Safety ·
Water Heater Emergency? What Counts, What to Do First, and Who to Call
Some water heater problems can wait until morning. These cannot. Here is how to tell the difference, and what to do in the first five minutes.
Key takeaways
- Active leaks, gas smells, scalding water and a discharging T&P valve are emergencies.
- Shut off the water supply and the gas or power before anything else.
- HOTCO answers 24/7, including nights, weekends and holidays.
A water heater emergency always seems to happen at the worst time. HOTCO answers the phone 24 hours a day across Placer and Sacramento Counties, but a few quick steps from you can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.
These are emergencies: call now
- Water actively leaking or pooling around the tank.
- A gas smell near the water heater.
- Scalding hot water from the taps.
- The T&P valve discharging water or steam.
- Scorch marks, soot or melted parts near the burner.
What to do in the first five minutes
- Gas smell: leave the home and call your gas utility from outside. Do not touch switches.
- Leak: shut off the cold water valve on top of the tank.
- Turn the gas control to OFF, or switch off the breaker for electric units.
- Open a hot water tap to relieve pressure.
- Move valuables away from the water.
These can usually wait until morning
No hot water with no leak, lukewarm water, or a pilot that went out. Still call us, but you are not in danger.
How HOTCO responds
A real person answers, day or night. We dispatch a stocked truck, stop the damage, and in most cases repair or replace the water heater the same visit.
Call now
If it is an emergency, do not wait. Call HOTCO at (916) 905-4468. We answer 24/7 and serve Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Folsom, Sacramento and the rest of Placer and Sacramento Counties.
Frequently asked questions
- Do you offer 24/7 emergency water heater service?
- Yes. HOTCO is open 24/7. Call (916) 905-4468 any time.
- What should I do if my water heater is leaking?
- Shut off the cold water supply valve on top of the tank, turn off the gas or power, open a hot water faucet and call us.
