Here’s What to Do if You Have a Damaged Furnace or Water Heater

It’s one of those moments every homeowner dreads — you wake up to no heat in the middle of winter, or you step into the shower and realize there’s no hot water. Then you look at your system and see it: a leaking tank, a strange smell, or a flashing error light.

A damaged furnace or water heater doesn’t just ruin your comfort — it can quickly turn into a safety hazard or an expensive repair if you don’t act fast.

At Discount Water Heater (DWH), we handle hundreds of these calls every year. Some homeowners panic and replace a system that could’ve been repaired. Others ignore a small issue until it becomes a disaster. The truth lies somewhere in between.

Here’s what you should do — step-by-step — if your furnace or water heater is damaged.

Step 1: Turn It Off Immediately

If you suspect your water heater or furnace is damaged, the very first thing to do is turn off the power source.

• For water heaters:
  
  • Electric: Shut off the breaker in your panel labeled “Water Heater.”
    
  • Gas: Turn the gas valve on the line to the “off” position.
    
• For furnaces:
  
  • Electric: Flip the dedicated breaker or switch on the unit.
    
  • Gas: Turn off the gas supply and power.
    

Turning the system off prevents further damage — and in some cases, prevents fire or explosion.

If you smell gas, hear hissing, or suspect a leak, do not attempt to inspect the unit yourself. Leave the home and call your utility company or fire department before doing anything else.

Step 2: Check for Visible Damage or Leaks

Once you’ve shut things off and it’s safe, do a quick visual inspection.

For water heaters, look for:

• Pools of water or active dripping from the tank base
  
• Rust streaks on the outer shell
  
• Condensation that feels warm or oily
  
• Bulging or deformed tank sides
  

For furnaces, look for:

• Burn marks or soot near the burner or exhaust vent
  
• Rust flakes or corrosion around pipes
  
• Moisture near the base or panels
  
• Blower that runs nonstop or strange humming
  

If the tank is cracked or the furnace casing is warped, don’t restart it. Those are structural issues — not simple repairs.

Step 3: Protect Your Home from Water or Heat Damage

If your water heater has leaked, grab towels or a wet/dry vacuum to contain the water. Move furniture or electronics out of the area.

For significant leaks, locate the main water shutoff valve in your home (usually near the meter or foundation wall) and close it. That stops further flooding while you wait for help.

If your furnace fails in freezing weather, close doors and use space heaters safely — away from flammable materials — until a technician arrives.

These small steps can prevent hundreds of dollars in damage before professionals even show up.

Step 4: Identify How Old the Unit Is

A big part of deciding whether to repair or replace comes down to age.

• Water heaters: typically last 8–12 years.
  
• Furnaces: usually last 15–20 years with good maintenance.
  

If your system is near or past those numbers, replacement often makes more financial sense than repair — especially if parts are discontinued or the tank/furnace body is corroded.

To check, look for the serial number on the unit. Most manufacturers encode the year of production in the first few digits. If you’re unsure, snap a picture and send it to a local expert like Discount Water Heater — we can identify it for you in seconds.

Step 5: Call a Professional — Don’t Guess

DIY fixes can make things worse. Water heaters and furnaces involve high voltage and gas pressure, and one wrong move can create electrical hazards or carbon monoxide leaks.

Instead, call a licensed technician. They’ll:

• Diagnose the source of the damage (leak, valve failure, ignition issue, heat exchanger crack).
  
• Test safety mechanisms like relief valves or flame sensors.
  
• Give you a clear repair vs. replace recommendation with actual cost breakdowns.
  

At DWH, our technicians don’t just inspect — they explain. We’ll show you exactly what caused the problem, what your options are, and what it’ll take to prevent it from happening again.

Step 6: Understand Repair vs. Replacement

Here’s a simple breakdown that helps you make the right call:

If the repair cost is more than 40–50% of the price of a new system, replacement is almost always the smarter move.

And remember — newer systems are far more efficient, often saving 15–25% on energy bills each year.

Step 7: Protect Yourself Against Future Damage

Once your system is fixed or replaced, prevention becomes the goal.

Here’s what you can do right now:

• Flush your water heater every 6–12 months to remove sediment.
  
• Change furnace filters every 2–3 months.
  
• Keep vents and exhaust pipes clear of debris.
  
• Schedule an annual maintenance check — it costs a fraction of a major repair.
  

Maintenance isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns; it also keeps your warranty valid and extends your system’s lifespan by years.

At Discount Water Heater, we offer affordable maintenance plans that include inspections, tune-ups, and leak checks — saving you from emergencies later.

Step 8: Watch for These Warning Signs Next Time

Furnaces and water heaters rarely fail overnight. They give you clues first. Watch for:

Furnace Warning Signs:

• Strange smells (burnt, metallic, or chemical)
  
• Uneven heating between rooms
  
• Frequent cycling or loud clicking noises
  
• Soot or rust near vents
  

Water Heater Warning Signs:

• Rusty or discolored water
  
• Rumbling or popping noises
  
• Lower water pressure on the hot side
  
• Moisture or dampness around the base
  

Catching these early can mean a $200 tune-up instead of a $2,000 replacement.

Step 9: Know Your Warranty and Insurance

Before paying out of pocket, check your manufacturer warranty and homeowner’s insurance policy.

• Many water heaters have 6–12 year warranties on tanks and parts.
  
• Furnaces often have 10-year warranties on heat exchangers.
  
• Some insurance plans cover water damage from sudden failures.
  

If you’re unsure what’s covered, our team can help you verify it with your serial number.

Step 10: When to Call Immediately

There are a few situations where you shouldn’t wait at all. Call a professional or emergency service right away if you notice:

• The smell of gas or burning plastic
  
• Water flooding near electrical outlets
  
• Loud bangs, popping, or sparking from the system
  
• Carbon monoxide alarm activation
  

These aren’t “check later” issues — they’re emergencies. Turn everything off, get out of the house, and call for help.

The Smart Homeowner’s Advantage

The difference between a small inconvenience and a full-blown crisis often comes down to how quickly you act.

By following these steps, you’ll protect your home, avoid unnecessary costs, and make smarter long-term decisions about repair vs. replacement.

At Discount Water Heater, our mission is simple — help homeowners fix problems the right way, not the expensive way. Whether it’s diagnosing a furnace issue, repairing a tank, or installing a new high-efficiency system, our technicians bring transparency, speed, and care to every job.

If your furnace or water heater is damaged — don’t panic. Take a breath, shut it off, and call the team that fixes it right the first time.

Final Word

A damaged water heater or furnace doesn’t always mean disaster. The key is acting quickly and safely, knowing when to call for help, and understanding your options.

At Discount Water Heater, we treat every repair like it’s our own home — giving you honest recommendations, fair pricing, and long-term peace of mind.

So the next time your heat fails or your tank leaks, don’t stress. Just remember the three steps that solve almost everything:
Turn it off. Protect your space. Call us.

Because peace of mind starts with knowing who to call.