Signs your water heater needs attention
- Hot water runs out faster than it used to
- Rusty or discolored hot water
- Rumbling or popping from the tank
- Water pooling around the base
- A pilot light that won't stay lit
Repair or replace?
Tank water heaters commonly last around 8 to 12 years. If yours is in that range and the tank itself is leaking, replacement usually makes more sense. If the problem is a valve, thermostat or burner part, a repair is often enough. We'll tell you which, and price both before you decide.
Tank, tankless, heat pump or solar
- Tank
- Stores and heats a set amount of water, usually 40 or 50 gallons for a home. The lowest upfront cost.
- Tankless
- Heats water only when you open a tap, so it doesn't spend energy keeping a tank hot and doesn't run out during back-to-back showers. It also frees up floor space.
- Heat pump
- An electric unit that moves heat from the surrounding air into the water. It uses far less electricity than a standard electric tank but needs room and airflow around it.
- Solar
- Roof collectors preheat the water, with a conventional heater as backup for cloudy days.
California rules to know
California requires water heaters to be strapped against earthquakes, and replacing a water heater in the City of Los Angeles requires a plumbing permit. Ask us about both when you get your estimate.
Recent work
Questions
Is a tankless water heater worth it?
For many homes, yes. A tankless unit heats water only on demand, doesn't run out during back-to-back showers, and frees up the space a tank takes. We can tell you whether your gas line and venting are ready for one.
Do you work on all brands?
Yes. We repair and install every brand of tank and tankless water heater.