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November 3, 2025

Provo, UT Water Heater Leaking from the Top? Plumbing Tips

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

Water heater leaking from the top? Do not panic. Top leaks are common and often fixable if you act fast. In this guide, you will learn the exact safety steps, how to find the source, and when to repair or replace. If you are in Provo, Orem, or nearby, our licensed pros can be on the way the same day, often with replacement units on the truck. VIP members save on select services.

First things first: make it safe in 5 minutes

A top leak usually starts small, but it can cascade into ceiling damage and mold. Use these steps to make your home safe before you troubleshoot.

  1. Cut power to the heater.
    • Electric: turn off the dedicated breaker.
    • Gas: set the gas control to Off and close the gas shutoff if needed.
  2. Close the cold‑water supply valve on the top inlet. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
  3. Open a nearby hot faucet to relieve pressure.
  4. Put a towel or pan under the drip to contain water.
  5. If water keeps flowing, close the main water valve to the house.

Local tip: Utah County has hard water and many homes have pressure reducing valves. A stuck valve can spike pressure, which makes small top leaks worse. Relieving pressure reduces the drip while you plan the fix.

Why water pools at the top of a water heater

There are only a handful of culprits for a top leak. Knowing them helps you focus your fix.

  • Cold inlet or hot outlet fittings: Loose flex connectors, worn gaskets, or corroded nipples can seep and splash.
  • Dielectric nipples: These reduce galvanic corrosion, but the threads can weep if not sealed well.
  • Temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve connection: The valve body or threads at the top can leak if the valve is failing or over‑pressured.
  • Anode rod port: Rare, but a loose anode plug can seep.
  • Vent condensation on gas units: Looks like a leak but is normal moisture. If it pools, get it checked.
  • Internal tank crack at the top seam: Less common, usually on older heaters with rust streaks.

Hard fact: The Department of Energy recommends setting water heater temperature to about 120 F for safety and efficiency. Higher temperatures can worsen expansion stress that exposes weak fittings.

How to pinpoint the source without tools

You can often locate the problem in five minutes with a dry cloth and a flashlight.

  1. Dry everything on top of the tank.
  2. Wrap a dry tissue around each connection one by one.
  3. Watch for new moisture. Start at the cold inlet, then the hot outlet, then the T&P valve.
  4. If the tissue stays dry but water forms under the jacket lip, the tank seam may be failing.

What to note before you call a plumber:

  • Make and model of the heater.
  • Tank size in gallons.
  • Fuel type: gas or electric.
  • Age of the unit. The serial number usually encodes the year on the label.

Quick DIY checks that are safe for most homeowners

If you are comfortable, try these simple checks. Stop if anything feels unsafe.

  • Snug the flex connectors: Use two wrenches to hold the nipple and tighten the nut a quarter turn. Do not over‑tighten.
  • Replace a rubber washer in a flex line if visibly cracked.
  • Inspect the T&P valve discharge pipe. If the valve is weeping, do not cap or plug it. That is unsafe.
  • Look for corrosion at the nipples. White crust or rust trails signal a failing thread seal.

Important compliance fact: The discharge pipe for a T&P valve must terminate within 6 inches of the floor, slope by gravity, and have no threads or caps on the end. This keeps you safe if the valve opens.

When to shut it down and call a pro

Turn the unit off and call a licensed plumber if you see any of the following.

  • Continuous dripping from the T&P valve or wet insulation at the top seam.
  • Rusty water, burnt wiring smell, or scorch marks near the draft hood.
  • Leaks that return after you snug a connector.
  • Evidence of high pressure like banging pipes or water hammer.

Eric’s Plumbing & Drain Cleaning uses set pricing, so you know the cost before we start. Our licensed team carries common nipples, flex lines, T&P valves, and dielectric fittings on the truck for same‑day fixes.

Common repairs for top leaks

Here is what a pro typically does and why.

  • Replace flex connectors and washers: Stops seepage from worn gaskets or kinked lines.
  • Reseat or replace dielectric nipples: Solves thread weeping and corrosion at the tank ports.
  • Replace the T&P valve: Fixes a valve that does not seal or that opens due to internal failure.
  • Add or service an expansion tank: Stabilizes pressure when a pressure reducing valve is present.
  • Correct venting or condensation issues: Prevents moisture that mimics a leak on gas units.

In Utah County neighborhoods with newer PRVs, we often add or re‑pressurize an expansion tank to prevent T&P weeping. In older homes near the Provo Bench and Springville, we see more corroded nipples and galvanized adapter issues.

Repair vs. replace: how to decide

Not every leak means a new heater. Use these guidelines.

  • Age 0‑6 years with good tank condition: Repair is usually worth it. Most top leaks are at fittings or valves.
  • Age 7‑12 years with rust staining or repeated leaks: Replacement often saves money long term.
  • Visible tank seam leak: Replace. A seam failure cannot be repaired safely.
  • T&P valve weeping with high static pressure: Add an expansion tank and fix pressure. Consider replacement if the unit is near end of life.

Hard fact about our service: We back installed fixtures and equipment with a one‑year materials warranty. If anything we install fails within a year, we repair or replace it at no cost to you.

Gas vs. electric: what changes with a top leak

  • Gas heaters: Check the draft hood for moisture streaks. Do not relight the pilot until leaks are corrected. Moisture can affect combustion safety.
  • Electric heaters: Water near the upper element cover can trip the breaker. Keep power off until the area is dry and inspected.

If you smell gas or see scorch marks, leave the area and call for emergency service. We offer 24/7 response for urgent water heater failures.

Temporary measures to reduce damage while you wait

  • Move stored items away from the heater.
  • Place a shallow pan to catch drips. Empty it often.
  • Run a dehumidifier if the heater is in a finished space.
  • If the leak is slow, you can reopen the cold supply briefly for a shower, then shut it again. Only do this if the leak is manageable.

Choosing the right replacement when needed

If replacement is the smart move, pick a unit that matches your home and usage.

  1. Fuel type and venting
    • Natural gas is common in Utah County. Confirm vent type: atmospheric, power vent, or direct vent.
    • Electric is simpler but may require updated wiring for larger elements.
  2. Tank size
    • 40 to 50 gallons covers many 2 to 4 person homes. Upgrade if you have large tubs or multiple teenagers.
  3. Recovery rate
    • Look for a first hour rating that matches peak demand.
  4. Water quality and protection
    • Hard water shortens tank life. Consider a softener and schedule anode checks.
  5. Safety and code items
    • Proper seismic straps, expansion tank when needed, thermal trap fittings, and a code‑compliant T&P discharge.

Our team helps you compare tank and tankless options, including venting, gas sizing, and condensate handling for high‑efficiency units.

The Utah County advantage: local insight that saves time

  • Hard water is the rule here. That means anodes work harder and nipples corrode faster. We stock corrosion‑resistant parts that hold up.
  • Many Saratoga Springs and Vineyard homes have closed plumbing systems due to PRVs. Expansion control is critical to stop top leaks.
  • Basement installs are common in Provo and Orem. We plan piping to protect finished ceilings and use drip protection to limit future damage.

Preventing future top leaks

A few small habits go a long way.

  • Keep temperature near 120 F.
  • Test the T&P valve once a year. Lift the lever briefly and confirm the discharge drains.
  • Inspect the top fittings during seasonal filter or softener checks.
  • Check expansion tank pressure annually. Match it to house pressure when the system is at zero pressure.
  • Flush sediment per manufacturer guidelines to reduce heat stress.

Even without a formal maintenance plan, we can perform a one‑time safety check that includes pressure testing, T&P inspection, and a quick anode evaluation.

What to expect with Eric’s set pricing and guaranteed work

  • Set pricing with no hourly rate. You approve the number before we start.
  • Licensed Journeyman Plumbers on every job.
  • One‑year materials warranty on fixtures and equipment we install.
  • Financing available for replacements.
  • Same‑day service with stocked trucks for most common parts and new heaters.

When your water heater is leaking from the top, speed and precision matter. We bring both, with clear pricing and a guarantee homeowners can trust.

Special Offer for Utah County Homeowners

Join our VIP Program and save 10% on select plumbing services plus receive a free annual water heater flush. Preferred scheduling and exclusive promotions included. One discount is usually applied per job, though some promotions may be combinable. Call (801) 852-5651 or visit https://ericsplumbinganddrain.com/ to join today.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Our water heater failed on a Friday afternoon... They had Hunter out within half an hour, and we had a new water heater that night. Everything was done so professionally." –Customer Review, Utah County
"The price was the price. Extremely professional and polite. Water heater replacement in 4 hours, start to finish. Extremely satisfied." –Customer Review, Utah County
"Hunter arrived on time, performed diagnostics on the hot water heater... was able to replace the hot water heater during this same visit in approximately two hours. Five stars!" –Customer Review, Utah County
"They diagnosed the problem and had the replacement water heater already on their truck. They got my new water heater installed within a few hours. Excellent work and very timely. A+." –Customer Review, Utah County

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my water heater leaking from the top but the floor is dry?

Small seepage at the inlet or outlet can evaporate on the hot jacket, so you do not see puddles. Dry the top, wrap tissues around each fitting, and check which one gets wet.

Can I tighten the connections to stop a top leak?

You can snug flex connectors a quarter turn while bracing the nipple with a second wrench. If the leak continues or worsens, stop and call a licensed plumber.

Is a dripping T&P valve dangerous?

A T&P valve that drips may signal high pressure or a failing valve. Never cap the discharge. Shut off water, relieve pressure, and have the system inspected.

How do I know if I need an expansion tank?

If your home has a pressure reducing valve or backflow device, an expansion tank controls thermal expansion. A plumber can test pressure and size the tank.

Should I repair or replace an older leaking heater?

If the unit is 7 to 12 years old with corrosion or repeated leaks, replacement is often the best value. Seam leaks require full replacement for safety.

Bottom line

A water heater leaking from the top calls for quick safety steps, a focused check of the top fittings, and a clear decision to repair or replace. With Utah’s hard water and common PRVs, expansion control matters. We fix top leaks fast and stand behind the work with a one‑year materials warranty.

Ready for fast help?

Call Eric’s Plumbing & Drain Cleaning at (801) 852-5651 or schedule at https://ericsplumbinganddrain.com/. Mention our VIP Program to get 10% off select services and a free annual water heater flush. Same‑day water heater repairs and replacements in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, Spanish Fork, and nearby.

Eric’s Plumbing & Drain Cleaning is a family‑owned plumbing company serving Utah County. We use set pricing with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a one‑year materials warranty on installed fixtures and equipment. Every technician holds a current Utah Journeyman Plumber license. Homeowners count on our fast response, honest options, and neat workmanship for water heaters, drains, and whole‑home plumbing. Financing is available, and we offer 24/7 emergency service.

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