Water Heater Repair
Quick answer
Leaks at the top fittings, the temperature-and-pressure relief valve or the drain valve are usually repairable parts, typically $100–$400. Water coming from the tank body itself means the tank has corroded through and needs replacing. Turn off the cold supply and the power or gas, then call (888) 217-6781 to reach a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Signs you need a plumber
- Water pooling under or around the tank
- No hot water, or hot water that runs out fast
- Rusty or discolored hot water
- Popping or rumbling from the tank as it heats
- The relief valve dripping or discharging
A tank that is leaking from the body, or a relief valve discharging hot water, is not a wait-and-see problem. Shut the cold supply valve on top of the heater and turn off the power (electric) or set the gas valve to off before you call.
What to check before you call
- Dry the tank and the floor, then watch where fresh water appears: top, valve or bottom seam
- Check that the drain valve at the bottom is fully closed
- Electric: check the breaker. Gas: check the pilot light or the error code
- Note the tank size, gas or electric, and the age on the label
What the plumber does
- 1
Finds the source
Separates a fitting or valve leak from condensation and from a failed tank.
- 2
Repairs the part
Replaces a leaking fitting, relief valve, drain valve, element, thermostat or thermocouple.
- 3
Or quotes a replacement
A corroded tank is a replacement: same type, or a move to tankless, with the permit and venting it needs.
Water heater repair cost
| Job | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Valve or fitting repair | $100–$400 | HearthDry |
| Replacement, installed | $900–$4,500 by type | HearthDry |
Repair figures from our water heater leak guide; replacement from our water heater replacement cost page. Sources: HearthDry cost pages.
Ready to book a plumber?
One call reaches a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Step-by-step guides
Water Heater Maintenance to Prevent Flooding & Leaks
Most water heater catastrophic failures are predictable — tanks corrode from the inside out over 10–15 years. Annual maintenance and knowing when to replace can prevent a 30–80 gallon flood in your home.
No Hot Water in the House: Gas, Electric and Tankless Checks
Whole house or one fixture, gas or electric: the checks that find the cause and when a plumber is needed.
Water Heater Making Noise: Popping, Rumbling, Knocking or Hissing
Most noises are sediment. A hissing or dripping relief valve is the one to call about the same day.
Water Heater Leaking From the Top or Bottom? What It Means
Top leaks are usually fittings and valves — repairable. Bottom leaks from the tank body mean the tank is done. The ten-minute check that tells you which, what each costs, and the shut-down order if water is actively flowing.
Water Heater Leaking? What to Do in the First 10 Minutes
A leaking water heater is a countdown, not a maintenance item. Bottom-of-tank leaks usually mean internal corrosion has broken through — and the remaining 40–50 gallons follow.
Water heater repair: common questions
Can a leaking water heater be repaired?
If the leak is at a fitting, the relief valve or the drain valve, yes; those are replaceable parts. If water is coming through the tank wall or the bottom seam, the tank has corroded and has to be replaced.
Is a dripping relief valve dangerous?
The valve opens to release pressure or heat the tank should not have. A valve that drips once may simply be worn, but one that keeps discharging needs a plumber to check the pressure and the thermostat, not just a new valve.
How long do water heaters last?
Tank heaters usually last around 8–12 years and tankless units around 15–20, per our replacement cost guide. Age is the first thing a plumber weighs when deciding between repair and replacement.
Other plumbing services
(888) 217-6781 is the plumbing line. HearthDry is a referral service; the company you reach is independent.