Burst Hot Water Heater & Burst Pipe Emergencies

A burst pipe or leaking hot water heater can dump hundreds of litres of water into your home in minutes. Floors, electronics, drywall, and furniture can be ruined before you even realize what happened. If you live in Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes, or Peterborough, you need fast action and a plumber who can get to you immediately.

Here’s exactly what to do, how to reduce damage, and who to call right now.

Common Signs of a Burst Pipe or Tank

• Water pooling around the tank

• Sudden loss of water pressure

• Constant running water noise in walls

• Warm spots on floors

• Rusty or cloudy water

• Rising water bill

• Ceiling or drywall staining

If you see any of these, act quickly.

What You Need to Do Right Now

1. Shut off your home’s main water valve

Turn it clockwise until it stops. This slows flooding.

2. Turn off the water heater power

For electric tanks:

• Shut off breaker labeled “Hot Water Heater.”

For gas tanks:

• Turn the gas control to “Pilot.”

3. Move anything that can be damaged

Electronics, furniture, clothing, tools, drywall off-cuts, etc.

4. If water is entering the basement, avoid standing water near outlets

Basements in this region often have exposed electrical systems.

5. Call a licensed emergency plumber immediately

Burst pipes and tanks worsen by the minute.

📞 Peterborough: 705-486-6835
📞 Lindsay & Kawartha Lakes:  705-344-6835

Why Hot Water Tanks Burst

Homes across Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes, and Peterborough often experience these issues:

• Aging tanks (8–12+ years old)

• Internal corrosion

• Hard water sediment buildup

• Excessive water pressure

• Faulty relief valves

• Frozen pipes expanding and cracking

Most emergencies hit during winter and early spring.

Why Pipes Burst in the Kawartha Region

• Freeze/thaw cycles

• Poor insulation in older homes

• Shifting soil

• High water pressure

• Aging copper or galvanized pipes

This area has many older homes, making burst pipes more common.

What Our Team Does When We Arrive

We keep the process simple and fast:

1. Identify the exact source of the burst

Sometimes damage is hidden behind walls or in crawl spaces.

2. Stop the leak and isolate the break

This gets your home safe before full repair.

3. Replace the broken section of pipe

We carry fittings and piping for same-day fixes.

4. Replace hot water tanks on the spot

We stock common sizes so you’re not left without hot water.

5. Help you document the issue for insurance

Quick photos and written notes help with insurance claims.

How to Prevent Burst Pipes and Tanks

• Insulate exposed pipes

• Install a pressure-reducing valve

• Do yearly maintenance on tanks

• Replace tanks every 8–12 years

• Keep basement heating consistent

• Never ignore small leaks or rusty water

These small steps avoid expensive emergencies.

Why Homeowners Call Gravity Plumbing & Heating

• Fast 24/7 response

• Local technicians in Peterborough, Lindsay & Kawartha Lakes

• Hot water tank replacements stocked and ready

• Frozen pipe thawing capability

• Licensed plumbers only

• No hidden fees

You get emergency plumbing done right.

Strong Call to Action

If a pipe burst, your tank is leaking, or water is spreading fast — call now. This is time-sensitive.

📞 Peterborough: 705-486-6835
📞 Lindsay & Kawartha Lakes: 705-344-6835

Or book online:
🔧 https://gravityplumbingandheating.ca/

FAQ — Burst Pipes & Hot Water Heater Emergencies

1. How do I know if my water heater is about to fail?

Look for moisture around the base, rusty water, strange noises, or age over 10 years.

2. Should I shut off the main water if a pipe bursts?

Yes. Shut it off immediately to slow damage.

3. Can you repair frozen pipes?

Yes. We thaw frozen lines safely and repair any cracked sections.

4. Do you replace hot water tanks the same day?

Yes. We stock common tank sizes for immediate replacement.