Quick takeaways
- Leak from the T&P valve: usually a thermal expansion or over-pressure issue — fixable.
- Leak from the supply or drain connections: tighten or replace fittings — fixable.
- Leak from the tank body itself: the tank has corroded through — replace.
Find the source of the leak
Dry the entire outside of the tank with a towel. Wait 15 minutes and look. Water at the top usually means a fitting; water at the bottom usually means the tank itself; water from the T&P valve discharge tube means the safety valve is doing its job (which is good, but you have an underlying pressure issue to fix).
If the tank is leaking from the bottom
This is end-of-life for the tank — the internal lining has corroded through and there's no repair. Shut off the water supply to the tank and the gas (or breaker), open a hot tap upstairs to relieve pressure, and call us. Most Kanata water heater replacements we do in a single half-day visit.
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