Leaks can appear in different places and for different reasons. Here are the most frequent causes:
| Component | What Fails / Wears Out | How It Makes Things Leak |
|---|---|---|
| Tank | Corrosion, rust, or small cracks develop over time. | Water seeps through cracks or pinholes; often a sign the tank is near end of life. |
| Inlet/Outlet Connections | Loose fittings, deteriorated pipe seals or hose connectors. | Water drips from the edges where pipes meet the tank or from the pipe joints. |
| Pressure Relief Valve (T&P Valve) | Valve opens too often (or stuck slightly open) due to excess pressure, or the valve itself deteriorates. | Water discharges near the valve or pipe attached to it. |
| Drain Valve (at the bottom of the tank) | Valve not closed tightly, or valve gasket is worn/failed. | Water pools beneath tank or drips from valve stem. |
| Heating Element Gaskets (Electric Heaters) | Gaskets wear out or corrode. | Seepage around the electrical element ports into the tank shell. |
| Anode Rod | If the sacrificial anode rod is overused, corrosion spreads to the tank lining. | Accelerated rust leads to leaks in tank walls. |
| Internal Tank Lining | Over time the protective lining breaks down. | Entire tank becomes vulnerable, leaks may spring up anywhere. |
The short answer: sometimes. Whether a leak is fixable depends on where it’s coming from and how severe the damage is. Here are typical scenarios:
Repairable Leaks:
Loose or faulty pipe connections or fittings — tightening or replacing seals often solves it.
Faulty or worn-out gaskets, especially around drain valves or heating elements.
Pressure relief (T&P) valve issues — replacing the valve often fixes the leak.
Small leaks around minor components that are still accessible (e.g. inlet/outlet pipes, coupling joints).
When Repair May Not Be Practical or Safe:
Leaks in the tank body itself (due to corrosion or cracks) – often this means the tank is failing internally. Repairing a cracked tank is usually costly, temporary, or unsafe. Replacement is generally the better route.
Widespread rust or corrosion inside that compromises the tank’s integrity.
If multiple components are failing, the cost of repair might approach or exceed the cost of a new unit (especially considering lifetime and efficiency).
Here are steps to take:
Turn off power / gas and shut-off water supply to the unit immediately to prevent damage or danger.
Locate where the leak is coming from (tank body vs. a valve or connection) — this helps decide whether repair or replacement is needed.
Call a professional — with us at SoS Water Heater Irving, we’ll inspect the system, identify the exact leak source, give an estimate for repair vs replacement, and do the job safely.
Prevents flooring, wall, or structural damage
Avoids worsening of damage leading to more expensive fixes later
Conserves water and energy — leaks are wasteful in both areas
Safety: gas leaks, water contacting electrical components, or water damage that leads to mold
You should consider replacing the water heater if:
The tank is leaking (tank body failure)
The unit is more than ~10–15 years old (depending on brand and maintenance)
Efficiency has dropped, and repair issues keep recurring
Upgrading to a more energy-efficient model (tankless, hybrid) will save money in the long run
Fast leak detection and diagnosis across Irving and nearby areas
Clean, safe repairs using quality parts — if repair is viable
Honest recommendations (repair vs replacement)
Expert installations when replacement is best — including tank, tankless, and hybrid systems
Warranties, transparent pricing, and satisfaction guaranteed
If you suspect your water heater is leaking, don’t wait — call SOS Water Heater Irving at 945-292-2258 to schedule a inspection. We’ll help you figure out what’s happening and get your hot water back without surprises.
SOS Water Heater Irving
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Business Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8 am - 6 pm
Sat-Sun: 9 am - 5 pm
10009 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving TX, 75063