Is your water heater leaking? A leaking water heater can be a serious issue. It may cause water damage, increase your bills, or lead to a complete system failure. If you see water around your hot water heater or suspect a leak, don’t wait— take action right away.

In this article, our Calgary water heater repair team will explain the common causes of a leaking water heater. You’ll also learn some quick fixes and the permanent solutions Son-Rise Plumbing and Gasfitting can offer.

Common Causes of Your Water Heater Leaking

There are several reasons why you have a water heater leak. Understanding the cause helps you find the right solution.
Here are the most common reasons:

1. Corrosion

Over time, hot water heaters can start to rust. This is especially true if it’s older or hasn’t been maintained. Rust can create small holes or cracks, allowing water to seep out. Unfortunately, this issue is often irreversible once corrosion sets in.

2. Excessive Pressure

Too much pressure in your hot water heater can cause leaks. This happens if the water pressure is too high or the temperature is set too high. The extra pressure forces water out of weak spots in the tank or its connections.

3. Faulty Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve (T&P Valve)

The T&P valve is a safety feature. It releases water if the pressure or temperature gets too high. A defective valve or too much pressure can cause it to leak water.

4. Loose Connections

Sometimes, water heater leaks occur because of loose connections. This could be the inlet and outlet pipes or the T&P valve. Regularly checking your tank can help you spot loose connections early.

5. Cracked or Worn Components

Parts of your tank can wear out over time. This includes the anode rod, gaskets, or seals. When these parts crack or break down, they can cause leaks around the fittings or tank.

Quick Tip: Regular maintenance can help prevent many of these issues before they lead to leaks. Yes, we do offer maintenance plans to keep you protected. Ask us about it!

Temporary Fixes for a Leaking Water Heater

If your hot water heater is leaking, you should call a professional plumber. But there are a few steps you can take to reduce the damage while you wait.

Here are some quick fixes you can try.

Turn Off the Water Supply

The first thing to do is stop water from entering the tank. Find the cold water supply valve on top of the tank and turn it clockwise. This will stop more water from entering the tank and prevent the leak from getting worse.

Drain the Tank

If there’s a lot of water around the tank, you may want to drain it. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Run the hose outside or to a floor drain. Then, open the valve and let the water drain out. This will reduce the pressure in the tank and stop the leak from getting worse.

Warning: Draining a hot water heater can be tricky, and even dangerous. If you’re not sure, wait for a professional. This is not a required step, so don’t stress if you don’t do this!

Check and Tighten Connections

Sometimes, water heater leaks are caused by loose connections. Carefully check all the fittings and valves on your tank. If you see a loose connection, try tightening it with a wrench. But be careful not to over-tighten, as this could cause more damage.

These are just temporary solutions. A professional plumber will still need to inspect and fix the problem. Wouldn’t you know it— we repair hot water tanks.

Permanent Solutions for a Leaking Water Heater

Once you’ve taken temporary measures, it’s time to fix the leak for good. The permanent solution will depend on the cause of the leak.

Here’s what might need to be done:

Replace the Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve (T&P Valve)

If the T&P valve is causing a water heater leak, it may be faulty or stuck open. Our team at Son-Rise Plumbing can replace the valve quickly, restoring your system to normal.

Repair or Replace Loose Fittings

If the leak is due to loose or damaged connections, a plumber will inspect the tank. We’ll check the inlet and outlet pipes, fittings, and other connections. Depending on the problem, the fittings may need to be tightened, repaired, or replaced.

Replace the Water Heater

If the tank is corroded or very old, replacing it might be the best option. Son-Rise Plumbing can help you choose a new, energy-efficient hot water tank or tankless water heater to install. We’ll install the new unit and safely dispose of the old one.

Fun Fact: New hot water tanks are much more energy-efficient than older models. This could save you money on your energy bills!

Prevent Future Leaks with Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent a water heater leak. Son-Rise Plumbing offers maintenance services, including flushing your tank and checking valves. We also provide water leak detection services, too!

We’ll also inspect for signs of wear and tear. Preventive maintenance can help extend the life of your tank. If something happens to your appliances, you’ll get priority booking times and get a discount on services.

Ask About Our Maintenance Plans

Why Choose Son-Rise Plumbing for Water Heater Repairs in Calgary?

When you have a plumbing issue, you want a team you can trust. Son-Rise Plumbing and Gasfitting has been serving Calgary homeowners for over 30 years.

We’ve got:

• Expertise You Can Trust: Our experienced team has seen it all. Whether it’s a minor water leak or a major problem, we’ll get your water heater back in shape.
• Fast Response Times: We understand that plumbing problems can’t wait. That’s why we offer same-day service to handle your plumbing emergencies.
• Local Calgary Knowledge: We know Calgary’s unique challenges, from freezing winters to high water pressure. Our team is prepared for the specific needs of local homes.
• Customer Satisfaction: We’re proud to be one of Calgary’s top-rated plumbing companies. Our customers love our friendly service and high-quality work.

Call Us Today!

If your gas or electric water heater is leaking, don’t wait. Waiting longer could mean the problem getting worse.

Contact Son-Rise Plumbing & Gasfitting today to schedule a repair or replacement. A water heater professional will inspect your water heater and explain the best options for fixing the leak.

We’re here to help you get your hot water system back to normal—fast!