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🚨 Emergency Guides
My Water Heater Is Leaking — What Do I Do?
A leaking water heater is one of those problems that gets worse by the minute. Before you call us, do these things in order. It buys you time, prevents flood damage, and keeps you safe.
1. Turn off the power
Gas units: rotate the gas control valve on the front of the tank to OFF (not pilot). Electric units: flip the dedicated double-pole breaker in your panel labeled 'Water Heater' to OFF.
2. Shut off the cold water supply
Find the cold water valve on top of the tank (usually the right side). Turn it clockwise until it stops. If the valve is seized or you can't find it, go straight to the main shutoff for your house.
3. How to find the shutoff
- Cold-side dedicated valve: directly on top of the tank, right inlet pipe
- Whole-house main: usually in the basement near the front foundation wall in Philly row homes
- Townhomes: often in a utility closet on the lowest level
- If you only see one valve, that's the one — use it
4. When to call us immediately
- Water is actively running, not just dripping
- You smell gas (leave the house first, then call from outside)
- The relief valve on the side is venting steam or hot water
- Rust-colored water is pooling under the tank
- The tank is bulging, hissing, or making popping sounds
Signs it's about to burst
- Rumbling or banging when it heats
- Rust around the bottom seam
- Pooling water that returns after you wipe it
- Unit is 10+ years old and the leak is from the body (not a fitting)
⚠ If the tank itself is leaking — not just a fitting on top — the tank is done. No repair will save it. Replacement is the only fix.
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