In this order
- Check for gas.Sniff the air around the heater before touching anything. Gas smell means leave now.
- Stop the water.Close the cold supply valve above the heater. If it is stuck or the leak is heavy, close the main water shutoff for the house.
- Power down.Gas: turn the control to Off or Pilot. Electric or tankless: switch off the breaker. Avoid standing water when touching electrical switches.
- Keep people back.Children and pets away. Water from a tank or relief pipe can be very hot.
- Contain and protect.Towels, a shallow pan, and move boxes or anything that can wick water.
- Find and record the source.Trace the wet area to its highest point. Photograph it and note the time.
Tick as you go
- No gas smell
- Cold supply or main closed
- Heater control or breaker off
- Area clear of people and pets
- Belongings moved, towels down
- Leak source photographed
- Rating plate details ready
Once it is contained
- IfWater came from under the tank jacketExpect a replacement. Start the hiring checklist.
- IfWater came from a top fitting or the drain valveLikely repairable. Leave the supply closed until a plumber looks.
- IfWater came from the relief pipeDo not cap it. Ask a plumber to check pressure, temperature and the valve.
- IfYou cannot find the sourceKeep the supply off, dry the area, and look again in an hour.
Closet installs need extra speed
Many Fullerton homes keep the heater in an interior closet, where water reaches flooring, baseboards and wall cavities faster than in a garage. Shut the water first, then pull back any carpet edge and run fans. Drywall and subfloor that stay wet are a bigger problem than the heater itself.
For the plumber's call
- Where did the water come from, and is the tank sound?
- Is it safe to restore water to the rest of the house now?
- What should I leave off until you arrive?
- Will the replacement need any code updates?
Common questions
- Can I turn the house water back on?
- If you closed the main, you can often reopen it once the heater's own cold supply valve is closed and holding. If that valve will not close, keep the main off and call a plumber.
- Should I drain the tank?
- Not unless you know how and the tank has cooled. Old drain valves can break, and tank water can scald.
- Do I need to call the city?
- For a leak inside the house, a plumber is the call. If you suspect a problem on the water service or meter side, contact the city's water utility.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.