Water Heater Emergency in Los Angeles: When It Can't Wait Until Morning

Not every water heater problem is an emergency, but some absolutely are. If you're in Los Angeles staring at a leaking tank, a cold shower, or a faint smell of gas near the unit, here's how to know whether to wait until morning or call right now.

1. Water pooling around the base of the tank. A weeping tank means the inner liner has rusted through. It will fail completely, often within hours, and dump 40 to 80 gallons into your garage or closet. Shut off the cold-water supply on top of the heater and call.

2. No hot water and you smell gas. Leave the house. Call SoCalGas (1-800-427-2200) and a plumber from outside. Do not flip switches or use electronics inside.

3. Discolored or rusty hot water only. The tank's sacrificial anode is gone and the steel liner is corroding. Replacement is imminent.

4. Pressure relief valve discharging continuously. Either the T&P valve has failed or internal pressure is dangerously high. Call right away.

5. Loud popping or rumbling. Sediment is overheating the bottom of the tank. Left alone, this cracks the liner.

What we do. Diagnose on site, give a written quote before any work starts, and repair or replace tank and tankless heaters. We pull LADBS permits, install seismic strapping, and handle SoCalGas rebate paperwork on qualifying tankless models.

Call (213) 660-7353 for emergency water heater service in Los Angeles, any hour of the day or night.

Related: What to do during a plumbing emergency · Signs you need an emergency plumber