A leaking heater, gas odor or no hot water: what to do first
Quick answer
If you smell gas, leave the area and call your gas supplier or emergency services from outside. Otherwise, if safe to reach, turn off the heater's gas or electrical supply before shutting off its cold water inlet. Stay clear of hot water and standing water near electrical equipment. Call a qualified plumber before draining a hot or damaged tank.
Gas odor or a carbon monoxide alarm
Leave the building and contact your gas supplier or emergency services from outside. Do not operate switches, use a flame, relight the heater or stay inside to investigate. A routine booking request is not a substitute for emergency assistance.
An active water leak
Keep clear of hot discharge and electrical equipment. If it is safe to reach the controls, isolate heat or power before closing the cold water inlet. Do not drain a hot or damaged tank or dismantle pipework yourself.
Call with the location, leak source if visible and whether water has reached walls or flooring. Drying and restoration may be needed as well as a heater repair. Photos taken from a safe position can help the team prepare.
No hot water without another hazard
Record the model, fuel and error code. Tell the team when heating stopped and whether the heater has been reset or serviced recently. Do not keep resetting a breaker or ignition fault.
Call to confirm appointment availability. The technician can explain the visit charge and what is checked before a written repair price is agreed.
Rather we did it?
Current repair prices and booking