Hot Water Tank Leaking Greater Vancouver

A leaking water heater in Greater Vancouver requires immediate attention — the cause determines whether repair is possible or replacement is needed.

What This Means

Water heater leaks come from connections (fittings, valves, pipes) or from the tank body itself. Connection leaks are often repairable. A leak from the tank body or bottom of the tank almost always means the tank has internally corroded and must be replaced.

Common Causes

• Pressure relief valve (T&P valve) dripping — normal operation or valve stuck open
• Inlet/outlet pipe fittings leaking — corrosion at the dielectric unions
• Drain valve leaking — valve seat worn after years without use
• Tank body corroded internally — bottom rust-through, irreparable

What Homeowners Can Check Safely

• Identify where the water is coming from before assuming the tank must be replaced — connection leaks look similar to tank body leaks from a distance
• If water is pooling under the tank and you cannot identify a specific dripping connection, the tank body is the likely source

When to Call a Licensed Technician

Water heater work involves gas lines, high-voltage wiring, and pressurized plumbing. Always call a licensed gas fitter or plumber for repairs beyond basic visual checks.

• T&P valve replacement if dripping continuously
• Dielectric union and pipe fitting replacement
• Full tank replacement if the tank body is leaking

Frequently Asked Questions

My pressure relief valve is dripping. Does that mean something is wrong?

The T&P (temperature and pressure) valve drips when it is relieving excess pressure — which means either the water temperature is set too high or pressure in the closed system is too high. Occasional dripping after the system heats up can be caused by thermal expansion. Continuous dripping means the valve is stuck open or the system pressure is chronically high. A plumber can diagnose whether it is a valve, expansion tank, or pressure issue.

Water is pooling under my hot water tank. How do I tell if it is the tank or a connection?

Dry everything with a towel and trace where the water originates. Fittings, the T&P valve discharge pipe, and the drain valve are all above or at the side of the tank — water from these drips down the outside. A tank body leak is often at or near the bottom of the tank and may be visible as rust staining. If you see rust on the tank body, replacement is the answer.

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