixaz.com

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