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Water heater · triage

Water heater leaking from the bottom

The short answer

Not 911, but act today. Close the cold-water valve, switch off the breaker (electric) or turn the gas control to OFF, and get water away from anything electrical.

Water and electricityIf water reaches outlets, cords or the panel, follow the water-near-electrics card first.

Know your shutoffs

Main water shutoffWhere the water line enters the house: a basement or crawlspace wall, the garage, a utility closet, or near the water heater in warm climates.Electrical panel and main breakerThe breaker panel (or fuse box), often in a garage, basement, utility room or hallway.Gas shutoffAt the gas meter outside (a valve on the pipe before the meter), and a smaller shutoff valve on the gas line next to each appliance.

Every outcome on this card

TodayWater heater leaking from the bottom

Not 911. Stop the water now and get a plumber out today.

  1. Close the cold-water valve on the pipe into the top of the tank Turn clockwise until it stops.
  2. Cut the energy Electric: switch off its breaker. Gas: turn the control knob to OFF.
  3. Move things away and put down towels or a pan A full tank still holds water. Don't drain it unless a plumber tells you to.

Water from the tank's body, not a fitting, usually means the tank itself is failing and needs replacing. Drips from a pipe connection or the relief valve can often be repaired.

This weekA drip at a pipe connection

Usually repairable. Book a plumber this week.

  1. Put a pan or towel under the drip Check it twice a day.
  2. If it gets worse, close the cold-water valve And cut the energy as for a tank leak.
  3. Photograph the connection It helps the plumber bring the right fittings.

Connections and flex lines can loosen or corrode. That is a repair, not usually a replacement.

TodayWater from the relief-valve pipe

The safety valve is releasing. Get it checked today.

  1. Keep clear of the pipe outlet The water can be scalding.
  2. Cut the energy to the heater Breaker off, or gas control to OFF.
  3. Never cap or plug the relief pipe It is the tank’s safety valve. Call a plumber.

The temperature and pressure relief valve opens when the tank gets too hot or the pressure too high, or when the valve itself is worn. Each needs a plumber to tell apart.

This weekDrip from the drain valve

Often just a loose or worn valve. This week.

  1. Check the valve is fully closed (clockwise) Hand-tight only.
  2. Put a pan under it A garden-hose cap on the outlet can stop a slow drip.
  3. Book a plumber if it keeps dripping Replacing a drain valve is a small job.

Plastic drain valves often weep after the tank has been flushed.

Related

Water heater relief valve dripping or sprayingWater near outlets, the panel or appliancesA pipe burst or water is pouring in

Written from

Original casaq guidance, updated 2026-10-05. General guidance, not a diagnosis; licensed-pro review pending. Severity levels: Emergency now / Today / This week / This month / Watch. Send a correction.

Step 1

Where does the water seem to come from?

Dry the area with a towel, then watch for a few minutes.