Water spreading across the basement floor, a hiss from the utility closet, or a shower that suddenly runs ice cold. When a water heater fails, the first ten minutes matter more than anything else. Here's what to do, what to leave alone, and what happens once your plumber gets there.
Is it really an emergency?
Some water heater problems can wait for a normal appointment. These can't:
Water leaking from the tank itself or pooling around the base
A gas smell anywhere near the heater
A burning or electrical smell, or a breaker that keeps tripping
Water spraying or steaming from the relief valve or its discharge pipe
No hot water at all in the middle of an Indiana winter, especially with kids or older family members at home
A small drip from a fitting or a heater that's a little lukewarm is worth a call, but it usually isn't a drop-everything situation.
If you smell gas, start here
Don't try to find the leak. Don't flip light switches, use the garage door opener or start a car in the garage. Get everyone out of the house, then call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Once the utility has made it safe, we can repair the heater or gas line.
What to do right now for a leak or failure
1. Shut off the water
Find the cold water line running into the top of the heater. It should have a shutoff valve. Turn a round handle clockwise until it stops, or turn a lever handle so it sits crosswise to the pipe. If you can't find it or it won't turn, shut off the main water valve for the house. In most Central Indiana homes it's in the basement, crawlspace or utility room where the water line comes through the wall or floor.
2. Shut off the power or gas
Electric heater: switch off the water heater breaker at your electrical panel.
Gas heater: turn the control knob on the gas valve to OFF or PILOT, and close the gas shutoff valve on the supply line if you can reach it safely.
Only do this if you can get to it without standing in water near electrical parts.
3. Protect your stuff
Move boxes, rugs and anything stored nearby. Use towels or a wet vac to keep water from reaching finished areas. If you have a floor drain, clear the path to it. Take a few photos for your insurance company.
4. Call or text us
Calling is best when water is actively leaking, so we can walk you through the shutoff while help is on the way. A photo of the heater's label is also a big help. It tells us the brand, age and size before we arrive.
What not to do
Don't open the burner or electrical access panels.
Don't try to drain a leaking tank unless a plumber tells you it's safe. The water can be scalding.
Don't turn the temperature up to make up for lukewarm water.
Don't wait out a slow leak. Tanks rarely heal, and small leaks tend to get bigger.
Repair or replace?
Not every emergency means a new water heater. If the tank is sound and a part has failed, like a gas valve, thermocouple, heating element or thermostat, a repair is often the right call, and that's what we'll recommend.
If the tank itself is leaking, it can't be patched. Rust through the steel shell means replacement. When that's the case, we'll explain why and give you your options. Same-day replacement is often available, and we install Bradford White tank heaters and Navien tankless units, handle the permit and haul the old one away. Right now you can also get $50 off any tank water heater installation or $500 off a tankless installation.
Why they fail "out of nowhere"
Most sudden failures have been building for years. Hard water leaves sediment in the bottom of the tank, the anode rod wears out, and the steel starts to corrode. Then winter hits. Incoming water gets much colder, the heater runs longer, and a tired unit finally gives out. That's why water heater calls climb every winter in Hamilton County.
If your heater is getting older, a yearly flush and a quick check of the anode rod and relief valve can help you plan a replacement on your schedule instead of in the middle of a cold snap.
When to call us
If you're dealing with any of the problems above, reach out to our emergency plumbing line. Texts to (317) 731-3028 are answered 24/7. For non-urgent questions, our water heater repair and replacement page covers what we do.
FAQ
Can I still use water in the house after I shut off the heater?
If you only closed the valve on the heater's cold line, yes. Your cold water will still work everywhere. If you had to shut off the main, you won't have water until the heater is isolated or repaired.
My relief valve is dripping. Is that an emergency?
A steady drip or spray from the temperature and pressure relief valve means the tank is overheating, pressure is too high, or the valve is failing. Turn off the power or gas and call. Don't cap or plug the valve.
Can a leaking water heater wait until morning?
If you've shut off the water and power or gas and the leak has stopped, it can often wait for a morning visit. If water is still coming out, or it's a gas smell, don't wait.
Will insurance cover the water damage?
Many homeowner policies cover sudden water damage from a failed heater, but usually not the heater itself. Photos and prompt action help your claim. Check with your insurance agent for the details of your policy.
How fast can you replace a water heater?
Same-day replacement is often available. Your plumber will confirm the right size and fuel type, give you options and a price on site, and get started once you approve.
Water heater trouble right now? Call or text (317) 731-3028, or visit our emergency plumber page.
