When your water heater suddenly stops working—especially in the middle of a chilly Northern Virginia morning—it can feel like your home just turned into a disaster zone. Maybe you’re stepping into what should be a hot shower, only to be met with ice-cold water. Or worse, maybe there’s water pooling around your tank. That’s when you realize you need emergency water heater repair—and fast.

But before the cavalry (in this case, your friendly neighborhood plumber) arrives, there are a few important steps you can take to prevent further damage, keep your family safe, and maybe even help speed up the repair process.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First things first: don’t panic. We know that’s easier said than done when your basement is flooding or your kids are screaming about cold showers, but taking a moment to assess the situation clearly is essential.

Ask yourself:

• Is there water leaking from the tank?
• Are there strange noises (like popping or hissing)?
• Is there no hot water at all?
• Do you smell gas (for gas-powered heaters)?

Each of these symptoms can point to a different type of problem. If there’s a gas smell, skip ahead to the safety section immediately—that’s a top priority.

Step 2: Turn Off the Power Source

Regardless of whether your water heater is powered by electricity or gas, it’s critical to turn it off before inspecting or interacting with it.

For Electric Water Heaters:

1. Go to your breaker box.
2. Find the breaker labeled “Water Heater.”
3. Switch it off.

Water and electricity don’t mix, and you don’t want to be messing around with a potential electrical hazard.

For Gas Water Heaters:

1. Locate the gas shut-off valve, usually near the base of the tank.
2. Turn it to the “OFF” position.

If you’re unsure how to do this or feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to wait for your plumber. Safety first!

Step 3: Shut Off the Water Supply

Stopping the water flow can help prevent additional flooding and damage.

1. Locate the cold water shut-off valve on top of your water heater. It usually looks like a regular hose bib or small round knob.
2. Turn it clockwise to shut it off.

If the valve is stuck or too hard to turn, don’t force it. Wait for the plumber. Some homes also have a main water shut-off valve that can cut water to the entire house—know where that is in case of major leaks.

Step 4: Drain the Water Heater (If Safe to Do So)

This isn’t always necessary before a plumber arrives, but if water is leaking and you can safely do so, draining the tank can prevent water damage to your floors and belongings.

Here’s how:

1. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater.
2. Place the other end of the hose into a floor drain or outside (gravity is your friend).
3. Open the drain valve.
4. To help water flow, open a hot water faucet in your home.

Be cautious: the water may still be hot. If you’re not comfortable draining the tank, skip it and wait for professional help.

Step 5: Look for Obvious Issues (Don’t Fix Them)

Now that everything is safely shut down, take a quick look around:

• Is the thermostat reading anything?
• Are there burn marks or soot on the outside of the tank (for gas heaters)?
• Is the TPR valve (temperature and pressure relief valve) leaking or stuck?

Make notes, take pictures, and report these to your plumber. But remember—this isn’t a DIY moment. You’re just being a helpful set of eyes for your pro.

Step 6: Ventilate the Area (Especially for Gas Heaters)

If you suspect a gas leak (you smell rotten eggs or sulfur), do not stay inside. Open windows and doors to ventilate the area and evacuate immediately.

Do NOT:

• Light any flames.
• Turn on or off any electrical appliances.
• Use your phone indoors.

Once outside, call your gas company and your plumber. Kinnett Plumbing serves Woodbridge and the greater Northern VA area 24/7, so help is always close by.

Step 7: Clean Up What You Can

If there was a leak, use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to clean up any standing water to prevent further damage. Lay down fans or a dehumidifier if you have one, especially on wooden or carpeted surfaces.

This also makes it easier for your plumber to get to the unit and do their job efficiently. They’ll appreciate it, and it might even save you some time (and money) during the service.

Step 8: Don’t Try to DIY a Repair

Water heaters can be dangerous if you’re not trained. They combine water, high pressure, electricity or gas, and heat—basically, all the elements you want a licensed professional to handle.

We get it—YouTube makes it look easy. But in reality, patchwork repairs can make the issue worse or void your warranty.

Let the experts at Kinnett Plumbing handle it. We’ve been dealing with emergency water heater repair for years, and we’ve seen it all.

Step 9: Keep Your Family Comfortable

Now that your home’s hot water is out of commission for a bit, it’s time to go into “plan B” mode. Here are a few tricks for getting by:

• Boil water on the stove for sponge baths.
• Use dry shampoo or baby wipes for quick hygiene touch-ups.
• Skip the laundry and dishes until hot water is restored.
• If it’s winter in Northern VA, bundle up—especially if your water heater is connected to a boiler system.

We know it’s inconvenient, but it’s temporary.

Step 10: Prepare for the Plumber’s Arrival

When your plumber arrives—especially during an emergency—you want them to jump right in. Here’s how you can help:

• Clear the area around the water heater.
• Have any warranty paperwork or installation info ready.
• Make a quick list of what you noticed: noises, leaks, error messages, timing.
• Let them know if you have any other plumbing issues—while they’re there, it’s a great opportunity for a full checkup.

The more prepared you are, the smoother and faster the service will go.

Why Water Heaters Fail in Northern VA

Northern Virginia experiences extreme weather swings—from muggy summers to frigid winters—and those conditions put a lot of strain on water heaters. Here are a few common culprits behind sudden failure:

• Sediment buildup in the tank from hard water
• Corrosion of internal components
• Faulty heating elements
• Leaky pressure relief valves
• Age (most units last 8–12 years)

That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of regular maintenance and annual checkups—something Kinnett Plumbing offers as part of our preventative service packages.

Avoiding the Next Emergency: Tips from the Pros

Once your current issue is resolved, don’t let history repeat itself. Here are a few golden nuggets of advice to keep your water heater humming:

• Flush your tank annually to remove sediment.
• Install a drip pan if your heater is in a finished space.
• Check the TPR valve regularly.
• Insulate your pipes in winter.
• Consider a tankless water heater if your household has high usage needs.

Need help with any of these? We’re just a phone call away.

Why Northern VA Trusts Kinnett Plumbing for Emergency Water Heater Repair

We’re not just another plumbing service—we’re part of your community. Based right here in Woodbridge, VA, Kinnett Plumbing has been helping local families and businesses tackle plumbing emergencies for years.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• 24/7 Emergency Services – Because water heaters don’t wait for business hours.
• Fast Response Times – We’re local, so we’ll be there quick.
• Fully Stocked Trucks – We aim to fix it on the spot.
• Licensed, Friendly Techs – We treat your home like our own.
• Transparent Pricing – No surprises. No gimmicks. Just honest work.

Whether you live in Woodbridge, Manassas, Stafford, or anywhere across Prince William County, Kinnett Plumbing is the trusted name in emergency water heater repair.

Call Kinnett Plumbing Before Your Water Heater Wreaks Havoc

Don’t let a broken water heater ruin your day—or worse, cause major damage to your home. Take quick action, follow the steps above, and then call in the pros.

We’re here to get your home back to warm, working order—quickly, safely, and with the kind of neighborly service you can count on.