Water Heater Leaking? What to Do in a Hard Water City

A water heater leaking from the tank body is failing and needs to be shut off and replaced, while a leak at a fitting or valve can often be repaired.

Call (725) 302-6540 Text (725) 302-6540

Shut it down safely

Close the cold water valve on top of the heater.
For gas, turn the control to off or pilot. For electric, switch off its breaker.
Keep clear of the hot water and the pressure relief pipe.
Put a pan or towels down and move stored items away.
Photograph the tank label, which shows its age, for your plumber and insurer.

Where tanks leak

Top fittings, where the water lines connect. Often a loose or corroded fitting.
The pressure relief valve. Water out of its pipe can mean high pressure or a worn valve.
The drain valve near the bottom, which can drip.
The tank itself. Water from the bottom seam or the body usually means the tank has rusted through.

Hard water and tank life

LVVWD rates its water as very hard, listing 16 to 17 grains per gallon on its facts page. The minerals are calcium and magnesium carried from the Colorado River, and the utility says they are not a health risk. Scale does build on piping and fixtures, and LVVWD advises replacing plumbing parts routinely. InterNACHI gives tank heaters 6 to 12 years and tankless units about 10.

The damage you cannot see

Garage heaters leak onto concrete and run out the door. Closet and attic heaters leak into drywall, framing and the ceiling below. Water also runs under flooring next to the closet. Take moisture readings on every wall that shares the closet, not just the floor.

Replacing it in the City of Las Vegas

The city lists a same for same water heater swap as an online permit with no plan needed. Moving it or switching fuel types is different work. In Winchester and other unincorporated areas, ask Clark County. In North Las Vegas, ask that city.

Keep the next one from flooding the house

Note the install date on the tank with a marker.
Put a drain pan under closet and attic units.
Change washer hoses to braided steel while you are at it, every 3 to 5 years.
Consider a leak sensor near the heater.

Questions people ask

Is a leaking water heater an emergency?

It is if water is pooling or reaching walls and floors. Shut off its water and power or gas right away.

Can I still shower if my water heater is leaking?

Not with that heater's water on. Closing its cold supply stops the leak but also stops hot water.

How long do water heaters last in Las Vegas?

InterNACHI gives tank heaters 6 to 12 years. Very hard water adds scale, so plan near the low end.

Why is water coming out of the relief pipe?

It can mean high pressure or temperature, or a worn valve. Have a plumber check it.

Can a leaking tank be repaired?

Fitting and valve leaks often can. A leak from the tank body usually means replacement.

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?

In the City of Las Vegas a same for same swap is an online permit with no plan needed.

Is Las Vegas water bad for water heaters?

It is very hard, 16 to 17 grains per gallon per LVVWD. Hardness is not a health risk, but scale builds up.

Does insurance cover water heater leaks?

Sudden discharge is covered on most policies. The heater itself is often not covered when it simply wore out.

How do I tell how old my water heater is?

The label on the tank lists the date or a serial number that encodes it. Photograph it for your plumber.

What should I check after a closet heater leak?

Moisture in every wall that shares the closet, the flooring next to it and the ceiling below if it is upstairs.

Written by Dry Vegas. Facts checked against the sources named in each section on October 27, 2026.

More guides

Water where it should not be?

(725) 302-6540

Call or text. Say where the water came from, when it started and which rooms are wet. You will get the first steps right away and a time for someone to come out.