If water is actively leaking from your water heater, act calmly and prioritize safety. This guide is general information, not a substitute for emergency professional help.
Immediate steps
- If there is water near electrical components or you smell gas, leave the area and contact the appropriate utility/emergency service.
- Turn off the water supply to the heater if you can safely reach the shutoff valve.
- For gas units, follow manufacturer instructions for shutting off gas if safe. For electric units, shut off power at the breaker if safe.
- Protect nearby belongings and take photos of the leak location.
- Request service, especially if the tank body appears to be leaking.
Leak location matters
A leak from a valve, fitting, or pipe may be repairable. Water coming from the tank body or bottom seam usually means the tank has failed and replacement is likely.
