Water heaters · checked 5 Oct 2026
The water heater is leaking
Safety, right now
- Gas smell? Leave; never touch switches. Call gas utility from outside.
- Keep everyone away from standing water, wet electrical equipment, and hot discharge.
- Without gas smell, shut heating off only from a safe, dry location.
Fix it nowEight steps
- Electric heater: switch its labeled breaker OFF only with dry access and hands.Never operate electrical equipment while standing in water.
- Gas heater: without gas smell, set its dry appliance control OFF; follow label.Stops heating; do not touch gas piping or relight.
- If safely reachable, close the heater's identified cold-water inlet valve; never force it.Limits incoming water; stored tank water may still leak.
The other five steps
- Can't isolate water? Close your known household water shutoff, if safely accessible.Limits additional water damage.
- From dry ground, photograph where water starts; do not remove covers.Helps the plumber distinguish connections, valves, and tank leaks.
- Never cap the relief pipe, operate its lever, or drain the tank.Hot discharge can scald; blocking relief can cause explosion.
- Call a plumber now; describe the source, flow, and shutoffs completed.An active leak needs diagnosis, not a temporary patch.
- Leave heating OFF until the plumber approves restarting.Heating an empty or damaged tank is unsafe.
When to stop
Stop and get a plumber if:
- Gas smell or hissing: leave immediately; never touch switches. Call 911 and your gas utility from outside.
- Water touches wiring, outlets, or the breaker panel: stay away; call an electrician immediately.
- Steam, forceful hot discharge, or a bulging tank: keep away; call an emergency plumber.
- Shutoffs are unidentified, stuck, wet, or unreachable: stop; call a plumber.
- Water keeps spreading or a ceiling sags: leave the affected area; get emergency help.
What it probably is
Leaking water connectionWater starts at a pipe joint above or beside the heater.For a pro
Leaking drain valveDrips start at the small drain faucet near the tank bottom.For a pro
Relief valve dischargeWater exits the relief pipe; pressure, overheating, or valve trouble needs checking.For a pro
Possible tank failureWater emerges beneath the tank; a plumber must rule out other sources.For a pro
Time and parts
- Time
- 5–10 minutes to isolate safely; not a repair.
- Parts
- $0 for shutoff; repair costs separate.
Fair price, if a pro does itUnited States
$400–3,000per job
Get it done
More than a quick fix? Vora gets quotes privately and recommends one plumber.
The plumbers we’d call in Tyler & Longview · No hot water: what to do
Checked against
- Atmos Energy — Natural Gas Safety Guide
- CDC — Protect Yourself From Electrical Hazards
- A. O. Smith — Gas Water Heater Instruction Manual
- A. O. Smith — Electric Water Heater Instructions and Troubleshooting
Written for Vora from these public sources and checked on 5 Oct 2026. General guidance, not a substitute for a pro on site. In danger, leave and call 911.