Water Heater Repair, Installation & Replacement Services

A water heater is an appliance that’s easy to forget about—until you’re taking cold showers. And by then, it’s too late for preventive maintenance. That’s why it’s important to call in your local ARS/Rescue Rooter plumber when your water heater shows signs of trouble. We'll address the issue with a prompt, thorough hot water heater repair backed by our Exceptional Service Guarantee.

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Water Heater Repair

If you’re noticing your hot water isn’t as hot as you’d like it to be or notice discolored water from the hot water tap, it might be time to get your hot water heater checked out. Over time, water heaters often suffer from sediment build-up that can damage the tank. To remove these sediments, it may be necessary to drain and flush your tank. Some DIYers can do this themselves, but we recommend that a professional perform water heater repair to avoid any potential issues.

If you spot metal or rust in your tank’s water, call ARS/Rescue Rooter immediately. These particles may indicate the anode rod needs to be replaced. The anode rod’s purpose is to be sacrificial by design to attract corrosive chemicals in the water and keep them from rusting the tank liner.

If the water heater liner corrodes, the unit can start leaking—and if the drain pan under the water heater is old or incorrectly installed, you may end up with water damage to your floors, ceilings, or wall, depending on the location of your appliance.

Caution: Be sure to turn off the power at your circuit breaker or shut off the gas before doing any kind of water heater inspection.

💡 Read More: Should I Repair or Replace My Water Heater?

Water Heater Installation

New water heater installation used to be relatively straightforward: take out the old one and replace it with a newer model. Today, you have more options to consider, many of which can improve energy efficiency and the green living profile of your home while saving you money at the same time. Typically, when it comes to water heater replacement, you’ll have a choice between gas, electric, tankless, and even solar-powered water heaters.

Choose the right water heater for you:

More options can be a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you’re more likely to get exactly what you want without having to compromise. On the other, you’ll have to do more research to understand the pros and cons of each type of water heater and which ones comply with the latest Department of Energy water heater standards. Luckily, the expert plumbers at your local ARS/Rescue Rooter can guide you through the process. Here are a few things to consider when you’re shopping for a new water heater replacement:

• Number of people living in your home (hot water demand)
• How well your old unit supplied your demand
• Fuel type, availability, and cost
• Estimated energy efficiency of various models
• Length of warranty
• Maintenance and repair information
• Cost of unit as it relates to annual operating cost
• Local municipal code requirements

Energy efficiency considerations:

Although gas and electric water heaters can lose some efficiency because water is constantly being heated in the tank, current efficiency standards are much improved over the past. Spending a little extra upfront will give you a more efficient water heater, saving you money in the long run. Look for an R-12 to R-25 insulation rating.

Cost considerations:

Water heater prices vary for a wide range of reasons, including the local municipal code/permit requirements, water line connections, gas line, strapping, access, and type of water heater. Contacting a professional plumber for a free in-person evaluation is the best way to check pricing. A “blind” quote over the phone is often inaccurate.

Water Heater Maintenance

Your water heater—whether it is gas, electric, or solar powered—works hard every day to provide you with hot water for your showers, dish washing, laundry, and more. If you want it to last as long as possible, it’s important to keep an eye on how it’s functioning and conduct regular water heater maintenance. If your water temperature is inconsistent lately, it might just need a quick tune-up, which happens to be one of our specialties at ARS/Rescue Rooter.

The water heater experts

There are a number of different water heater types and sizes. Even if you strategically chose a unit based on important factors like the number of people living in your home, fuel type, availability, and cost—as well as length of warranty and repair information—regular use means you’ll still need to perform maintenance to keep it in good condition.

With regular water heater maintenance from ARS/Rescue Rooter, you’ll increase the efficiency, lifespan, and safety of your unit. Treat your water heater to a cleaning and tune-up as part of our Home Service Plan, or opt for a maintenance call for your water heater only.

To keep your traditional tank hot water heater in tip-top operating condition, our home plumbing experts will:

• Check the pressure relief valve
• Drain your tank to remove any sediment (if recommended)
• Inspect the tank and connections for rust, wear, or corrosion
• Replace worn anode rods—which attract rust in order to protect the tank interior—and other old parts

Water Heater FAQs

Q: What is the most common problem with water heaters?

A: The most common issue with water heaters is a lack of hot water. This can be due to a faulty heating element, a broken thermostat, or a malfunctioning pilot light. Other common issues include rust-colored water, leaks, strange noises, and a reduction in the amount of hot water available. In some cases, these problems can be fixed with simple maintenance, but in others, it may be necessary to replace the water heater.

Q: Is it worth it to repair a hot water heater?
A: The answer to this question depends on several factors.

1. Age of the heater: If the hot water heater is relatively new and the repair cost is low, it may be worth repairing it. However, if the heater is over 10 years old, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.

2. Type of repair: Some repairs, such as fixing a leak or replacing a faulty thermostat, may be relatively inexpensive and straightforward, making them worth repairing. Other repairs, such as replacing a failed heating element or fixing a corroded tank, may be more costly and time-consuming, making replacement a more attractive option.

3. Energy efficiency: If your hot water heater is outdated and inefficient, repairing it may not be worth the cost if you won't see a significant improvement in energy savings. In this case, replacing it with a newer, more efficient model may be a better investment.

4. Availability of parts: If the parts needed for the repair are hard to find or are no longer manufactured, it may not be worth repairing the hot water heater.

Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace your hot water heater should be based on a cost-benefit analysis taking into account the factors mentioned above. If in doubt, consult with a licensed plumber for a professional assessment and recommendation.

Q: What are the signs that my water heater is failing?
A: There are several signs that indicate your water heater is going out, including:

1. Lack of hot water: If you are not getting enough hot water, it could be a sign of a faulty water heater.

2. Strange noises: If you hear rumbling, banging, or popping noises coming from your water heater, it could indicate a problem.

3. Leaks: A leak in your water heater can be a sign of corrosion, a damaged tank, or a failing pressure relief valve.

4. Rust-colored water: If you notice rust-colored water coming from your hot water taps, it could mean that your water heater's tank is rusting and needs to be replaced.

5. Age: If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be reaching the end of its lifespan and may need to be replaced.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is recommended to have a professional plumber inspect your water heater to diagnose the problem and suggest a solution.

Give ARS/Rescue Rooter a call at 866-399-2885 for advice on your best water heater options and expert repair and hot water heater installation.