Emergency Water Heater Help in Raleigh
Water pouring from the tank, a gas smell, or no hot water with a house full of people? Here is what to shut off right now, what counts as an emergency, and how to get connected with a local plumber.
Calls connect you with an independent local plumber. How it works
- Shut-off steps
- What is urgent and what can wait
- Free referral to a local plumber
In a water heater emergency, first make it safe: if you smell gas, leave and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. If water is leaking, turn off the heater's power or gas and close the cold-water valve above it, or the main water valve if that won't close. Then call a plumber. A leaking tank, a gas smell, a relief valve that keeps discharging or water near wiring are urgent. Lukewarm water or noises can usually wait.
Most water heater emergencies are leaks. A tank that has rusted through can go from a damp spot to a steady flow, and a heater in an attic or closet can damage the rooms below. The other urgent cases are safety problems: gas smells, scorching, a relief valve that keeps opening, or an electric heater that trips its breaker again and again.
Plumber availability depends on your ZIP code and the time you call, so do the shut-off steps first. They stop most of the damage while you wait.
If it's happening right now
- Gas smell? Leave now and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
- Water flowing? Close the cold-water valve above the heater, or the main water valve.
- Turn the heater off. Breaker for electric, control knob to OFF for gas.
- Relieve pressure. Open a hot tap somewhere in the house.
- Keep clear of wiring. Don't stand in water near outlets or the heater's electrical box.
Call a plumber today if
- Water is flowing or the leak is getting worse
- You smell gas
- The relief valve keeps discharging
- Water has reached wiring, outlets or a ceiling below
- No hot water and someone needs it for care or health
It can usually wait a few days if
- A slow drip you've stopped with the valve
- No hot water, and everyone can manage for a day or two
- Lukewarm water, noises or a smell in the hot water
What counts as an emergency
Water flowing from the tank
The tank has failed. Shut off the water and energy now.
Gas smell
Leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
Relief valve discharging
Too much temperature or pressure, or a failed valve. Turn the heater off.
Water near wiring
Turn off the breaker before you touch anything.
Do these first
- Gas smell? Get everyone out, don't touch switches, and call from outside.
- Turn off the energy. Electric: the water heater breaker. Gas: the control knob to OFF and the supply valve closed.
- Stop the water. Close the cold-water valve above the heater, or the main shut-off for the house.
- Open a hot tap. This relieves pressure in the tank once the cold water is off.
- Protect the house. Move belongings, mop up, and keep water away from outlets.
What an emergency visit usually covers
- Making it safe by confirming gas, power and water are off and finding the source.
- Stopping the leak with a valve or fitting repair where possible.
- Draining the tank if it has failed, so it stops leaking.
- A replacement price in writing, if the tank has failed, so you can decide.
Questions to ask the plumber
- Is there an after-hours or emergency fee, and how much?
- Can you stop the leak today and replace the heater later?
- Will you drain and haul away a failed tank?
- Can you give me a written price before work starts?
- Can I get a receipt showing the repair for my water bill adjustment?
Can it wait until morning?
If the gas and power are off, the cold-water valve is closed and the leak has stopped, it often can. Booking during regular hours may avoid an after-hours fee. If water is still flowing, you smell gas, or water is near wiring, don't wait.
Who pays for an emergency call?
The after-hours fee, if any, is set by the plumber, so ask before the visit. Renters should call the landlord's emergency line first, and home-warranty customers should call the warranty company's claim line. More on who pays for water heater work.
What should I tell the plumber when I call?
Having this ready makes the first call shorter and the visit more useful:
- Fuel and type: gas or electric, tank or tankless (it's on the label).
- Size and age: gallons and the manufacture date. The serial number often encodes it.
- What you see: no hot water, lukewarm, leaking from where, error code, noises, smells.
- What you've done: breaker reset, pilot relit, water or gas turned off.
- Where it is: garage, closet, attic or crawl space, and how easy it is to reach.
- Who you are: owner, renter or home-warranty customer.
After-hours calls
Some plumbers charge more for evening, weekend or holiday visits. Ask about any after-hours fee when you call, before anyone comes out. If the shut-off steps have stopped the leak and the area is dry, you can sometimes save money by booking the repair for regular hours.
Don't forget the water bill
If you're a City of Raleigh water customer and the leak was on your side of the meter, the city offers a courtesy leak adjustment when usage is at least twice your monthly average, once in twelve months, with proof of repair. Keep the plumber's receipt. Details are on raleighnc.gov.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first if my water heater bursts?
Turn off the heater's power or gas, close the cold-water valve above it (or the main water valve), open a hot tap to relieve pressure, and move belongings out of the water. Then call a plumber.
Is no hot water an emergency?
Usually not, unless someone in the home relies on hot water for health or care reasons. Check the breaker or pilot first with our no hot water checklist.
How do I shut off a gas water heater?
Turn the gas control knob to OFF, then close the gas supply valve on the pipe leading to the heater (handle across the pipe). If you smell gas, don't do this. Leave and call from outside.
Do plumbers charge more for emergency calls?
Many do for evenings, weekends and holidays. Ask about any after-hours fee before the visit.
Can I use the water in my house if the water heater is off?
Yes. Once the cold-water valve to the heater is closed, cold water still works at your taps and toilets, unless you had to close the main shut-off.
Related help
No hot water or a leaking tank?
Turn off the power or gas to the heater and close the cold-water valve above it if water is leaking. Then get help from an independent local plumber.