Water heater broken? Get hot water back today.
Repair and replacement for gas, electric and tankless water heaters, from a pilot that won't stay lit to a tank that's flooding the basement. Call and get a plumber out to your home.
Working on Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, State, Rinnai and Navien water heaters.
What is your water heater doing?
Pick the symptom. You'll see the likely causes, what is safe to check yourself and what the fix usually costs.
No hot water at all
Most likely causes
- Gas: pilot out, worn thermocouple or a failed gas valve
- Electric: tripped reset (high-limit) switch, burned-out upper element or thermostat
- Tankless: ignition fault or an error code
Safe things to check now
- Check the breaker (electric) or that the gas supply valve is open
- Look at the pilot window: is there a small blue flame?
- If you smell gas, leave and call the gas company
Water leaking around the tank
Most likely causes
- Tank rusted through once the anode rod was used up
- Drain valve or fittings leaking
- Relief valve releasing high pressure
Safe things to check now
- Close the cold water valve on top of the tank
- Turn off the gas or the breaker
- Move valuables and put down towels
Pilot light keeps going out
Most likely causes
- Dirty or failing thermocouple
- Clogged pilot opening
- Drafts or a blocked vent
Safe things to check now
- Keep doors near the heater closed
- Make sure nothing blocks the vent or air intake
- Do not keep relighting if it goes straight out
Hot water runs out fast
Most likely causes
- Sediment taking up room at the bottom of the tank
- Failed lower heating element (electric)
- Broken dip tube mixing cold into hot
- Colder winter inlet water on a small tank
Safe things to check now
- Note if it started suddenly or slowly
- Look for white plastic bits in faucet screens (dip tube)
- Check the thermostat setting
Popping, rumbling or banging
Most likely causes
- Hard-water sediment boiling under a crust on the tank bottom
- Scale on electric elements
Safe things to check now
- Check the tank age on the label (first digits of the serial often show the year)
- Watch for rusty water or dampness at the base
Tankless error code or cold bursts
Most likely causes
- Scale inside the heat exchanger
- Ignition or flame rod fault
- Dirty flow sensor or low gas pressure
Safe things to check now
- Write down the exact error code
- Check that the gas valve is open and the vent is clear
- Clean the inlet water filter if your model has one
The numbers behind most water heater calls
Water heater repair, replacement and emergencies
Water Heater Repair
Gas, electric and tankless repairs, from pilot lights to heating elements.
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No Hot Water
Cold shower this morning? Get the cause found and fixed fast.
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Leaking Water Heater
Water around the tank or a dripping relief valve. Act before it floods.
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Emergency Water Heater Repair
Burst tank, gas smell or water everywhere. Call right away.
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Water Heater Replacement
When repair no longer makes sense, get a new tank or tankless unit.
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Tankless Water Heater Repair
Error codes, lukewarm water and scale buildup on tankless units.
Learn more
Cold water in, more work for your heater
When the ground freezes, the water coming into the tank can be 40°F or colder. Your heater runs longer for every shower, and a worn thermocouple, element or sediment-packed tank is often the first thing to quit in cold-winter towns.
Hot water out?(858) 465-8561Find water heater repair in your state
Long winters, hard water and older homes are hard on water heaters. Choose your state to find your town.
How old is your water heater?
Age is the first question a plumber asks. Most tank heaters last 8 to 12 years, so a part swap that makes sense at 5 years rarely does at 12.
| Job | Typical national range |
|---|---|
| Most water heater repairs | $228 to $1,017 |
| Standard tank replacement | $850 to $1,800+ |
Ranges from Angi's 2026 cost data. Your plumber confirms the price for your home.
Hot water back in three steps
Call and describe the problem
Tell us what the heater is doing and your town. The call is free.
A plumber comes out
A water heater plumber who works in your area gets your call and sets a time.
Repair or replacement
The plumber finds the cause, quotes the job and gets your hot water back.
Before the plumber arrives
- Smell gas? Leave the house and call your gas company from outside.
- Leaking? Close the cold water valve on top of the tank.
- Turn off the heat source: gas valve to "pilot" or "off", or switch off the breaker for electric.
- Keep clear of the relief valve pipe. The water can be scalding.
Water heater questions, answered
How fast can someone get to me?
It depends on your town and the time of day. Many callers get a plumber out the same day.
What does water heater repair cost?
Most repairs land between about $228 and $1,017 nationally, according to Angi's 2026 data. Simple fixes like a thermocouple or heating element sit at the low end. The plumber quotes your job after seeing the unit.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
Repair usually makes sense under about 8 years old when one part has failed. If the tank leaks, or it is 10 or more years old and needs a major repair, replacing it is usually the better buy.
Is a leaking water heater dangerous?
It can flood your home and an old tank can fail suddenly. Close the cold water valve on top, turn off the gas or breaker, and call.
Why do water heaters break in winter?
Incoming water is much colder, so the heater runs longer for every shower. Worn parts and sediment-packed tanks tend to fail in the first cold snap.
Do you handle tankless and heat pump units?
Yes. Gas and electric tanks, tankless units and heat pump water heaters are all covered.
No hot water? Don't wait for a cold shower tomorrow.
Call now for water heater repair or replacement.