What is likely happening
A dripping temperature and pressure relief valve often means excess pressure from thermal expansion or an overheating control. A leaking tank usually means the tank itself has failed. In many jurisdictions larger commercial water heaters are regulated as boilers or pressure vessels and need periodic inspection.
What you can safely check
- Check the temperature setting.
- See if the building has a working thermal expansion tank on the cold supply.
- Look at the base of the tank for rust or water.
What an inspector will look at
- Relief valve rating and condition
- Thermal expansion control
- Tank condition and data plate
- Venting on gas-fired units
Does this affect compliance?
Whether a water heater needs a certificate depends on its size and your jurisdiction; we can tell you if yours is covered.
When it becomes urgent
Urgent if the tank itself is leaking or the relief valve discharges steam or very hot water.
We can help with this
Boiler inspection is something Insparisk does nationwide. To see the local rules for your building, open this in the interactive Problem Solver.
Request boiler inspectionTalk to an advisorGeneral guidance only, not a substitute for a licensed inspection or emergency services. For any gas odor, carbon monoxide alarm, fire, or trapped occupant, call 911 first.