You’re taking a shower, washing dishes, or walking through the basement — and you see it. A puddle of water around your water heater. For most homeowners, that moment sparks two immediate reactions: frustration and worry. Is this just condensation, or is the tank about to fail? How long do you have before the leak turns into a disaster?
At Discount Water Heater, we get calls like this every day. A leaking water heater is one of the most common household emergencies, and understanding what’s really happening can save you from bigger bills, water damage, and unnecessary stress.
Why Water Heaters Leak
Not every leak means the tank has failed completely — but every leak is a signal that something isn’t right. Common causes include:
- Loose connections. The cold-water inlet or hot-water outlet fittings can loosen over time. A simple tightening may stop the drip.
- Faulty valves. The temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve or drain valve can fail, causing steady leaks.
- Condensation. In humid environments, condensation can mimic a leak — but it’s harmless.
- Corrosion inside the tank. This is the big one. Over years, minerals in the water corrode the tank from the inside out. Once the steel shell begins to rust through, leaks become permanent.
The hard truth: if the leak is coming from the tank itself, there’s no repair. It’s time for a replacement.
The Risks of Waiting
Some homeowners hope a slow leak will fix itself or buy them a few more months. Unfortunately, leaks only go one direction — worse. What starts as a small drip can escalate to:
- Flooding. A tank failure can release 40–80 gallons of water into your home in minutes.
- Mold and structural damage. Even a slow leak can seep into flooring, drywall, and foundations.
- Higher energy bills. A compromised tank struggles to hold temperature, making your system run harder.
Waiting doesn’t save money — it multiplies the cost. Replacing a water heater on your terms is far cheaper than dealing with an emergency replacement plus water remediation.
Repair vs. Replace
Here’s the rule of thumb:
- If the leak is from valves, fittings, or condensation, a repair may be possible.
- If the leak is from the tank itself, replacement is the only option.
Age matters too. Most water heaters last 8–12 years. If yours is past that mark and leaking, it’s time to stop patching and start planning for a new unit.
Choosing the Right Replacement
Not all water heaters are equal. Depending on your household size, energy costs, and budget, you’ll need to choose between:
- Standard tank heaters. Reliable and affordable. Best for families who use steady amounts of hot water.
- Tankless units. Higher upfront cost, but endless hot water and lower energy bills in the long run.
- High-efficiency models. Designed to save on utilities, sometimes with rebates available.
At Discount Water Heater, we specialize in helping homeowners make the right call. We compare tank vs. tankless, gas vs. electric, and efficiency models based on your home and budget — not just what’s easiest to sell.
What to Do Right Now
- Turn off power/gas. If the leak is significant, cut the breaker or gas supply for safety.
- Shut off the water. Find the cold-water valve on top of the unit and turn it clockwise.
- Call a professional. Even if you think it’s minor, an expert inspection can tell you if it’s repairable or if replacement is the smarter move.
And if replacement is needed? That’s where we come in. At Discount Water Heater, we provide affordable, fast installation so you’re not left without hot water.
The Bottom Line
A leaking water heater isn’t a small issue. It’s the system telling you it’s at the end of its life cycle — or close. Acting fast can save you from thousands in damage and make sure your home runs smoothly.
If you’ve spotted water around your unit, don’t wait for the drip to turn into a flood. Contact Discount Water Heater today, and let us help you determine whether repair or replacement is the right move for your home.