No hot water? Repair it or replace it — your choice, with both prices.
Cold showers, rusty water, rumbling, or a puddle under the tank. We tell you when a repair makes sense and when it doesn’t, and we install replacements to California code, seismic straps included.
When it’s time to call
- No hot water, or only lukewarm
- Hot water runs out faster than it used to
- Rusty or discolored hot water
- Popping or rumbling from the tank
- Water pooling around the base
- The pilot light keeps going out
How we handle it
Diagnose
We check the burner or elements, thermostat, valves and the tank itself to find the real cause.
Repair or replace — in writing
When a repair is sensible, you get that price. When replacement makes more sense, you get that too, so you can compare.
Install to code
Replacements get the seismic straps California requires, correct venting, and a permit where your city requires one.
Test and walk you through it
We check for leaks, confirm hot water at the taps, and show you where the shutoffs are.
If your water heater is leaking
- Turn off the cold-water supply valve on the pipe at the top of the heater.
- Gas heater: turn the gas control knob to “Off.” Electric heater: switch off its breaker.
- Don’t try to drain a hot tank yourself — the water can scald.
- If you smell gas, leave the house and call 911 or the gas company from outside.
The honest comparison
Neither is automatically better. The right choice depends on how your household uses hot water, your gas line and venting, and where the heater lives.
| Tank | Tankless | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher, especially when converting from a tank |
| Hot water supply | A stored supply that can run out during heavy use | Continuous, limited by how many fixtures run at once |
| Space | Large; usually in the garage or a closet | Compact and wall-mounted |
| Installation | Often a direct swap for the old tank | May need gas line, venting or electrical changes |
| Upkeep | Periodic flushing to clear sediment | Periodic descaling, especially with hard water |
Common questions
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
It depends on age, condition and what failed. A leak from the tank itself can’t be repaired — that means replacement. A failed thermostat, element or valve usually can be.
How long does a replacement take?
A like-for-like tank swap is usually a single visit. A tankless conversion can take longer because of gas, venting or electrical work.
Why do water heaters need straps?
California requires water heaters to be braced or strapped so they don’t tip over and break gas or water lines in an earthquake.
Let’s take a look.
Call for anything urgent, or book a visit and we’ll confirm a time window.