Water Heater Repair in Jacksonville
When the hot water stops, everything in the house slows down. Showers, dishes, laundry. The good news is that most water heater failures come down to a short list of parts, and many of them are repairable in a single visit.
Call and describe what’s happening. A licensed plumber will tell you whether it sounds like a repair or a replacement before anyone shows up, so you aren’t paying for a visit just to hear bad news.
Signs your water heater needs repair
- No hot water at all, or only lukewarm water
- Hot water runs out much faster than it used to
- Popping, rumbling, or banging from the tank
- Rusty or brown water from hot taps only
- Water pooling around the base of the tank
- A gas pilot light that goes out or won’t light
- The breaker for an electric heater keeps tripping
- A rotten-egg smell from the hot water
Electric water heater repairs
Most electric tanks have two heating elements and two thermostats. When one element burns out, you usually still get some hot water, just not much of it. When the upper element or thermostat fails, you often get none. A plumber can test each part with a meter in a few minutes and replace only what’s bad.
A tripped high-limit reset button is another common cause. If it keeps tripping, something is overheating, and resetting it again and again isn’t a fix.
Gas water heater repairs
On gas tanks, the usual suspects are the thermocouple or flame sensor, the pilot assembly, the gas control valve, and the burner. A dirty burner or a blocked vent can also cause weak heating and soot.
If you ever smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside before calling a plumber.
When repair isn’t worth it
A leak from the tank itself, as opposed to a fitting or valve, can’t be repaired. The steel has rusted through and the tank needs to be replaced. Age matters too. If a tank is past about 10 years old and needs an expensive part, putting that money toward a new heater often makes more sense.
Need hot water back?
Call for a free estimate. No obligation, and you’ll talk to someone local.
Water Heater Repair: common questions
Why do I have some hot water but it runs out fast?
On an electric heater, this usually means the lower heating element or its thermostat has failed. On either type, heavy sediment in the bottom of the tank takes up space and reduces how much hot water you get.
Is a leaking water heater an emergency?
A slow drip from a valve or fitting can wait a day. Water coming from the tank body, or a steady leak you can’t stop, should be handled right away. Shut off the cold water supply valve on top of the tank and turn off the power or gas.
Why does my water heater make popping noises?
Sediment settles on the bottom of the tank, and water trapped under it boils and pops as the burner or element heats. Flushing the tank can help if the sediment hasn’t hardened.
Can you repair any brand?
Common brands like Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, State, and Rinnai use similar parts, and plumbers repair all of them. Some parts may need to be ordered.
Serving Jacksonville and nearby towns
Water Heater Repair is available throughout Jacksonville and the surrounding area. Find your town for local details.