I get calls at all hours about water heaters. Some are genuinely urgent—gas leaks, flooding, signs of imminent tank failure. Others are frustrating but not dangerous—no hot water on a cold morning, a pilot light that went out, a heating element that finally gave up after years of service.
The problem is that if you've never dealt with a water heater issue before, everything feels like an emergency when you discover you can't take a hot shower. So let me walk you through what actually constitutes an emergency versus what can wait until regular business hours.
Call Emergency Service IMMEDIATELY If You Notice Any of These
You Smell Gas Near Your Water Heater
Natural gas has that distinctive rotten-egg smell added specifically so you'll notice leaks. If you smell it near your water heater:
- 1.DON'T touch any electrical switches or create sparks
- 2.Turn off the gas supply valve if you can reach it safely
- 3.Get everyone out of the house
- 4.Call your gas company AND a plumber from outside the house
Gas leaks are genuinely dangerous. Don't try to troubleshoot or investigate—just get out and call for help.
Water Pooling Around the Tank
If water is actively leaking from your water heater or pooling around the base, that's an emergency. Here's why:
- A leaking tank means the tank itself is rusting through and failing. This won't fix itself and will only get worse
- A 50-gallon water heater holds, well, 50 gallons. That's a lot of water if it all comes out
- Water damage gets exponentially more expensive the longer water sits—drywall, flooring, mold problems
Turn off the water supply to the heater (there should be a valve on the cold water pipe going into the top) and call immediately.
Strange Sounds: Loud Popping, Banging, or Hissing
All water heaters make some noise, but loud, unusual sounds indicate dangerous problems:
Loud popping or banging:
Usually means sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank is superheating and exploding. This can crack the tank.
Continuous hissing or sizzling:
Could indicate water leaking onto hot surfaces or a pressure relief valve problem.
Loud rumbling:
Tank is likely overheating or building too much pressure.
The Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve Is Discharging
This valve on the side of your water heater is a safety device. If it's actively releasing water or steam, it means dangerous pressure or temperature buildup inside the tank. Turn off the power/gas to the heater and call immediately.
These Can Usually Wait Until Regular Hours
These situations are annoying and uncomfortable, but they're not dangerous and won't cause additional damage if you wait a few hours for regular service:
No Hot Water (But Everything Else Is Normal)
If you just have no hot water but there's no leaking, no gas smell, and no strange sounds, this can wait until morning. It's probably a failed heating element (electric) or pilot light issue (gas). Frustrating, yes. Dangerous, no.
Water Not Getting Hot Enough
If your water is lukewarm instead of hot, that usually means a thermostat issue or a failing heating element. Again, not an emergency—schedule service during normal hours.
Hot Water Runs Out Quickly
If your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to, you likely have sediment buildup reducing tank capacity, or a heating element is struggling. This has been developing over time and waiting a few more hours won't make it worse.
Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit (Gas Heaters)
If you've tried relighting the pilot and it won't stay lit, it's probably a bad thermocouple or gas valve issue. This needs repair but isn't an emergency if there's no gas smell.
Discolored or Rusty Water
Brown or rusty hot water usually means your anode rod is depleted and the tank is starting to corrode inside. This is a sign you need service soon, but unless there's active leaking, it can wait for regular business hours.
Common Water Heater Problems in Birmingham Homes
Sediment Buildup
Birmingham's water is relatively hard, which means it contains dissolved minerals. Over time, these minerals settle to the bottom of your water heater tank as sediment. This buildup:
- • Reduces tank capacity (less hot water available)
- • Causes the bottom of the tank to overheat and make noise
- • Reduces efficiency (costs more to heat the same amount of water)
- • Accelerates tank corrosion and failure
Annual flushing removes this sediment and extends your water heater's life significantly.
Failed Heating Elements (Electric)
Electric water heaters have two heating elements. When one fails, you get lukewarm water or water that runs out quickly. When both fail, you get no hot water at all. The good news is that replacing heating elements is straightforward and relatively inexpensive.
Thermostat Issues
If your water is too hot, not hot enough, or fluctuates wildly, the thermostat might need adjustment or replacement. Sometimes this is as simple as resetting the temperature setting; other times the thermostat itself has failed.
Age-Related Failure
Most water heaters last 8-12 years. If yours is in that age range and starting to have problems, it might be more cost-effective to replace it than to keep repairing it. We can help you evaluate whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your situation.
How to Extend Your Water Heater's Life
Annual Flushing
Drain several gallons from the bottom of the tank once a year to remove sediment buildup. This simple maintenance can add years to your water heater's life.
Test the T&P Valve
Once a year, lift the lever on the temperature & pressure relief valve to make sure it's working. If nothing comes out or it won't reseat properly, it needs replacement.
Replace the Anode Rod
This sacrificial rod inside your tank corrodes instead of the tank itself. Replacing it every 3-5 years prevents tank rust and dramatically extends life.
Maintain Proper Temperature
Set your water heater to 120°F. Higher temperatures increase sediment buildup, waste energy, and create scalding risks without providing much benefit.
Water Heater Problems?
Whether it's an emergency or scheduled service, we repair and replace all types of water heaters throughout Birmingham.