Water Heater Repair & Installation in Houston

Rusty or Discolored Water

Rust-colored hot water can have several causes, including dissolved minerals in the water supply, bacterial growth, pipe corrosion, or a rusty, corroded water heater tank. Roto-Rooter will identify the root cause of discolored water and recommend a course of action, including repair work or replacement of an existing water heater. 

Foul Odors in Hot Water

A foul or rotten egg smell in hot water suggests an outbreak of sulfate bacteria in the water heater tank. Bacterial growth of this type usually occurs when warm water sits for lengthy periods. 

No Hot Water

A lack of hot water can mean several things, including a loss of power to the heater, a faulty thermocouple, or a low thermostat setting. Leaks and mechanical failure may also be to blame. 

Sediment Buildup

Sediment builds up in a water heater when dissolved minerals solidify in the tank. Over time, sediment can interfere with water heater performance. Sediment is more common in areas with hard water, such as Houston, and can be controlled by annual tank flushing or installing a water-softening filtration system. 

Water Leaks

Cracked pipes and loose pipe connections at the top of a water heater are often the source of perceived water heater leaks, rather than an actual hold in the water tank. However, water heater tanks can rust out over time allowing water to leak directly from the tank itself. A water heater leak may indicate a more severe problem, so a Roto-Rooter plumber should check the appliance. 

Tank Noises

A sediment buildup on a water heater can produce knocking or vibrating noises inside the tank. The noises occur when boiling water disturbs sediment at the bottom of the tank. 

Faulty Pilot Lights

Gas-powered water heaters may develop problems with their pilot lights, indicating a thermocouple malfunction. Dirt or oxidation can also build up around a pilot light and its sensors and cause it to go out. Pilot light repair or replacement is best left to trained professionals.

Lifespan

A water heater typically has an 8-12-year lifespan before it needs replacing. Some water heaters operate efficiently after 20 or more years with proper maintenance but most fail at the 11-year mark. Keep that in mind if your 8-10-year-old water heater requires extensive repairs. It may be more cost-effective to replace it with a new, more efficient model.

Promptly addressing water heater problems is essential for maintaining optimum performance. Recognizing when a water heater needs repair helps you catch minor issues before they escalate into more significant problems.

Contact Roto-Rooter at 713-472-5554 for expert water heater repair in Houston and the surrounding metro area, or book an appointment through our online scheduling form. We're dedicated to ensuring your water heater remains a dependable source of hot water. Roto-Rooter serves a 12-county area surrounding Houston.