Quick Answer
If your water heater is leaking, turn off the water, power, and drain the tank to limit damage. Minor leaks cost $150–$300 to fix, but if the tank fails, replacement runs $2,380–$7,650 installed depending on size and efficiency.
Updated October 2025 | By Alex Largent
Step-By-Step Emergency Guide
When you notice water pooling under your tank, act fast. Every minute matters.
1. Shut Off The Water Supply
Turn the cold-water shut-off valve on top of the heater clockwise until it stops.
If that doesn’t work, close your home’s main water supply instead.
Stopping the water flow first limits damage and buys you time.
2. Turn Off Power Or Gas
- Electric: Switch the breaker labeled “Water Heater” to OFF.
- Gas: Turn the gas control knob to Pilot or Off.
Never relight the pilot until a professional inspects the system.
3. Drain The Tank
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank, run it to a floor drain, and open the valve.
Lift the temperature & pressure (T&P) relief valve handle to let air in so the water drains completely.
Draining the tank reduces pressure and prevents further leaking until help arrives.
Most Common Causes Of A Leaking Water Heater
1. Faulty Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Valve
- Purpose: releases excess pressure for safety.
- Causes: mineral buildup, overheating, or a bad spring.
- Cost: $150–$250 including part and labor.
2. Loose Fittings Or Pipe Connections
- Signs: drips from the top or side of the tank.
- Fix: tighten or re-seal fittings; replace worn sealant or nipples.
- Cost: $100–$300, depending on accessibility.
3. Leaking Drain Valve
- Used for annual flushing; corrosion or cross-threading can cause leaks.
- Cost: $150–$250 to replace.
- Prevent recurrence by flushing sediment once a year.
4. Internal Tank Corrosion (Terminal Failure)
- Signs: rusty water, damp insulation, or puddles near the base.
- Cause: anode rod fully depleted and tank rusted through.
- Once the tank wall leaks, replacement is the only safe fix.
- Replacement range: $2,925–$5,950 installed, depending on tank size, fuel type, and efficiency rating.
Repair Vs. Replacement Cost Guide
| Problem Type |
Typical Cost (Parts + Labor) |
Best Option |
| Loose fittings |
$100 – $300 |
Repair |
| T&P valve leak |
$150 – $250 |
Repair |
| Drain valve leak |
$150 – $250 |
Repair |
| Tank corrosion |
$2,925–$5,950 |
Replace |
| Tankless internal leak |
$5,290–$5,965 |
Replace |
Repairs under $300 are usually worthwhile; leaks from the tank shell mean replacement.
What Not To Do
- Don’t ignore a slow drip—rust spreads quickly once insulation gets wet.
- Don’t overtighten fittings; it can crack valves or nipples.
- Don’t restore power or gas until a technician confirms it’s safe.
Water Heater Warranty & Guarantees
When Honest Fix installs your new water heater, it’s protected by our Lifetime Trust Shield – Plumbing Edition (2025):
- 10-Year Labor Warranty on all installation-related repairs (with yearly Honest Fix maintenance).
- Full Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee within 90 days if we can’t make it right.
- No-Lemon Guarantee: If your new tank needs three major repairs in the first year, we replace it free.
(Per updated Honest Fix Lifetime Trust Shield – Plumbing section)
For repairs and maintenance, you’re covered by our Service Trust Guardian:
- 5-Year Labor Warranty on all repair work.
- Clean Work Area Guarantee — or $50 credit if we don’t leave your space spotless.
FAQs
What guarantees do you offer?
- Repairs: Service Trust Guardian (5-Year Labor + Clean Work Area Guarantee).
- Installations: Lifetime Trust Shield – Plumbing (10-Year Labor + Money-Back + No-Lemon).
Can I use my Leo the Lion magnet on my first visit?
Yes. Every new customer receives one automatically, and you can use it on the first service and every visit after—as long as it’s on your fridge.
How fast can you replace a leaking water heater?
In most cases, Honest Fix can replace your water heater same day across Steubenville, Weirton, and the Upper Ohio Valley.
Do you give exact quotes before work begins?
Always. We don’t estimate—we give free exact quotes before any work starts.
Final Thoughts
A leaking water heater can feel like an emergency, but quick action—turning off water, power, and calling a trusted plumber—can save you from bigger damage.
Call Honest Fix today for a free exact quote.
Learn about our guarantees before you decide.
Alex Largent
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent’s full bio to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC and Plumbing industry. Updated October 2025.
