Home Emergency plumbing Water heater failure
No hot water or a leaking water heater?
A leaking tank can flood a utility room, and no hot water is more than an inconvenience. Here is what to check and what to leave to a plumber.
What is happening
No hot water is an inconvenience, but a leaking or overheating tank is urgent. Water heaters hold a large amount of hot water, and a failed tank can flood a utility room fast. A relief valve that keeps discharging also signals a problem.
Do this right now
- If it leaks, shut off the cold water supply to the heater
- Turn off power at the breaker, or the gas control to the off setting
- If you smell gas, leave the house and call 911 or the gas utility
- Keep people away from hot water and steam
- Call us before draining the tank
The Pyper way
How Pyper handles it
We figure out whether a part failed or the tank is done. We repair a sound tank, or replace it with a proper setup: relief valve piped to drain, shutoff valves, and strapping and expansion control where needed. We handle water-side plumbing; Pyper does not do gas line work.
Make it safe
We shut off the water to the heater and make sure the area is safe.
Find the problem
We check whether it is a failed part or a leaking tank.
Repair or replace
A failed part may be repaired. A leaking tank has to be replaced.
Install to code
We set up the new unit properly and test it before we leave.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring a small puddle, which can mean the tank is failing
- Using an old heater that is leaking from the tank itself, since the tank cannot be patched
- Resetting a tripped safety device again and again without finding the cause
- Attempting gas appliance repairs yourself
Questions we hear
Can a leaking water heater be repaired?
If the leak is from a fitting or valve, often yes. If the tank itself is leaking, it needs to be replaced.
Why is there no hot water?
Common causes include a tripped breaker, a failed heating element, a pilot or igniter problem, or a failing tank. Our guide lists what to check first.
Should I turn off my water heater if it leaks?
Shut off the cold water supply to it. If it is gas and you smell gas, leave the home and call 911 or your gas utility.
Guides
Step-by-step help
Water heaters
No Hot Water? What to Check Before You Call
No hot water at home? Check the breaker, pilot, thermostat, sediment and leaks first, with safety tips on scalds and relief valves. Know when to call.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideWater heaters
Water Heater Warning Signs: Repair or Replace?
Water heater warning signs: leaks, rust, noise, no hot water. See typical lifespans, relief valve safety, and when to repair or replace.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideRelated services
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Cold showers or a leaking tank? We repair or replace water heaters and set them up to code.
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Hidden leaks waste water and rot your home. We find the exact spot, fix it, and test it.
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Old, leaky or corroded pipes replaced with durable new lines, planned to cause minimal mess.
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