Water Heater Burst — Emergency Guide
When a tank bursts, people panic. Don't. The first five minutes determine whether you have a $300 cleanup or a $30,000 insurance claim. Here's the order.
Minute 1: Shut off the water
Run to the cold inlet valve on top of the tank. Closed (clockwise). If it's frozen, broken, or under water — go to your whole-house main shutoff immediately. Every second is gallons.
Minute 2: Kill the power
Gas: rotate the control valve on the front of the tank to OFF. Electric: flip the water heater breaker to OFF at the panel. An electric element firing in a flooded space is dangerous.
Minute 3: Open a hot tap
Open the hot side of a sink upstairs. This breaks the vacuum and lets the tank drain through the burst point instead of pushing more water out under pressure.
Minute 4: Move what you can
Lift anything off the floor in the affected area. Cardboard boxes, electronics, photo albums. Water wicks up fast — six inches of clearance saves them.
Minute 5: Call us, then your insurance
Call 1-844-HOT2DAY. We'll dispatch the same day if you call before noon, otherwise first thing next morning. Then call your homeowner's insurance and document with photos.
What we'll do when we arrive
- Disconnect and drain whatever water is left in the tank
- Cap the gas/electric and water lines so you're safe overnight if we can't install same-day
- Haul the dead unit out
- Install your new water heater at our published flat rate
It just happened. Call now.
We answer 24/7 for emergencies. 1-844-HOT2DAY.