Water Heater Leaking? What to Do Right Now (And Why You Might Have No Hot Water)

A leaking water heater can go from a small puddle to serious water damage fast. If you’re in the Greater Hartford area (Avon, Simsbury, Farmington, and nearby towns) and you spot water around your tank, or you suddenly have no hot water, this guide will help you take the right next steps safely.

If you’d rather skip the guesswork, Boisvert Plumbing & Mechanical Services offers 24/7 availability for urgent plumbing and water heater problems. You can contact us at any time for service.

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First: Do these 5 safety steps

1. Shut off power or gas to the water heater

• Electric: turn off the water heater breaker.
• Gas: turn the gas control knob to OFF (and don’t try relighting anything if you smell gas).

2. Turn off the cold-water supply valve above the heater (this stops more water from feeding the leak).
3. Avoid standing water near electrical components (especially if the leak is near wiring, an outlet, or the unit’s electrical access panel).
4. Protect floors and nearby belongings (towels, a shallow pan, wet/dry vac if safe).
5. Call a licensed professional if you see active dripping, pooling, corrosion, or the tank itself appears to be leaking.

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Is it a true leak… or just condensation?

In colder months, you may see moisture that looks like a leak, especially in basements. Condensation can happen when cold water enters a warm tank, or when humid air meets cool metal surfaces. But pooling water, steady drips, or water coming from a valve/connection is a different story—and it should be addressed quickly.

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Where is the water coming from? Common leak locations (and what they usually mean)

1) Leaking from the top (pipes or fittings)

Water at the top often points to loose fittings, failing connectors, or pipe issues. Sometimes it’s a straightforward repair, other times it’s a sign of corrosion or pressure issues.

2) Leaking from the temperature & pressure relief valve (T&P valve)

The T&P valve is a critical safety device. If it’s dripping, the system may be dealing with excess pressure, overheating, or a failing valve. This is not something to ignore.

3) Leaking from the drain valve

A worn drain valve or a valve that doesn’t fully close can cause slow dripping near the bottom front of the tank.

4) Leaking from the bottom of the tank

This is the big one. A leak from the tank itself often means internal corrosion, and in many cases, replacement is the most practical solution.

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Why water heaters leak: 7 common causes

Here are the most frequent culprits we see with tank-style units:

• Loose connections or failing fittings
• Aging tank + internal corrosion (especially if the anode rod is depleted)
• Sediment buildup (can lead to overheating, noise, and shortened tank life)
• Excess water pressure (can stress valves and joints over time)
• A failing T&P valve or a pressure/temperature problem
• A faulty expansion tank (if your system uses one and it fails, pressure spikes can happen)
• Tank damage (cracks or severe corrosion = leak risk)

If you’re not sure which one you’re dealing with, that’s normal. Diagnosing it quickly is what prevents bigger damage.

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No hot water too? Here are the most likely reasons

A leak and no hot water sometimes happen together, but not always. These are common triggers:

If you have a traditional tank water heater

• Tripped breaker (electric) or blown fuse
• Heating element failure (electric)
• Pilot/ignition problems (gas)
• Thermostat setting issues (many homes do fine at 120°F, which can also help reduce scald risk and save energy)
• Sediment buildup reducing heating efficiency

If you have a tankless water heater

Tankless systems may stop producing hot water due to sensor issues, mineral buildup, ignition problems, or system overload—and routine maintenance (like descaling) is a big deal in areas with mineral-heavy water.

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Repair vs. replace: how to make the call

A professional inspection is the safest way to decide, but here are practical guidelines:

Repair is more likely when…

• The leak is from a fitting, connector, valve, or drain
• The unit is otherwise in good condition and not near end-of-life
• You caught the issue early (no major corrosion, no repeated failures)

Replacement is more likely when…

• The tank itself is leaking (especially at the base)
• You’ve had frequent repairs or performance issues
• The unit is older: storage water heaters often last ~10–15 years, while tankless units often last 20+ years

Boisvert services both traditional tank and tankless systems, and can help you choose the right option based on your home’s hot water needs and budget.

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How to reduce the odds of this happening again

A few homeowner-friendly best practices:

• Don’t ignore small drips (they rarely improve on their own)
• Keep the area around the heater clear so leaks are easier to spot early
• Maintain a safe, efficient temperature (many households only need 120°F)
• Schedule routine maintenance—especially for tankless systems (flushing/descaling helps prevent mineral-related issues)

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Need help now? Boisvert is available 24/7 in Greater Hartford

If your water heater is leaking, you’re seeing pooling water, or you’ve lost hot water completely, it’s worth getting it checked before damage spreads. Boisvert Plumbing & Mechanical Services offers 24/7 availability and water heater repair/replacement service in the Greater Hartford area.

You can also check current offers—Boisvert runs online specials, including water heater installation promotions when available.

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FAQ

Is a leaking water heater an emergency?

It can be. Active leaking can cause water damage quickly, and leaks near electrical components add safety risk. If you see pooling water or steady dripping, shut off power/gas and the water supply, then call a pro.

Why is my water heater leaking from the bottom?

Often it’s internal corrosion or tank failure. In many cases, a tank leak means replacement is the safest route.

What temperature should my water heater be set to?

Many households only need 120°F, which can reduce scald risk and lower energy use.

Do tankless water heaters leak?

They can—usually from fittings, valves, or internal components. Regular maintenance (like descaling) helps prevent mineral-related problems.