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- 1). Locate the source of the leak by looking for drips or water on the surface of the heater, the pipes that connect to it, the pressure relief valve, the drain valve and underneath the heater.
- 2). Tighten the large nut on the end of either, or both, of the flexible copper pipes that connect to the water heater if the leak is detected there or on the surface of the heater. One pipe is the cold water supply line, the other the line that sends hot water throughout the building. If the leak does not stop, turn off the water supply at the valve just before the flexible copper line, or if there is no valve there, turn it off at the main water meter. Turn off the water heater. Open the pressure relief valve to relieve the tank's internal pressure or open a nearby hot water faucet. Replace the flexible copper line with a new one. Restart the heater and turn on the water.
- 3). Check the pressure valve, which extends from the side of the heater (or sometimes the top in smaller heaters) and has an L-shaped handle that allows water to flow out of the tank when pulled up. If the valve is dripping or will no longer open and let water flow, it must be replaced. Turn off the heater and water supply. Open the hot water faucet of the nearest sink to allow pressure in the lines to escape. If a pipe is attached to the pressure relief outlet, disconnect it by turning the fitting counterclockwise until the pipe can be removed from the pressure relief valve. Turn the pressure relief valve counterclockwise until it can be withdrawn from the tank. Install a new pressure relief valve in reverse order. Turn on the water and turn on the heater.
- 4). Hook a garden hose to the drain valve spigot at the bottom of the heater if the leak seems to be there. Put the other end of the hose into the washing machine drain pipe or run it outside. Turn the valve to wide open and wait a few seconds. Close the valve, unhook the hose and check for leaks. If the leak still does not stop, buy a hose-end cap and thread it on to the drain valve spigot. If the valve is leaking from beneath the handle, turn the nut just under the handle clockwise until the leak stops.
- 5). With the heater and water supply off, look for rust and cracks along the seam at the bottom to spot leaking water. A wet floor when there is no leak from the pressure relief valve, drain valve or water flowing from the sides of the heater usually means the heater has rusted out at the bottom. This is especially likely if the heater is more than five years old. Replace the water heater.
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