Water heater repair

Rarely an emergency

No hot water is usually the heat source — a tripped breaker or high-limit switch, or a pilot that went out. Water around the tank is urgent: shut the cold supply and the power or gas, then find where it is coming from.

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The top of a gas water heater: rust and debris around the flue connection and the water lines
TODAY3 of 3 reads agreed
Gas water heater
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A real Triage Profile from this photo, read by fixRAgent on 30 Sep 2026. Open it ›

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Every water heater problem, by brand

Water heater leaking waterUsually urgent, not an emergency

Is it an emergency? Usually urgent, not an emergency. Turn off the water to it and switch off its breaker, then soak up standing water. If water is reaching outlets or cords, switch off the breaker before touching anything; water coming through a ceiling is an emergency.

Water heater not workingRarely an emergency

Is it an emergency? Rarely an emergency. Check power first: the plug, the breaker and any GFCI outlet. Stop and call a pro if it smells like burning, trips the breaker again, or runs on gas and you smell gas.

Water heater won’t startRarely an emergency

Is it an emergency? Rarely an emergency. Check its breaker and, on a gas unit, the display or the label by the gas control. Stop and call a pro if it keeps tripping the breaker, smells like burning, or you smell gas.

Water heater making a loud noiseUsually not an emergency

Is it an emergency? Usually not an emergency. A new grinding, rattling or humming most often comes from a fan, motor, belt or loose panel. Stop using it and cut the power if the noise comes with a burning smell, smoke or sparks; if it runs on gas and you smell gas, leave and call the gas company or 911 from outside.

Water heater smells like burningTreat it as urgent

Is it an emergency? Treat it as urgent. Turn it off and switch off its breaker, and do not use it again until the cause is found. If you see smoke or flames, or smell gas, get everyone out and call 911.

Water heater flashing an error codeUsually not an emergency

Is it an emergency? Usually not an emergency — the code is the appliance reporting a fault it detected. Note the code, then turn it off at the breaker for a minute and back on. If the code returns with a burning smell, smoke or a leak, leave it off and call a pro.

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