Water Heater Repair

Water heaters can develop various issues over their lifespan, and recognizing the symptoms helps determine whether repair or replacement is the most cost-effective solution. No hot water at all is one of the most obvious problems—in electric water heaters, this usually indicates a failed heating element or tripped circuit breaker, while gas water heaters may have pilot light issues, gas valve problems, or thermocouple failures. Insufficient hot water that runs out quickly often results from sediment buildup in the tank reducing capacity, a failing heating element, or an incorrectly set thermostat. Water that's too hot or scalding suggests a malfunctioning thermostat that needs adjustment or replacement. Rusty or discolored water indicates corrosion inside the tank, a serious problem that usually requires replacement, though sometimes it's simply a failing anode rod that can be replaced to extend tank life. Strange noises including popping, rumbling, or cracking sounds typically result from sediment buildup at the tank bottom—as water heats, it forces through the sediment layer creating these noises. Water pooling around the base of your water heater suggests a leak, which may come from the tank itself (requiring replacement) or from connections, valves, or the temperature and pressure relief valve (which can be repaired). Smelly hot water with a sulfur or rotten egg odor indicates bacterial growth in the tank, usually resolved by flushing the tank and replacing the anode rod. Our experienced technicians can quickly diagnose these issues and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

When you contact Down Right Plumbing for water heater repair, we follow a systematic diagnostic and repair process. We begin with a detailed assessment, asking about symptoms, when the problem started, and the age and type of your water heater. Upon arrival, Doug performs a comprehensive inspection including checking the power supply (for electric heaters) or gas supply (for gas heaters), testing the thermostat settings, inspecting for visible leaks or corrosion, checking the condition of the pressure relief valve, and listening for unusual sounds during operation. For many common issues, we can diagnose the problem within 15-20 minutes. Once we've identified the issue, we explain what's wrong in clear, non-technical language and provide upfront pricing for the repair. We'll also let you know if your water heater is near the end of its expected lifespan and whether repair makes financial sense compared to replacement. If you approve the repair, we typically have the most common parts on our service vehicles, allowing us to complete repairs immediately. Common repairs include replacing heating elements in electric water heaters, replacing thermostats, replacing temperature and pressure relief valves, repairing or replacing gas control valves, relighting pilots and replacing thermocouples, flushing sediment from tanks, and replacing anode rods to extend tank life. After completing repairs, we test the water heater thoroughly to ensure proper operation before leaving your property.

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether to repair or replace a malfunctioning water heater. Several factors influence this decision. Age is perhaps the most important consideration—traditional tank water heaters typically last 8-12 years, while tankless units can last 15-20 years. If your water heater is beyond these ranges, replacement usually makes more financial sense than repair. Cost of repair versus replacement cost should be evaluated—a good rule of thumb is if repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost and your unit is over 6 years old, replacement is typically the better investment. The nature of the problem also matters—minor issues like thermostat replacement or heating element replacement are worth fixing, while major problems like tank leaks or complete component failure in older units suggest replacement. Energy efficiency should be considered, as modern water heaters are significantly more efficient than models from 10+ years ago. Replacing an old inefficient unit can reduce energy bills by 20-30%, potentially offsetting the replacement cost over time. If you've needed multiple repairs in recent years, replacement prevents ongoing repair expenses. Signs that replacement is advisable include visible rust or corrosion on the tank, cloudy or rusty water from hot taps, loud rumbling or banging noises that persist after flushing, and moisture or water pooling around the base. Doug provides honest assessments and recommendations, prioritizing your best interests rather than pushing unnecessary replacements.

Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, provide endless hot water and energy savings but require specialized knowledge for repair. These systems heat water only when needed, passing it through heat exchangers rather than storing heated water in a tank. Common tankless water heater issues include system overload when too many fixtures demand hot water simultaneously, mineral buildup requiring descaling (especially important in areas with hard water), ignition failure preventing the system from heating, flame failure during operation, and error codes indicating specific component problems. Tankless systems have electronic controls that can display error codes, which Doug can quickly interpret to diagnose issues. Regular maintenance is especially important for tankless water heaters—we recommend annual descaling and inspection to prevent problems and maintain efficiency. Many tankless water heater problems result from improper installation, such as inadequate gas line size or insufficient electrical supply. If your tankless system isn't performing as expected, Doug can assess whether the problem is with the unit itself or the installation. We repair all major tankless brands including Rinnai, Navien, Rheem, and Noritz. Whether you need emergency repair or routine maintenance, Down Right Plumbing has the expertise to keep your tankless system operating efficiently.

Regular maintenance significantly extends water heater life and prevents many common problems. At Down Right Plumbing, we recommend annual water heater maintenance that includes several important services. Flushing the tank removes sediment that accumulates at the bottom, which improves efficiency, reduces noise, and extends tank life. Sediment buildup insulates water from the heating element, forcing your water heater to work harder and increasing energy costs. Testing the temperature and pressure relief valve ensures this critical safety component will function properly if tank pressure becomes excessive. A malfunctioning relief valve can lead to dangerous tank overpressure situations. Inspecting the anode rod, which attracts corrosive elements to protect the tank, and replacing it when significantly deteriorated can add years to your water heater's life. Most homeowners never inspect the anode rod, yet it's one of the most important components for tank longevity. Checking and adjusting temperature settings ensures safe, efficient operation—we recommend 120°F for most homes, which prevents scalding while providing adequate hot water and minimizing energy costs. Inspecting all connections for leaks and corrosion allows us to address small issues before they become major problems. Checking the condition of venting systems on gas water heaters ensures safe exhaust of combustion gases. During annual maintenance visits, we also assess overall condition and remaining life expectancy, allowing you to plan for eventual replacement rather than facing an emergency situation. Preventive maintenance typically costs $150-$200 annually but can extend water heater life by 3-5 years and improve efficiency, saving money on both repairs and energy costs.

When your water heater fails, you need reliable, expert repair service from a company you can trust. Down Right Plumbing brings 20+ years of hands-on experience to every water heater repair in Rockwall and throughout the DFW area. Doug receives specialized training in both traditional tank and tankless water heater systems, with experience repairing all major brands and models. We stock common water heater parts on our service vehicles, allowing us to complete most repairs in a single visit without delays waiting for parts. We believe in transparent, upfront pricing—you'll know exactly what the repair will cost before we begin work, with no hidden fees or surprise charges. Our honest assessment approach means we'll tell you if replacement makes more financial sense than repair, prioritizing your best interest over maximizing our revenue. We offer same-day service for most water heater repairs throughout the Rockwall area, understanding that going without hot water is a significant inconvenience. All our repair work comes with a comprehensive warranty, and Doug is fully licensed and insured for your protection. We respect your home, using floor protection and completing thorough cleanup after every job. From urgent repairs to routine maintenance, from traditional tanks to advanced tankless systems, Down Right Plumbing provides the expertise and service quality you deserve. Don't let water heater problems disrupt your daily life—contact us today for fast, reliable repair service.