Emergency Instructions

If your water heater is leaking and flooding your home, immediately turn off the water supply and power to the heater. Move valuables away from water, contain the flooding with towels or buckets, and call a licensed plumber to assess and repair the damage as soon as possible.

You can safely leave your water heater turned off for a few days to a week without issues. If it will be off longer, it’s best to drain the tank to prevent corrosion or bacterial growth. Turn it back on slowly when needed to restore hot water.

Unusual noises from your water heater often come from sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. You may hear popping, rumbling, or banging sounds. To reduce this, try flushing the tank to remove sediment. If the noise continues after flushing, the heating element or internal components might be worn, and a professional plumber should inspect it. Paying attention to these sounds early can prevent more serious problems and extend the life of your water heater.

Understanding shutdown steps helps homeowners quickly reduce damage during leaks or overheating. Turning off power and water supply limits pressure buildup, prevents flooding, and keeps the system safer until a plumber inspects the heater.