Water Heater Leaking in Lakewood, CA

If your water heater is leaking, turn off the cold-water supply valve above the heater, then turn off the gas (set the control to off or pilot) or the breaker for an electric unit. Then find where the water is coming from: fittings, the relief valve, the drain valve, or the tank itself. A leak from the tank body means replacement.

Shut it down safely

Close the cold supply valve on top of the heater.
Gas: turn the control knob to off or pilot. Electric: switch off the breaker.
Move belongings away. Put down towels or a pan.
Don't open the relief valve or drain the tank while the water is hot.

Where is the water coming from?

Top fittings: loose or corroded connections, often repairable.
Relief valve or its discharge pipe: may indicate high pressure, overheating or a worn valve. Never cap it.
Drain valve: a worn valve that may be replaceable.
Bottom or tank body: the tank has failed and needs replacement.
Condensation: gas units can drip condensation on startup. It stops once the tank is warm.

Not sure what you need? Talk it through by phone.

Call (708) 350-9399

Garage and shed heaters in Lakewood

Many Lakewood heaters sit in garages or outdoor sheds. Lakewood lists water heaters located outside or in a garage among projects that start with planning review, per its home improvements guide. A replacement is a good time to correct strapping and platform height. See water heaters in garages and sheds.

Repair or replace?

See repair vs replace a water heater, water heater repair, water heater replacement and the cost guide.

When to call

Call right away if the tank body leaks or water is spreading. For a small drip at a fitting, call to schedule a repair. Note the heater's age, fuel, size and where the water is coming from.

What should you tell the provider when you call?

Describe what you've noticed and when it started, which fixtures are affected, what you've already checked or shut off, and your address or cross streets. For water heaters, give the fuel type, tank size and approximate age from the label. For drain and sewer problems, say whether you know where your cleanout is. That helps the provider understand the likely cause and bring the right equipment. Coverage for your address is confirmed on the call.

When is it not safe to keep troubleshooting?

Stop and call if you smell gas (leave first, and call SoCalGas or 911 from outside), if water is near electrical outlets or appliances, if sewage is backing up into the house, or if a fix needs you to open a gas control, an electrical panel or a pressurized line. Don't cap or plug a water heater relief valve. If water is spreading, close the main shutoff first.

How was this guide researched?

This guide was written for Lakewood, California homeowners and checked against the sources below on November 11, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm anything important with the agency or provider. See our editorial policy.

home improvements guide

Quick answers

Is a dripping relief valve dangerous?

A drip means the valve is releasing water, often because of high pressure, overheating or wear. It's a safety device, so don't cap it. Have the cause checked.

How quickly should a leaking tank be replaced?

A tank-body leak usually gets worse. Shut off water and fuel, and arrange replacement soon.

Does this guide apply outside Lakewood?

Much of it does, because the plumbing basics are the same across Southern California. But water providers, sewer agencies and permit offices differ from city to city. Bellflower has four water companies, Seal Beach runs its own water and sewer systems, and Orange County cities have their own building departments. Check the official site for your city, or see our service area pages, which list the water provider and official links for each nearby city.

How current is this information?

This page was last reviewed on November 11, 2026, and shows that date at the top. Rules, utility programs and prices change, so we link to the official or original source for each key fact, and those sources are the final word. Cost figures come from named national guides, with the update date each one showed when we checked it. If something looks out of date, confirm it with the city, your water provider or the provider on the call, and let us know by calling the number on this page.