Before the storm
- Find the shutoffs now. Label the water heater breaker in your panel. For gas units, find the gas valve on the supply line next to the heater.
- Know the cold water shutoff on the pipe above the tank, so you can stop a leak fast.
- Fill the tank. A full tank filled before the storm is a backup supply of 30 to 50 gallons of water.
- Clear the area. Move cleaning chemicals, paint and gasoline away from a gas water heater.
- Garage units: raise valuables off the floor nearby. If a garage door fails, wind-driven rain often reaches the water heater first.
- If you evacuate, turn off the breaker for an electric heater, or set a gas heater to off and close its gas valve.
During a power outage
- Turn the water heater breaker off before running a portable generator. A typical electric heater needs about 4,500 watts.
- Hot water stays warm in an insulated tank for a day or more, so use it sparingly.
- If a boil water notice is issued, water already in the tank from before the notice is your safest stored supply.
After the storm
- Was the water heater under water? Do not turn it on. Keep the breaker off or the gas valve closed, and call a licensed plumber.
- Smell gas? Leave the home and call your gas company or 911 from outside. Do not use switches or phones near the leak.
- Power back on: if the unit stayed dry, turn the breaker back on. For gas, relight the pilot following the label on the tank.
- Check for leaks around the base, the relief valve pipe and the connections on top.
- After a boil water notice ends, flush the tank by running hot water at each faucet, and drain a few gallons from the bottom valve.
Repair or replace after flooding?
| Situation | Usual answer |
|---|---|
| Gas water heater with flooded burner or control valve | Replace the controls or, more often, the whole unit |
| Electric water heater with flooded elements, thermostats or wiring | Replace parts if the tank is newer, or the unit if it is older than 6 to 8 years |
| Tank exterior wet but controls stayed dry | Inspect, test and usually keep |
| Tankless unit exposed to flood water | Have it inspected; the circuit boards are rarely salvageable |
A replacement still needs a plumbing permit in every Broward city. After a major storm, building departments sometimes speed up permits for storm repairs. Your plumber will know the current rules.
See typical prices in our Broward water heater cost guide, or learn what to do if your tank is leaking.
Hurricane and flood water heater FAQs
Can I use my water heater after it was under flood water?
No, not until a licensed plumber checks it. Flood water damages the electrical parts of electric heaters and the gas control valve and burner of gas heaters, and it can contaminate the tank. Most manufacturers and safety agencies say a gas water heater whose controls were under water should have its controls or the whole unit replaced.
Can I drink the water in my water heater after a storm?
In an emergency, the 30 to 50 gallons in a tank filled before any boil water notice is a useful backup supply. Turn off the power or gas first, let the water cool, and drain it from the valve at the bottom. Discard the first rusty or sediment-filled water. Do not use it if flood water got into the tank or plumbing.
Should I turn off my water heater before a hurricane?
If you are evacuating, yes. Turn off the breaker for an electric unit, or set a gas unit to pilot or off and close its gas valve. If you are staying home, it can stay on until the power goes out, but turn off its breaker before you run a generator.
Can I run my water heater on a portable generator?
Usually not. A standard electric water heater draws about 4,500 watts, more than most portable generators can supply alongside a refrigerator and fans. Keep its breaker off while on generator power unless an electrician has set up a transfer switch sized for it.
Is a flood-damaged water heater covered by insurance?
It depends on your policy. Damage from flood water is generally covered by flood insurance, not a standard homeowners policy. Take photos of the unit, the water line and the label before it is removed, and keep the replacement invoice and permit.