A pilot that goes out once a week, a relief valve that drips only after the evening showers, a tankless unit that throws a code on cold mornings: these problems hide. Writing each event down, with the time and what was going on in the house, gives a plumber far more to work with than a memory.
Use this log for a week or two if the heater is still safe to run. If you smell gas or see water coming from the tank body, skip the log and act on that first.
Daily log
| Date and time | What happened | What was running | What you did |
|---|---|---|---|
| ______ | e.g. lukewarm shower after 5 minutes | e.g. dishwasher, second shower | ______ |
| ______ | e.g. popping noise from tank | e.g. heater just started | ______ |
| ______ | e.g. drip at relief pipe | e.g. after laundry | ______ |
| ______ | e.g. code shown on tankless display | ______ | ______ |
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ |
Things worth noting
- Water temperature at a hot tap, if you have a kitchen thermometer
- Exact error code and any wording on a tankless display
- Whether the pilot was out, and whether it relit
- Color or smell of the hot water compared with the cold
- Any water on the floor, and where the highest wet spot was
- Weather, if the problem seems worse on cold mornings or windy days
When to stop logging and act
- IfGas smell in the airLeave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside.
- IfWater from under the tank jacketClose the cold supply, turn the heater off, and use the leak checklist.
- IfCarbon monoxide alarmGet everyone outside and call 911.
- IfScalding hot waterTurn the heater off and have the controls checked.
Attach to the log
- Heater type
- Gas or electric, tank or tankless
- Rating plate
- Brand, model, serial and manufacture date
- Location
- Garage, closet, outdoor wall or other
- Recent changes
- New fixtures, plumbing work or a remodel
Common questions
- How long should I keep the log?
- Long enough to see a pattern, often a week or two. Stop and call sooner if anything unsafe appears.
- Will a plumber actually use it?
- A clear record of when and how a problem happens usually shortens diagnosis, especially for intermittent faults.
- Can I keep using the heater while I log?
- Only if there is no gas smell, no leak from the tank and no scalding water. If in doubt, turn it off.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.