Gas Water Heater Repair and Installation in Houston
Repair, replacement, and installation for gas water heaters of every major brand.
Gas water heaters are the most common type in Houston homes. They heat water quickly, recover fast between showers, and are dependable for years when properly maintained. When yours stops working, it usually happens at the worst possible time.
Nick's Plumbing & Air Conditioning has repaired, replaced, and installed gas water heaters in Houston since 1979. We service all major brands, including Rheem, A.O. Smith, and Bradford White, and our licensed plumbers handle the gas, venting, and water connections safely and to code.
Learn about gas water heater repair and replacement from Nick's Plumbing.
Our Gas Water Heater Services
- Repairs - Pilot and ignition problems, thermocouples, gas control valves, burners, relief valves, and leaks
- Replacement - Removal and haul-away of your old heater and installation of a new 40- or 50-gallon unit, or other sizes as needed
- Code updates - Venting, gas connections, drain pans, and relief valve discharge lines brought up to current code
- Permits - We pull the required City of Houston permit for water heater replacement
- Maintenance - Flushing sediment, cleaning the burner, and testing safety controls
Signs Your Gas Water Heater Needs Repair
- Pilot light keeps going out - Often a dirty or failing thermocouple, a dirty pilot tube, or a draft problem
- Inconsistent water temperature - A failing control valve, thermostat, or broken dip tube
- Rumbling or popping - Sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank
- Yellow or orange burner flame - A dirty burner or poor combustion that needs attention
- Water or corrosion around the base - A leaking fitting, valve, or tank
Smell gas? Leave the house, do not operate light switches or appliances, and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Once the area is safe, our team can repair the problem. Learn more about gas line repair.
When to Replace a Gas Water Heater
Most gas tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years, and Houston's hard water and humidity can shorten that. Consider replacement if your heater:
- Is more than 10 years old
- Has needed several repairs recently
- Is pushing your gas bill higher
- Produces rusty or discolored hot water
- Is leaking from the tank
If you are replacing an older tank, it is a good time to consider a tankless water heater, which provides endless hot water and can last much longer than a tank.
What Size Gas Water Heater Do You Need?
Sizing depends on your household and how many fixtures run at the same time. Most Houston homes use a 40- or 50-gallon gas water heater. These are general guidelines:
| Household | Typical Tank Size |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 people | 30 to 40 gallons |
| 3 to 4 people | 40 to 50 gallons |
| 5 or more people | 50 to 75 gallons |
Can I Switch From Electric to Gas?
Yes, if your home has natural gas service. Switching requires a gas line run to the water heater location, proper venting, and electrical changes. Our plumbers can evaluate your home and handle the gas line installation, venting, and water heater installation as one project.
Gas Water Heater Cost in Houston
A new gas water heater from Nick's Plumbing typically costs $800-$2,000. The final price depends on the brand and size of the unit, the installation location, venting and gas connections, and any code updates required. Repairs start at about $180. We confirm the price before any work begins.
What to Expect When You Book
- Schedule - Call or book online. Same-day service is often available.
- Inspection - We check the burner, pilot, gas control, venting, and tank
- Options and price - We explain repair and replacement options and give you an upfront price
- Work and testing - We complete the work, test for gas leaks and proper venting, and confirm hot water
Have an electric unit instead? See our electric water heater services, or learn about water heater installation and water heater maintenance.
Why Houston Homeowners Trust Nick's Plumbing
- Family owned since 1979 - More than 45 years serving Houston homes
- Licensed and insured - Texas Master Plumber License MPL# 38548
- Background-checked technicians - We email you the names and photos of the technicians coming to your home
- Upfront pricing - You approve the price before we start
- VIP members save - Priority scheduling and 10% off with our VIP maintenance plan
Serving The Heights, Montrose, Memorial, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and surrounding Houston neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a gas water heater cost in Houston?
A new gas water heater from Nick's Plumbing typically costs $800 to $2,000. The price depends on the unit, the installation location, venting and gas connections, and code updates. We confirm the price before any work begins.
Why does the pilot light on my gas water heater keep going out?
Common causes are a dirty or failing thermocouple, a dirty pilot tube, a draft near the heater, or a gas supply problem. For safety, we recommend calling a professional rather than repeatedly relighting it.
Do I need a permit to replace a gas water heater in Houston?
Yes. The City of Houston requires a permit for water heater replacement to make sure gas, venting, and safety requirements are met. We pull the permit for you.
Can I switch from an electric to a gas water heater?
Yes, if your home has natural gas service. The project requires a gas line to the water heater, proper venting, and electrical changes. We can handle all of it.
How long do gas water heaters last?
Most gas tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years. Annual flushing and maintenance help them reach the high end of that range.
Schedule Gas Water Heater Service in Houston
From pilot problems to full replacements, our licensed plumbers will get your hot water back safely.
Call Now: (713) 868-9907 Schedule Gas Water Heater Service
All Major Brands • Permits Handled • Licensed Plumbers
Ready to Fix Your Plumbing Problem? Call Nick’s Plumbing Today
If you’re facing a plumbing problem, Nick’s Plumbing is available to help. We proudly serve customers in Houston, TX, and beyond. To find out more or to schedule a service or consultation, contact us today!
- Average Cost
Gas Water Heaters
Pricing quoted is not the final cost
- Plumbing Services
2 days ago - Heights, Houston
- Nick's VIP Maintenance Plan
Join our VIP maintenance program and enjoy priority service and peace of mind knowing your plumbing is in good hands.
- Priority scheduling
- 10% discount on all services
- Annual plumbing inspections
- Unlimited free visits