Water Heater Leaking from Tank

Water pooling under or around the water heater

60%

60% chance this is caused by:

Corroded tank, loose drain valve, or T&P valve leaking

🔧 The Exact Part You Need

Drain Valve

$10

Buy on Amazon →

T&P Relief Valve

$15

Buy on Amazon →

Total parts cost: $25. Same-day shipping available on most items.

🔨 Tools You'll Need

Adjustable Wrench

$15

Amazon →

Medium · 20-30 minutes

Parts: $25 vs $$500-2,000 to replace

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions

Turn off power/gas and water supply

Determine where the leak is coming from

Top leak = inlet/outlet connection — tighten or replace fitting

Side leak = T&P valve — replace it

Bottom leak = drain valve — tighten or replace

Tank body leak = tank is corroded through — MUST replace entire unit

Not comfortable with this repair?

This is rated as a medium repair. If you'd rather have a pro handle it, a service call typically costs $100-200 plus parts. For a major component, it may be worth the peace of mind.

Check what a professional would charge: See repair costs on FixrCost →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix a water heater that's leaking from tank?

The part costs about $10. If you do it yourself, that's your total cost. A professional service call would add $100-200 in labor, bringing the total to $160.

How long does this water heater repair take?

This repair is rated "medium" and typically takes 20-30 minutes. The most time-consuming part is usually accessing the component, not the actual swap.

What if this isn't the problem?

Our diagnosis is 60% likely based on the symptom you described. If replacing this part doesn't fix it, the next most common cause for "water pooling under or around the water heater" would be related to the wiring harness or control board. In that case, consider calling a professional.

Should I just replace my water heater instead?

A new water heater costs $500-2,000. If yours is well under 8-12 years old, a $10 repair is far more cost-effective. If it's near end-of-life and has had multiple issues, replacement starts making more sense.