Water heater and boiler leaks are some of the most significant HVAC emergencies that BC homeowners can deal with. While heating and cooling issues can wait (sometimes), water leaks require fast action to prevent costly damage. If your boiler or water heater is leaking, schedule an emergency HVAC service call as soon as possible. You can reach the DirectBuy Furnace team by calling 604-767-7993, and we’ll try to have a technician in your home within 24 hours. Keep reading to learn more about water heater and boiler emergencies and when to take action.
What is Considered a Boiler or Water Heater Emergency?
Generally speaking, your boiler or water heater requires emergency service if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Gas Leaks: If you smell rotten eggs or other unusual smells around your boiler, take action immediately. A gas leak poses a significant health risk and could lead to a fire or explosion.
- Serious Water Leaks: Any unexpected water can cause significant damage to your property, especially if left unaddressed. While minor drips from loose connection points can easily be fixed, more serious water leaks can be signs of serious internal problems.
- No Heat: Just like with your furnace, no heat or hot water during cold weather is always considered an emergency. Call an experienced technician immediately if your boiler or water heater fails during the winter weather.
When to Call a Professional
While all issues with your HVAC systems are serious, not everything requires immediate servicing. Call a professional as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Gas leaks with a rotten egg smell
- Carbon monoxide detector alarms
- Major water leaks that are causing flooding
- Complete system failure in freezing temperatures
- Electrical hazards with sparking or burning smells
On the other hand, these issues can generally wait until regular service hours:
- Minor temperature fluctuations without other symptoms
- Small drips that can be contained with buckets
- Occasional strange noises that stop on their own
- Slightly reduced water pressure from hot taps
- Units taking longer than usual to heat water
- Minor pilot light issues that can be temporarily resolved
What to Do While You Wait
Once you’ve placed your emergency service call, you can take a couple of easy steps to minimize the damage.
- Turn Off Your Water Supply: Locate your water valve and turn it clockwise to stop the water flow. This helps minimize damage and prevents any leaks from worsening.
- Turn Off Your Gas or Electricity: Make sure to also turn off your boiler to prevent any further damage.
- Minimize Any Water Damage: While you wait for your tech to arrive, try to contain any water to help lessen the overall damage to your home.
DirectBuy Furnace: Emergency Water Heater and Boiler Repair in the Lower Mainland
DirectBuy Furnace understands that heating emergencies don’t wait for convenient times. Most emergency service calls receive attention within 24 hours, ensuring you’re not left without heat or hot water for extended periods. When emergency calls come in, qualified technicians prioritize urgent situations to restore your comfort and safety as quickly as possible.
If you are experiencing an emergency with your water heater or boiler, contact DirectBuy Furnace immediately. We’ll help protect your home from damage and find a solution to your problems as soon as possible. Contact us today for help with your HVAC system.

