Water Heater Repair and Installation Services

Q: What Is the Most Common Problem With Water Heaters?

The most common water heater problem is a lack of hot water. It's often caused by a faulty heating element, a broken thermostat, or a pilot light that won't stay lit. Rust-colored water, leaks, and rumbling noises are also common. Simple maintenance may fix some issues, while others mean it's time for a replacement.

Q: Is It Worth It to Repair a Hot Water Heater?

It depends on the unit's age, the problem, and how often you need service. Minor thermostat, valve, or heating element problems are typically repairable. Tank leaks, corrosion, or repairs more than once a year point toward replacement, especially as a unit nears seven to eight years old, a general guideline that varies with usage, climate, maintenance history, and installation quality.

Q: What Are the Signs That My Water Heater Is Failing?

Watch for a lack of hot water, rumbling or popping noises, leaks around the tank, and rust-colored water from your hot water taps. Age matters, too. ARS generally recommends replacing a water heater every seven to eight years, though that varies with usage, climate, maintenance history, and installation quality. A plumber can inspect the unit and recommend next steps.

Q: Who Should I Call to Fix My Water Heater?

For most water heater problems, call a plumber. ARS/Rescue Rooter's plumbing team works on gas and electric water heaters, including tank and tankless models, and handles repair, water heater replacement, new installation, and maintenance. Emergency services are available . Your local team will diagnose the problem and provide an upfront estimate before work begins.

Q: How Much Does Water Heater Installation Cost?

According to ARS service data, a standard tank water heater replacement typically ranges from about $2,300 to $3,500, depending on capacity and installation requirements. Tankless water heater installations typically run between about $4,400 and $6,500, depending on unit type and installation complexity. Your local ARS team provides a free, upfront quote after an in-home evaluation.

Q: How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

ARS generally recommends replacing a water heater every seven to eight years, regardless of type. That's a general guideline, not a fixed limit: lifespan varies with usage, climate, maintenance history, and installation quality. Regular professional maintenance may help your unit run efficiently, and a plumber can tell you whether an aging unit is worth repairing.

Q: How Often Should a Water Heater Be Serviced?

ARS/Rescue Rooter recommends regular professional maintenance, and your plumber can suggest a schedule that fits your unit and usage. During a maintenance visit, a technician checks for sediment buildup, inspects the tank and connections, and checks the pressure relief valve. Catching small issues early may help you avoid costly repairs and keep your water heater running safely and efficiently.

Q: What Size Water Heater Do I Need?

The U.S. Department of Energy's guide to sizing a new water heater recommends a tank model with a first hour rating that at least matches your household's peak hour demand. Tankless units are sized by the flow rate and temperature rise you need. An experienced plumber can help you choose the right size for your home.

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.

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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Our Water Heater Services

From a quick fix to a full water heater replacement, ARS/Rescue Rooter handles the work your hot water depends on. Our plumbing team works on gas and electric units, including tank and tankless models, and you'll get an upfront estimate before any work begins.

Water Heater Repair: diagnosis and repair of common problems, including faulty heating elements, thermostats, pilot lights, anode rods, pressure relief valves, and leaks.
Water Heater Replacement and Installation: help choosing the right type, size, and fuel source, then removal of your old unit and professional installation of the new one.
Tankless Water Heater Service: installation, repair, and maintenance through our tankless water heater services.
Water Heater Maintenance: tank flushing, anode rod checks, pressure relief valve testing, and inspections for rust, wear, and corrosion.
Emergency Service: Emergency Services Available for leaking or failed water heaters, and we're available seven days a week.

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 is designed to corrode in place of your tank. It attracts corrosive elements in the water so they don't rust 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.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

Not every problem means you need a new unit. The right choice usually comes down to your water heater's age, the type of problem, and how often it needs service. As a general guideline, ARS recommends replacing a water heater every seven to eight years, though lifespan varies with usage, climate, maintenance history, and installation quality.

Repair Usually Makes Sense When:

a minor part fails, such as a thermostat, valve, or worn heating element
sediment buildup is light and a tank flush may restore clean hot water
the unit is well maintained and still meets your household's demand
your energy bills have stayed steady

Replacement Usually Makes Sense When:

you see consistent leaks or moisture around the base of the tank, which usually points to internal corrosion
you need repairs more than once a year
hot water runs out quickly or the temperature swings even with normal use
loud rumbling or popping continues, a sign of heavy sediment buildup
your unit is approaching seven to eight years old, or you want a more efficient model

Not sure which way to go? Our team will inspect your water heater, explain what we find, and give you an upfront estimate for each option.

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:

Gas and electric storage water heaters can lose some efficiency because they keep a tank of water hot around the clock. To compare models, check the yellow EnergyGuide label. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Uniform Energy Factor ratings show how efficient a water heater is: the higher the UEF, the more efficient the unit, though fuel costs also affect what it costs to run. Spending a little more upfront on a more efficient model may help you save on operating costs over time.

What Affects Water Heater Installation Cost?

Every home is different, so water heater prices vary. Based on ARS service data, a standard tank water heater replacement typically ranges from about $2,300 to $3,500, depending on capacity and installation requirements. Tankless water heater installations typically run between about $4,400 and $6,500, depending on unit type and installation complexity. These are approximate ranges, not fixed prices.

Here are the main factors that affect your price:

Type of Water Heater: tank and tankless models differ in equipment cost and installation complexity.
Tank Size and Capacity: households with higher hot water demand typically need more capacity.
Fuel Type: staying with your current fuel type usually keeps the job simpler; the U.S. Department of Energy notes that converting to a new fuel type can add costs, such as adding a breaker or running a gas line and venting it outside.
Water and Gas Line Connections: existing connections may need updates to fit the new unit.
Local Code and Permit Requirements: your municipality may require permits, strapping, or other upgrades.
Access and Location: water heaters in tight or hard-to-reach spaces can take more labor to replace.

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. ARS/Rescue Rooter provides upfront pricing, and water heater financing options may help you manage the cost of a replacement.

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.

Regular water heater maintenance from ARS/Rescue Rooter may help improve the efficiency, lifespan, and safety of your unit. Schedule a water heater maintenance visit on its own, or add plumbing coverage to your Pro Service Plan. The Pro Service Plan includes two HVAC preventive maintenance visits per year, and plumbing maintenance, including a water heater flush, is available as an optional monthly add-on.

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

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.