Why Is My Water Heater Leaking in Aurora? | Expert Fixes & Costs

Is a puddle forming at the base of your hot water tank? A leaking water heater is more than an inconvenience; it's a ticking clock for your basement floor. In Aurora, these leaks typically stem from mineral corrosion, excessive pressure, or a failing safety valve.

The good news? Not every drip requires a full replacement. This guide will help you identify the source and decide whether you need a simple part swap or a new, high-efficiency unit.

4 Common Culprits Behind Water Heater Leaks

Aurora’s water and infrastructure present specific challenges for plumbing. Here is what usually goes wrong:

• Corrosive Sediment Buildup: Aurora’s moderately hard water leaves behind mineral deposits. If you haven’t flushed your tank recently, this sediment settles at the bottom, trapping heat and eventually rusting through the steel tank liner.

• The T&P Valve is Venting: Your Temperature and Pressure (T&P) relief valve is a safety guard. If your home's water pressure is too high a common issue in parts of York Region the valve leaks intentionally to prevent the tank from bursting.

• Thermal Expansion Drips: Constant heating and cooling cycles cause the metal pipes on top of your heater to expand and contract. Over time, this loosens the inlet and outlet connections, leading to steady drips down the side of the tank.

• A Depleted Anode Rod: This "sacrificial" rod is designed to rust so your tank doesn't. Once it’s fully corroded, the water attacks your tank walls next.

When to Call an Emergency Plumber in Aurora

If you spot a leak, your first step is to shut off the water supply (the valve is usually on the cold pipe above the tank).

Call a professional immediately if:

1. Water is seeping from the tank’s base: This almost always indicates an internal crack that cannot be patched.

2. The leak is accompanied by a "knocking" sound: This suggests heavy sediment buildup that is overheating the unit.

3. You see rusty or discoloured water: This is a sign of advanced internal corrosion.

At WhiteRock Plumbing, we specialize in rapid diagnostics. We’ll help you determine if a repair can extend your tank’s life or if it’s time to upgrade to a modern, energy-saving model.

Stop the leak before it spreads. Call WhiteRock Plumbing at +1(905) 989-1010.

Call now

Water Heater Repair vs. Replacement Costs in Aurora

Transparency matters. While every home in Aurora is different, here are the general price ranges for local water heater services:

Service	Estimated Cost (CAD)
Emergency Diagnostic Call	$150 - $250
T&P or Drain Valve Replacement	$200 - $400
Heating Element/Thermostat Repair	$250 - $450
New Tank Installation (Standard)	$1,500 - $2,200+

Note: Replacement costs are influenced by tank capacity and modern venting code requirements in Ontario.

Don’t wait for a flood to force your hand. Contact WhiteRock Plumbing for a professional inspection and a permanent solution.

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