Why Is My Water Heater Leaking and What Should I Do?
Why Is My Water Heater Leaking — and What Should I Do?
A leaking water heater can range from a minor, repairable drip to a failed tank that risks serious water damage. Knowing where the leak is coming from tells you whether it is a quick fix or a sign the unit needs replacing. ROMA Heating & Cooling diagnoses and repairs leaking water heaters across Greater Vancouver, and we will always tell you honestly whether a repair or a replacement is the smarter choice.
If your water heater is leaking now, turn off the water supply to the unit and call (604) 704-0300.
Where Water Heater Leaks Come From
- T&P (temperature & pressure) relief valve — may drip if pressure or temperature is too high, or if the valve itself has failed.
- Drain valve — a loose or worn drain valve at the base can weep.
- Inlet/outlet connections — loose or corroded hot/cold fittings at the top.
- Internal tank corrosion — after years of service the steel tank rusts through; this shows as a leak from the bottom and means replacement.
- Sediment build-up — accelerates corrosion and overheating, shortening tank life.
- Condensation — sometimes mistaken for a leak, common on new or hard-working units in cold spaces.
Leak Location — What It Usually Means
| Where It’s Leaking | Likely Cause | Repair or Replace? |
|---|---|---|
| Top of the tank | Inlet/outlet fittings or T&P line | Usually repairable |
| Near the T&P valve | Pressure/temperature too high or failed valve | Often repairable |
| Drain valve at the base | Loose or worn drain valve | Often repairable |
| Pooling under the tank | Internal tank corrosion/failure | Replacement |
What to Do Right Now
- Turn off the cold-water supply valve to the water heater.
- Switch off the power: set a gas unit to “pilot,” or turn off the breaker for an electric unit.
- Contain or mop up pooling water and move valuables clear.
- Note where the water is coming from (top, valve, or bottom) to help us diagnose.
- Call ROMA for same-day assessment and repair or replacement.
Water Heater Leak Repair & Replacement Across Metro Vancouver
We respond to leaking water heaters across Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, the Tri-Cities, the North Shore, Delta, Langley and Maple Ridge. If the tank has failed, we can often replace it the same day and will walk you through efficient tank and tankless options, including any FortisBC rebates you qualify for.
What Our Customers Say
“I had the absolute best experience getting my tankless water heater installed.”
— Alvina August, Google review (★★★★★)
“Good work done by the two hot water heater specialists in fixing the pipes and draining the boiler.”
— Rizwan Kheraj, Google review (★★★★★)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my water heater leaking from the top?
Top leaks usually come from the cold/hot water connections, the T&P (temperature & pressure) relief valve line, or loose fittings — these are often repairable.
Why is my water heater leaking from the bottom?
Bottom leaks often mean the internal tank has corroded and failed, or water is tracking down from the drain valve or T&P valve. A failed tank usually needs replacement.
Is a leaking water heater an emergency?
A small drip should be addressed quickly; significant leaking can cause water damage and should be treated urgently. Shut off the water supply to the heater and call us.
Can a leaking water heater be repaired or does it need replacing?
Leaks from valves and fittings are usually repairable. A leak from the tank body itself means the tank has failed and the unit needs replacement — we will tell you honestly which it is.
What should I do right now if my water heater is leaking?
Turn off the water supply to the heater, switch off the gas or breaker to the unit, and call for service. If water is pooling, move valuables away and contain it.
Related Heating Services
- Emergency Water Heater Leak Repair
- Hot Water Tank Is Leaking
- Fix Hot Water Tank Leak
- Hot Water Tank Replacement
- Tankless Water Heater Leak Repair
- Rheem Water Heater Leak Repair
Need Help Now? Call ROMA Heating & Cooling
If you have no heat, no hot water, or a leak, don’t wait — small faults become expensive emergencies. Call (604) 704-0300 or email info@romaheating.ca for same-day and after-hours service across Greater Vancouver. Gas-licensed, insured, and serving the Lower Mainland since 1999.
What Greater Vancouver Homeowners Say
“Nelson worked hard to get the NTI unit fixed. He was always polite, courteous and on time.”
“As always Nelson was super efficient. Showed up on time and was quick to work. I had a full maintenance done on the fireplaces and furnace. He was awesome. I won’t use anyone else.”
“Excellent service. Andy had a spare Carrier inducer with him which saved us time.”
“Was very prompt to respond to our issues. Technician was scheduled for the day following my initial call.”
“Very professional heating company. Price is reasonable, excellent work.”
“Highly recommend this company. It was a pleasure dealing with Shawn and Nelson.”
“Professional and courteous technicians with attention to detail and customer needs.”
“Always great, friendly service. Serviced the hot water on-demand system. Honest and informative. Thanks!”
“Speedy response time, honest, and professional service from start to finish.”
Why Greater Vancouver Trusts ROMA Heating & Cooling
ROMA Heating & Cooling has installed, repaired and maintained heating and cooling systems across Metro Vancouver since 1999. Our team are TSBC-licensed gas fitters (Gas LGA0202903) and Red Seal-trained technicians — licensed, bonded and insured — and we back every job with upfront, flat-rate pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We hold a 4.8★ rating from 221+ Google reviews.
- Authorized for 30+ brands (Lennox, Carrier, Viessmann, Navien, Rheem & more)
- Upfront flat-rate pricing — no overtime or hidden fees
- Free, no-obligation estimates on new installations
- Locally owned & operated in Burnaby, BC
No Hidden Fees
Our service rates are transparent and easy to understand. You approve upfront, flat-rate pricing before we start — so you never get a bill you didn’t expect.
Licensed & Bonded
ROMA is a TSBC-licensed gas contractor (Gas LGA0202903). Our technicians are bonded, insured and Red Seal-trained — qualified for any heating or cooling system.
Free Estimates
We offer free, no-obligation estimates on new installations — furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, tankless and hot-water tanks.
ROMA Heating & Cooling is a trusted HVAC contractor serving Metro Vancouver since 1999. We specialize in furnace repair, heat pump installation, boiler services, air conditioning, and emergency heating solutions for residential, commercial, and government clients. Available 24/7, our certified technicians deliver fast, reliable, and affordable HVAC services across Greater Vancouver.