Water Heater Repair & Installation

We Identify and Fix Common Water Heater Issues

No Hot Water

Problem: You turn on the tap and only cold water comes out. Your morning shower is ice cold.

Typical Diagnosis: Electric models have failed heating elements. Gas models have thermocouple failures or dead pilot lights. Circuit breakers trip or gas supply lines get interrupted.

What we do to fix it: We test each heating element with a multimeter. We inspect the thermocouple and pilot assembly on gas units. We check your electrical panel for tripped breakers. We verify gas supply and pressure. We replace the broken component and restore your hot water.

Inconsistent or Insufficient Hot Water

Problem: You run out of hot water halfway through your shower. The water temperature swings from hot to lukewarm without warning.

Typical Diagnosis: Your tank is too small for your household demand. Sediment coats the heating elements and blocks heat transfer. The thermostat reads temperature incorrectly. One heating element works while the other failed.

What we do to fix it: We calculate your home’s peak hot water demand. We drain and flush the tank to remove sediment buildup. We test both thermostats and all heating elements. We replace worn parts and adjust temperature settings to match your needs.

Water Too Hot

Problem: Your tap water is dangerously hot. Kids could get burned washing their hands.

Typical Diagnosis: The thermostat is set above 140°F. The thermostat has failed and won’t regulate temperature properly.

What we do to fix it: We adjust the thermostat to the safe standard of 120°F. We test the thermostat’s response to temperature changes. We replace malfunctioning thermostats immediately to prevent scalding injuries.

Water Takes Too Long to Reheat

Problem: Your water heater takes three hours to produce hot water again after one shower. Your family waits around for hot water.

Typical Diagnosis: Sediment buildup insulates heating elements from the water. Gas burners are dirty and operate at reduced efficiency. Heating elements are partially burned out.

What we do to fix it: We drain the tank completely and flush out all sediment. We remove and inspect heating elements for scale. We clean gas burners and test flame pattern. We replace weak heating elements and restore normal recovery time.

Water Heater Leaks

Problem: Water pools on the floor around your water heater. You see drips or streams coming from the unit.

Typical Diagnosis: Internal tank corrosion creates holes that leak constantly. The drain valve drips from sediment or worn washers. The T&P relief valve leaks from age or excessive pressure. Pipe connections have loosened over time.

What we do to fix it: We inspect every potential leak source carefully. We tighten loose connections and replace worn drain valves. We test and replace faulty T&P valves. If the tank itself has corroded through, we recommend replacement since tank leaks cannot be repaired.

Discolored or Rusty Water

Problem: Brown or rust-colored water flows from your hot water taps. Your white laundry comes out with rust stains.

Typical Diagnosis: The anode rod has completely dissolved and stopped protecting the tank. The tank’s steel interior has started rusting. Sediment mixed with rust particles circulates through your pipes.

What we do to fix it: We drain the water heater and inspect the anode rod. We replace the anode rod if the tank is still sound. We flush the system to remove rust particles. Advanced tank corrosion means you need a replacement before the tank fails completely.

Smelly Hot Water (Rotten Egg Odor)

Problem: Your hot water smells like rotten eggs. The odor fills your bathroom and kitchen when you run hot water.

Typical Diagnosis: Bacteria in the tank react with the magnesium anode rod. This creates hydrogen sulfide gas that smells like sulfur.

What we do to fix it: We drain the tank completely. We flush the system with a hydrogen peroxide solution to kill bacteria. We replace the magnesium anode rod with an aluminum or zinc alloy rod. We sanitize the entire system and eliminate the smell.

Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit (Gas Models)

Problem: Your gas water heater’s pilot light goes out repeatedly. You light it and it dies within hours or minutes.

Typical Diagnosis: The thermocouple is worn out and fails to sense the flame. The gas valve is defective. The pilot orifice is clogged with dirt. The flue is blocked and creating backdrafts.

What we do to fix it: We clean the pilot orifice and test the flame strength. We test the thermocouple’s electrical output. We inspect the gas valve operation. We check the flue for obstructions. We replace worn thermocouples or faulty gas valves.

Pressure Relief Valve Discharge

Problem: Water drips or streams from the temperature and pressure relief valve. You see water stains down the side of your tank.

Typical Diagnosis: Pressure builds too high in a closed system without an expansion tank. Temperature exceeds safe limits. The T&P valve is old and stuck partially open. Sediment prevents the valve from sealing.

What we do to fix it: We test your system’s pressure with a gauge. We check the thermostat setting and operation. We install an expansion tank if your system needs one. We replace faulty T&P valves. We ensure your system operates safely within pressure and temperature limits.

Strange Noises (Popping, Banging, Rumbling)

Problem: Your water heater makes loud popping or banging sounds. The noise wakes you up at night or startles you during the day.

Typical Diagnosis: Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank traps water beneath it. This water boils and explodes through the sediment layer, creating the noise.

What we do to fix it: We drain the water heater completely. We flush the tank multiple times until water runs clear. We remove all sediment buildup. We recommend annual flushing to prevent sediment from returning.

Code Compliance Issues

Problem: Your water heater installation doesn’t meet current building codes. You need to pass inspection or you’re worried about safety.

Typical Diagnosis: Your closed plumbing system lacks an expansion tank. Gas heaters have improper venting. Earthquake zones lack seismic strapping. Drain pans are missing or drain lines go nowhere.

What we do to fix it: We install expansion tanks on closed systems. We correct venting to meet manufacturer specs and code requirements. We add proper seismic strapping where required. We install drain pans with proper drainage. We bring your installation up to current code and schedule inspections.

Tankless Water Heater Repairs

No Hot Water

Problem: Your tankless water heater won’t turn on. You have zero hot water in your home.

Typical Diagnosis: The ignition system has failed. Flow sensors are dirty or broken. Gas supply is interrupted. The electrical control board malfunctioned.

What we do to fix it: We test the igniter for proper spark. We clean or replace flow sensors. We verify gas supply and pressure to the unit. We test the control board and all electrical connections. We replace the failed component and restore your hot water.

Temperature Fluctuations (Cold Water Sandwich)

Problem: Water temperature swings wildly between hot and cold. You get blasted with cold water in the middle of your shower.

Typical Diagnosis: Residual hot water in the pipes creates the first burst of hot water. Cold water follows until the heater catches up. Flow rate is too low to trigger the heater consistently. Gas pressure fluctuates.

What we do to fix it: We install a small buffer tank or recirculation system to maintain consistent temperature. We adjust the flow sensor sensitivity. We check and stabilize gas pressure. We verify your unit is properly sized for your flow demands.

Water Not Hot Enough

Problem: Your tankless heater runs but the water never gets truly hot. It’s lukewarm at best.

Typical Diagnosis: The unit is undersized for your household demand. You’re trying to run too many fixtures simultaneously. Cold groundwater in winter overwhelms a small unit. Scale buildup on the heat exchanger blocks heat transfer.

What we do to fix it: We calculate your actual hot water demand in gallons per minute. We measure incoming water temperature. We descale the heat exchanger with a cleaning solution. We recommend proper unit sizing if your current heater is inadequate. We may suggest limiting simultaneous hot water use.

Internal Leaks

Problem: Water leaks from inside your tankless unit. You see water damage on the wall or floor.

Typical Diagnosis: Freeze damage cracked pipes or components. Seals deteriorated from age and mineral deposits. Gaskets failed. The heat exchanger developed pinhole leaks.

What we do to fix it: We identify the exact leak location inside the unit. We replace damaged seals and gaskets. We repair or replace cracked pipes. Freeze damage to the heat exchanger usually requires full unit replacement. We install freeze prevention measures.

Error Codes and Control Board Failures

Problem: Error codes flash on your tankless heater’s display. The unit shuts down repeatedly or won’t operate.

Typical Diagnosis: Thermistors read temperature incorrectly. Igniters fail to spark. Flame sensors get dirty or stop working. The main control board has failed.

What we do to fix it: We decode the error messages to identify the problem. We test each sensor with diagnostic equipment. We clean dirty flame sensors. We replace failed thermistors and igniters. We replace control boards when electronic components fail.

Gas Supply or Venting Issues

Problem: Your tankless heater shuts down mid-operation. It runs for a few minutes then stops.

Typical Diagnosis: Gas line sizing is inadequate for the heater’s BTU demand. Gas pressure drops under load. Venting is blocked by debris or ice. Vent pipes are installed incorrectly.

What we do to fix it: We measure gas pressure at the heater under full demand. We verify gas line sizing matches manufacturer requirements. We inspect all vent pipes for blockages. We correct improper vent installation. We clear obstructions and ensure proper airflow.

Scale Buildup and Reduced Efficiency

Problem: Your tankless heater works but takes longer to heat water. Your energy bills have increased noticeably.

Typical Diagnosis: Mineral scale coats the heat exchanger fins. Hard water deposits reduce heat transfer efficiency. The unit works harder and uses more gas to heat water.

What we do to fix it: We descale the heat exchanger using a circulation pump and descaling solution. We flush the system until clean. We recommend annual descaling service. We can install a water softener to prevent future scale buildup.

Code Compliance Problems

Problem: Your tankless installation violates building codes. You need to pass inspection or you’re concerned about safety.

Typical Diagnosis: Condensing units lack condensate neutralizers. The condensate drains directly to your plumbing. Electrical bonding and grounding are missing or incorrect. Venting doesn’t meet clearance requirements.

What we do to fix it: We install condensate neutralizers on condensing tankless heaters. We properly bond and ground all electrical connections. We correct vent clearances to combustible materials. We bring your installation up to code and pass inspection.

Water Heater Brands We Service

We repair and service all major water heater manufacturers:

Tank Water Heaters: Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, State, Kenmore, Whirlpool, GE, American Standard

Tankless Water Heaters: Navien, Rinnai, Noritz, Rheem, Takagi, Bosch, Stiebel Eltron

Commercial Systems: Bradford White commercial models, A.O. Smith commercial grade, Rheem commercial units

Our Repair Process

We arrive at your St. Francis home with fully stocked trucks. Most repairs finish in one visit.

Step 1: Diagnosis We inspect your water heater and test all components. You receive a clear explanation of the problem.

Step 2: Estimate We provide upfront pricing before starting work. You know the exact cost with no surprises.

Step 3: Repair We fix the problem using quality parts. Work is completed efficiently and cleanly.

Step 4: Testing We test the system thoroughly before leaving. You get hot water flowing properly again.

Step 5: Prevention Tips We explain how to prevent future problems. Regular maintenance extends your heater’s life.

Same-Day Emergency Repairs

Water heater failures disrupt your entire household. We offer same-day emergency repair service in St. Francis, Andover, Rogers, and nearby communities. Call us and we’ll get your hot water restored quickly.