Emergency Water Heater Repairs in the Bay Area: What to Do Before Calling
- iStudios Video Solutions
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
Emergency Water Heater Repairs in the Bay Area: What to Do Before Calling
When your water heater suddenly stops working, the last thing you want is to waste time figuring out your next step. In the Bay Area—especially in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and Fremont—a malfunctioning water heater can quickly lead to cold showers, property damage, or even safety risks. Whether you own a traditional tank or a tankless unit, knowing what to check before calling a technician can save you time, money, and frustration.
This blog walks you through step-by-step troubleshooting tips, essential safety precautions, and exactly when to call the pros at Better Water Heaters. We're your go-to source for emergency water heater repair in San Jose and throughout the Bay Area.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting: What to Check First
Before picking up the phone, try these simple steps. Sometimes the issue is minor and can be resolved without a service call:
1. Check the Power Source
Electric Water Heater: Head to your circuit breaker panel and check for any tripped breakers. Flip the switch off and back on again to reset.
Gas Water Heater: Ensure the pilot light is still burning. If it's out, you may need to relight it. Instructions are typically found on the side of the unit.
2. Look for Obvious Leaks
Check the base of your water heater for any pooling water. Even a small leak can point to a failing valve, loose connection, or a cracked tank.
If there’s significant water, shut off the water supply immediately.
3. Inspect the Thermostat Settings
For electric units, ensure the thermostat is set to 120°F.
A faulty thermostat could be the reason your water heater stopped working or isn’t heating efficiently.
4. Check for Error Codes (Digital Units)
Modern tankless water heaters often display error codes on their digital interface.
Take a picture or jot down the code—this will help our techs diagnose the issue faster.
5. Flush the Tank (If You’re Familiar)
Sediment buildup is a common cause of failure in traditional tanks. If you’re confident and experienced, flushing the tank may restore performance.
Important Safety Tips: Don’t Risk It
If you're unsure about any step or suspect something more serious, play it safe. Water heaters involve high heat, gas, and electricity.
⚠️ Never Try to Repair Gas Leaks
If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, evacuate immediately and call PG&E.
⚠️ Turn Off Water If Leaking Excessively
Locate the water shut-off valve above your unit and turn it off to prevent flooding.
⚠️ Shut Off Electricity Before Opening Panels
For electric models, turn off the power at the breaker before accessing the thermostat or elements.
Safety always comes first—don’t attempt repairs beyond your comfort or skill level.
When to Call Better Water Heaters (And Why You Should)
If you've followed these steps and still don't have hot water, it's time to contact a licensed professional. Here's when to make the call:
No hot water after trying the steps above
Repeated tripping of the breaker or fuse
Error codes you can’t resolve
Rust-colored or foul-smelling water
Popping or rumbling noises from the tank
Persistent leaks or flooding
Better Water Heaters provides same-day emergency water heater repair in San Jose and across the Bay Area. Our technicians are licensed, experienced, and known for fast, friendly, and fair service. We handle:
Tank and tankless water heater repairs
Heat pump water heater issues
Thermostat and element replacement
Pilot light and ignition problems
Pressure relief valve replacement
Bonus: Mention this blog and get $200 OFF your emergency repair.
What Sets Better Water Heaters Apart?
Licensed Experts: All our techs are licensed, background-checked, and highly trained.
Free Estimates: No surprise fees. We'll assess your situation before beginning work.
Local & Fast: Based in San Jose, we offer quick response times across Santa Clara, Southern Alameda, and San Mateo counties.
Need urgent help? Call us now at (408) 250-6672 and get $50 OFF your emergency service.
Useful Resources:
PG&E Outage Map
Energy.gov - Water Heater Safety Guide
Still Not Sure? Don’t Wait.
Water heater issues rarely fix themselves. Whether you're in San Jose, Santa Clara, Fremont, or Redwood City, you can trust our team to get your system back in shape fast.
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