Professional Water Heater Repair in Houston

Your water heater runs around the clock, so when it fails, you notice right away. Whether you have no hot water, lukewarm showers, strange noises, or a puddle on the floor, fast and accurate repair gets your home back to normal.

Nick's Plumbing & Air Conditioning has provided water heater repair in Houston since 1979. Our licensed plumbers repair gas, electric, and tankless water heaters of every major brand, and our trucks are stocked with common parts so most repairs are finished on the first visit.

Nick's Plumbing explains common water heater problems and how we repair them.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair

• No hot water - A pilot, ignition, gas control, element, or thermostat problem
• Not enough hot water - A failed lower element, a broken dip tube, or heavy sediment
• Lukewarm water - A thermostat that is set too low or failing
• Rusty or brown hot water - A worn-out anode rod or corrosion inside the tank
• Popping or rumbling - Sediment on the bottom of the tank
• Leaks - A relief valve, drain valve, fitting, or tank leak

What to Do First

Don't panic. Check whether other hot water faucets in the house work. For an electric heater, check for a tripped breaker in your electrical panel. For a gas heater, check whether the pilot light is lit. If the heater is leaking, turn off the cold water supply valve at the top of the heater and turn off the gas or the breaker. Then call us.

Gas Water Heater Repairs

The most common gas water heater repairs involve the pilot and ignition system. A dirty or failing thermocouple will not let the pilot stay lit. Burners collect dust and lint, especially in attics, which causes poor combustion and a yellow flame. We also repair gas control valves, venting problems, and flue issues. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility from outside. Learn more about gas water heaters.

Electric Water Heater Repairs

Electric water heaters have two heating elements and two thermostats. The lower element does most of the work and usually fails first. When one element is bad, we often recommend replacing both so you do not need another service call soon after. Learn more about electric water heaters.

Tankless Water Heater Repairs

Tankless units most often need service because of mineral scale in the heat exchanger, a clogged inlet filter, ignition or flame faults, and venting errors. We diagnose the error code, descale the unit, and repair or replace failed parts. Learn more about tankless water heaters.

Water Heater Parts We Repair and Replace

• Anode rod - Protects the tank from corrosion and is used up over time
• Dip tube - Carries cold water to the bottom of the tank. A broken dip tube mixes cold water with hot water at the top.
• Temperature and pressure relief valve - A critical safety valve that should be tested every year
• Cold water shutoff valve - Old valves can seize or leak
• Drain valve - Plastic drain valves can leak or clog with sediment
• Thermocouple, gas control, and burner - On gas heaters
• Heating elements and thermostats - On electric heaters

How Long Should a Water Heater Last?

Most tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years. Water is stored at around 120 degrees, and every heating cycle causes the steel tank to expand and contract. Over time, the seams weaken and corrosion sets in. Once the tank itself leaks, it cannot be repaired and the heater must be replaced.

Hard Water and Your Water Heater

Houston's hard water leaves sediment at the bottom of the tank, which insulates the water from the burner or element and makes the heater work harder. Draining the tank once a year removes sediment and can improve efficiency by up to 15%. Our water heater maintenance service includes a full flush.

Water Heater Repair Cost in Houston

Water heater repair at Nick's Plumbing typically costs $180-$600, depending on the part that failed and whether the heater is gas, electric, or tankless. We give you an upfront price before any work begins.

More on Water Heater Repair From the Potty Mouth Guys

Our plumbing experts discuss anode rods, dip tubes, relief valves, and other common water heater repairs.

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