Furnace Won’t Start: Quick Troubleshooting + When to Call for Heat Help

 Furnace Won’t Start: Quick Troubleshooting + When to Call for Heat Help Disclosure: General information only. If you smell gas, see sparks, or hear loud unusual sounds, stop and call a licensed HVAC pro . Quick Answer Check thermostat mode, power, and filter first. Confirm the breaker and furnace switch are on. If it still won’t start or short-cycles , call HVAC. Stop the Damage First If you smell gas, leave and call from outside. If you smell burning, shut it off and turn off the breaker. Don’t keep restarting a failing furnace . Fast Checks (Most Common Fixes) Thermostat set to HEAT, temperature raised Replace an extremely dirty filter Check breaker and reset once Check furnace power switch (often near unit) Confirm vents are open and unobstructed Listen: does it try to start then stop? What the Symptoms Usually Mean Starts then stops quickly: safety shutdown , airflow issue , sensor Fan runs but no heat: ignition or flame sensor rel...
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Water Heater Leaking: Shutoff Steps, Causes, and Repair vs Replace

 Water Heater Leaking: Shutoff Steps, Causes, and Repair vs Replace

Disclosure: General information only. If you see electrical risk, gas odor, or heavy leaking, stop and call a licensed plumber/HVAC pro.

Quick Answer

Turn off water supply to the heater.
If the tank is leaking from the bottom, replacement is often likely.
If it’s a valve or fitting, repair may be possible.

Stop the Damage First

1) Turn off water

Use the cold-water shutoff valve above the unit.
If you can’t, shut off the main water.

2) Power off

  • Electric heater: turn off the breaker

  • Gas heater: turn thermostat to OFF and follow safe shutdown steps

3) Contain the leak

Use a pan or towels.
Move items away. Keep the area ventilated.

Where Is It Leaking From?

  • Top fittings: loose connections, supply line issues

  • T&P relief valve: pressure/temperature release or faulty valve

  • Drain valve: worn valve or loose cap

  • Bottom of tank: internal tank failure (often serious)

Call-a-Pro Triggers

Cost Variables (5)

  1. Tank vs valve/fitting leak source

  2. Unit type (gas vs electric)

  3. Access and venting requirements

  4. Permit and code updates

  5. Disposal/haul-away and installation complexity

Scam Prevention (5)

  1. Ask where exactly the leak originates (show evidence).

  2. Avoid replacement recommendations with no inspection proof.

  3. Get itemized pricing and warranty details.

  4. Confirm permit requirements if replacing.

  5. Compare two estimates for full replacement.

Related guide: 【Internal Link①】Home Repair Cost Guide: Repair vs Replace (What Really Changes the Price)
Related guide: 【Internal Link②】Water Leaking From Ceiling: What To Do Now (Stop Damage Fast)

FAQ

Can I keep using hot water if it’s leaking?

If the leak is active, don’t.
It can worsen damage and risk.

Is a small drip “not a big deal”?

Small drips can become big leaks quickly.
Fix the source early.

Location: United States

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