By Nate, Owner of NDL Plumbing & Electrical
Leaky Electric Water Heater in Rochester? Stop the Damage Before It Floods Your Basement
If you live in Rochester, you’re already familiar with the harsh winters and the importance of having hot water when you need it.
However, if you’ve an older electric water heater and have noticed water pooling near the base, don’t dismiss it.
That leak could be a whole lot more dangerous than you think, and your basement might be the one paying the price.
I’ve seen it happen time and time again in Rochester homes, especially the older ones with 10+ year-old units.
A homeowner notices a bit of dampness around the water heater and figures it’s just condensation.
A few weeks later, I get a call, now it’s a full-blown basement flood, damaged drywall, soaked insulation, or worse: mold.
The Silent Damage Behind a Small Leak
The problem is, electric water heaters don’t usually explode all at once.
They wear down quietly—starting with tiny pinhole leaks in the tank or around fittings.
And in cold Rochester winters, those leaks freeze, expand, and exacerbate the problem.
The water seeps into your concrete floor, baseboards, and subflooring.
What starts as a drip turns into thousands of dollars in structural damage.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Here’s what I always tell my customers to watch for:
- Rust stains near the bottom of the tank
- Water is pooling around the base
- Unusual hissing or popping noises
- Discolored or metallic-tasting hot water
- Hot water that runs out too fast
If you’ve got any of these signs, don’t wait. It’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a plumbing emergency in the making.
Why Rochester Homes Are at Higher Risk
Older homes in Rochester often have original plumbing setups with limited drainage around the water heater.
Combine that with our below-freezing temps and frozen ground in winter, and water has nowhere to go but inside.
That’s how basements get flooded, walls rot from the inside out, and mold gets a foothold.
What I Can Do to Help
I’m Nate, and I’ve been working on electric and gas water heaters across Monroe County for years.
When I show up, I don’t guess. I inspect everything—tank, fittings, T&P valves, and drain lines.
I’ll tell you straight up if your heater is worth saving or if it’s time to replace it.
I also install high-efficiency water heaters that are designed to withstand our cold climate and lower your energy bills.
And I’ll make sure your drainage is set up correctly, so your basement stays dry no matter what.
Don’t Let a Leaky Heater Soak Your Rochester Home
If you’ve noticed a leak or even just suspect something’s off, call me today.
I’m local and I don’t mess around with plumbing band-aids.
Let’s fix the problem before it turns into a disaster.
NDL Plumbing & Electrical Services – Proudly serving Rochester, NY
Call today for a fast inspection and honest advice.
