Emergency Steps
Step 1. Kill power or gas safely
For electric units, turn off the breaker labeled water heater. For gas units, turn the gas control knob to Off. If you smell gas, leave the area and call your utility right away.Step 2. Close the cold water shutoff
Find the cold water line on top of the tank and turn the valve clockwise until it stops. This slows or stops incoming water so the leak does not keep growing. If the valve is stuck, do not force it. Call us.Step 3. Open a hot water tap
Turn on a hot water faucet in a sink or tub. This relieves pressure inside the tank and can calm an active leak long enough for service to arrive.Step 4. Protect the area
Move boxes and rugs. Put a pan or bucket under the drip if you can reach safely. Snap a couple photos of the leak point for the technician.Step 5. Call local help
Mesa Plumbing serves Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Superior, Broomfield, Erie, and Niwot with same day water heater maintenance and repair. Call us at (720) 680-2303 or schedule a visit easily at www.mesa-plumbing.com.Why is my water heater leaking from the bottom
Leaks at the base usually point to one of three things.- Drain valve seeping
- Tank rust through
- Condensation that looks like a leak during heavy use in cold weather
Water heater leaking from relief valve
The temperature and pressure relief valve opens when pressure or temperature gets too high. If it drips, consider the following.- Sediment may be causing overheating
- The expansion tank may be waterlogged
- House water pressure may be too high
Pre winter maintenance that prevents leaks
Do these quick checks before the cold sets in. If any step feels too complicated or you do not have time, call Mesa Plumbing and we will handle it.- Flush a few gallons from the tank to clear sediment
- Test the temperature and pressure relief valve for a smooth snap back
- Check the expansion tank air charge and confirm it matches house pressure
- Insulate the first few feet of hot and cold lines to cut condensation
- Set temperature to about 120 F for safety and efficiency
- Replace old flex connectors and a crusty drain valve before they fail
When to repair and when to replace
Repair makes sense for young tanks with minor valve issues. Replacement is likely if the tank itself is leaking, if there is heavy rust, or if the unit is past its typical life. Either way, a fast diagnostic visit will save time and water damage.Need a hand today?
Call (720) 680-2303 or schedule at www.mesa-plumbing.com. We will secure any leak, tune the system, and get you ready for winter.
How does a water heater shut off valve work?
The cold water shut off sits on the cold line feeding the tank. Turning it clockwise closes a gate or ball inside the valve body. This blocks incoming water so the tank stops refilling and the leak slows or stops. If the handle is hard to turn or the valve will not shut fully, leave it as is and let a technician replace it.
What to do if water heater is leaking from bottom?
Cut power or gas, close the cold water shut off, and open a hot tap to relieve pressure. Check whether the drip comes from the drain valve or the tank seam. A leaking drain valve can often be repaired. A seam leak usually means the tank has failed and needs replacement. Take photos and call for service right away.
What to do when the water heater is leaking frequently?
Repeat leaks often mean high house pressure, a failed expansion tank, or heavy sediment that overheats the tank. Ask for a pressure test, expansion tank check, and a full flush. Adding a pressure reducing valve and replacing worn connectors can stop the cycle and extend tank life. Call us and we’ll fix that.