First Things First — Safety Steps
Before inspecting the leak, take a moment to make things safe:
- Shut off power or gas: For electric units, switch the circuit breaker to OFF. For gas heaters, turn the gas control valve to OFF.
- Stop water supply: Turn the cold-water shutoff valve clockwise to stop water from entering the tank.
- Protect your space: Move belongings away and lay down towels. Avoid standing water near outlets or the base of the unit.
If you hear hissing, smell gas, or see fast pooling, leave the area and call our emergency team right away. Call our Albuquerque plumbers 24/7 if you experience any of these issues.
Is a Leaking Water Heater Dangerous?
It can be. Leaks may cause electrical shock, scalding water discharge, or major water damage to floors, ceilings, and walls. Because many homes in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho place their water heaters in garages, closets, or even attics, an unnoticed leak can spread fast. The safest move is to shut off the unit and schedule an inspection with a licensed plumber immediately.
Where the Leak Starts Matters
Knowing where the water originates helps identify the problem, and whether it’s something minor or serious. Here’s how to tell what different leak locations may mean.
Leaking from the Top
A small drip from the top of your water heater often comes from loose fittings or worn connectors on the cold-water inlet or hot-water outlet pipes. These are typically easy to reach and may just need tightening. However, if corrosion or water damage is visible, the fittings may need to be replaced to stop the leak completely.
- DIY check: Carefully snug any loose connectors—just a quarter turn at most.
- Pro repair: We can replace fittings, shutoff valves, or dielectric nipples to ensure a watertight seal.
Leaking from the Side (Pressure Relief Valve)
The side of the tank typically houses the temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR valve). It releases water when temperature or pressure builds too high. A constant drip could mean the valve has failed or the tank is overheating.
- DIY check: Verify your thermostat is set near 120°F and that the discharge pipe drains safely to the pan or floor.
- Pro repair: We replace TPR valves, add expansion tanks, and correct overpressure conditions before they cause bigger problems.
Leaking from the Bottom
Water around the base can come from the drain valve, condensation, or – worst case – the tank itself. Drain valves sometimes loosen, but if the tank itself is corroded or leaking through the metal, it’s time for a full water heater replacement to ensure safe, reliable performance.
- DIY check: Confirm the drain valve is fully closed. Don’t over-tighten—it can make the leak worse.
- Pro repair: We replace faulty valves, install new pans or drain lines, and determine if the tank has failed.
DIY or Call the Pros?
It’s understandable to want to troubleshoot a leak, but even small mistakes can turn costly—especially if your water heater sits in the attic or a finished living area. A leak in an attic unit can ruin insulation, drywall, and ceilings before you even notice it. That’s why we recommend calling a licensed plumber for any persistent leak or uncertainty.
Our Albuquerque-based call center is staffed right here in the U.S., and our technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can shut down the leak, make safe repairs, and restore hot water quickly.
What B. Carlson Can Fix Fast
- Drain valve replacement and resealing
- Top connector and nipple repair
- Pressure relief valve and expansion tank installation
- Pan and drain line replacement to meet code
- Hot water tank repair or complete replacement if corrosion has breached the tank wall
- Tankless system leak diagnosis and descaling
Every repair is performed by licensed plumbers, tested for safety, and backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
Prevent the Next Leak with the B. Carlson Care Club
Most water heater leaks start small—sediment buildup, worn seals, or corrosion—and worsen over time. The best way to prevent them is through consistent care. Our Care Club includes annual tank flushes, temperature and pressure valve checks, anode inspections, and priority scheduling for plumbing and HVAC services. Members save on repairs and enjoy year-round peace of mind knowing their home’s systems are always maintained.
Serving Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo & Nearby — 24/7
Whether your water heater is leaking from the top, bottom, or pressure valve, the team at B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is ready to help. We provide honest assessments, fast repairs, and reliable replacements throughout the Albuquerque metro and surrounding cities—including Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Corrales, Placitas, and Los Lunas. Schedule your water heater repair today or call anytime for 24/7 emergency service.