Leave the house now
- IfYou smell gas near the unit or anywhere in the houseThenLeave without touching switches, and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside.
- IfA carbon monoxide alarm is soundingThenGet everyone outside into fresh air and call 911.
- IfYou see smoke, scorching or flame outside the unitThenLeave and call 911.
Act today
- IfWater is leaking from inside the cabinetThenClose the cold-water service valve or the main, shut down the unit, and call a licensed plumber.
- IfThe relief valve is dischargingThenShut down the unit and have it checked promptly; do not plug the valve.
- IfYou smell exhaust or see a venting codeThenTurn the unit off and do not use it until inspected.
- IfWater is near the outlet or wiringThenShut off the breaker if safe, stop the water, and call for help.
Can usually wait for a scheduled visit
- IfA maintenance reminder code is showingThenPlan a flush per the manual.
- IfTemperature drifts slowly over weeksThenLog it and schedule a flush and inspection.
- IfOne low-flow sink will not get hotThenClean the aerator and check minimum flow before calling.
- IfA single code appeared once and clearedThenLog it and watch for repeats.
Before you call
- Make it safe.Use the shutoff map to stop water or power if needed.
- Gather details.Brand, model, code, what was running and when it started.
- Check the license.Ask the plumber for a CSLB number and check it at cslb.ca.gov, even when you are in a hurry.
Getting through a day without hot water
If the unit is off while you wait for a plumber, keep the cold water on unless there is a leak, so toilets and cold taps still work. Do not try to bypass the heater or run temporary connections. A short wait is far safer than an improvised fix on gas or venting.
Common questions
Is no hot water ever an emergency on its own?
Usually not, unless it comes with a gas smell, leak, exhaust smell or alarm. Those change the answer.
Can I keep using cold water?
Yes, if there is no leak. Close only the heater's cold-water service valve if you need to isolate it.
What if I cannot tell which category I am in?
Treat it as the more serious category and call for help.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.