A water heater that won't heat, cycles on and off, or pops and rumbles usually points to a failed thermocouple or igniter on a gas unit, a tripped high-limit reset switch, a burned-out heating element, or sediment that has settled on the tank bottom and scorches each time the burner fires. Water pooling at the base is often a failed tank or a pressure relief valve weeping because the expansion tank has given out.
If the tank is actively leaking, shut the cold water supply valve on top of the unit and stop running hot water until it's checked. On a gas model, turn the gas control to pilot. If you smell gas near the heater, leave the house and call the gas utility first. A tank that's rusted, bulging, or pooling water at the base has moved past a simple fix.
Describe the symptoms and Smart Pro Plumbers will connect you with an independent local plumber in Mclaughlin, SD. Call (844) 898-0295.
