No hot water — or a leaking tank? Call before it becomes a flood.
A cold shower is miserable in a Buffalo winter. A leaking tank is worse — it can quietly flood a basement. If the tank is leaking, call now rather than waiting for a scheduled visit.
Answered live, 24 hours a day — Buffalo & Erie County. Call for an estimate.
First — what to do now
First 5 minutes
- 1. If it is leaking, shut the water to the tank: Look for the cold-water shutoff on top of the tank and turn it off. Put towels or a bucket under the leak if you can do so safely.
- 2. Do not touch electrical or gas controls you are unsure about: If you smell gas, leave the area and call your gas utility or emergency services first. Do not relight a pilot you are not comfortable with.
- 3. Note the symptoms: No hot water at all? Lukewarm water? Rusty water? A puddle under the tank? The answer points to a different failure.
- 4. Call now: Call (716) 435-9317. Tell us the tank type if you know it, its age if you know it, and whether it is leaking.
Why this happens in Buffalo
Buffalo-specific causes
- Buffalo's hard water leaves mineral buildup that wears out tanks and heating elements faster.
- Aging tanks in older homes reaching the end of their service life, often with little warning.
- Failed thermostats, heating elements, or pilot/ignition problems that cut hot water suddenly.
- Corrosion at fittings and the tank base, especially in damp basements.
Signs you should not wait
Call now if you see this
- No hot water, or hot water that runs out far too fast.
- Water pooling under the tank, or rust streaks at the base.
- Popping or rumbling noises from the tank, or rusty or cloudy hot water.
- A pilot light that will not stay lit, or a breaker that keeps tripping.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
Is a leaking water heater an emergency?
Yes, if water is actively leaking. Shut the water to the tank if you can, then call — a small leak can become a basement flood.
Can you repair it, or does it need replacing?
That depends on the tank's age and where it failed. Some controls and elements are repairable; a leaking tank itself usually is not. Call for an estimate.
How long will I be without hot water?
Call and describe the symptoms — in many cases the next step and timing can be sorted out on that first call.
Do you work on tankless units too?
Tell us what type you have when you call so the right help is sent.
Also serving — emergency plumber near you
Don't wait on water damage.
One call gets you a local emergency plumber, day or night. Tell us what is happening and where you are, and we will talk through the next step.
☎ Call (716) 435-9317