#1 Water Heater Repair, Installation & Replacement in San Diego, CA

Is your water heater acting up and you want a professional to look at it? Bill Howe Plumbing has a trustworthy team of specialists who will fix the problem. We will provide you with any assistance regarding your water heater – be it maintenance, repair, installation, or replacement of an old water heater with a new one.

Call Bill Howe Plumbing for certified and warrantied water heater repair. We have installed over 25,000 water heaters and repaired just as many since opening in 1980.

Bill Howe’s team of water heater experts can recommend, repair and install a variety of water heaters. We recommend dependable brands such as RUUD and Rheem water heaters for traditional tank systems. If you are upgrading to a tankless system, we recommend Rinnai tankless water heaters. From minor repairs and annual maintenance to expert installation, Bill Howe is the leader in hot water heater repair service. We care for residential and commercial customers for water heater installation and repair.

Water Heater Repairs and Replacement

Before you make a decision on whether or not your water heater needs a repair or replacement, have a certified Bill Howe technician perform a diagnosis and give you a recommendation on what to do next. No matter if you have a traditional or tankless water heater, Bill Howe offers free estimates for recommended work.

Bill Howe offers generous warranties on products we install, so you can rest assured that we have you covered if something goes wrong.

Common Water Heater Problems

There are several problems that typically occur over the lifetime of a water heater, and these will depend on the type of heater you have installed.

If your electric water heater has stopped producing hot water, it could be a simple problem like a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Besides that, some electric water heaters have a circuit-style safety switch placed near or on the thermostat.

Conventional and tankless water heaters work best and last longest when they’re maintained once a year. Making sure you’re up to date on maintenance will maximize the efficiency of your water heater product.

When it comes to tankless water heaters, the most common problem they face is mineral buildup. Annual flushes prevent buildup and guarantee your tankless unit will work well for a long, long time.

When Do You Need a Water Heater Repair Service?

You don’t want to wait until your water heater stops working completely to get it checked out. Often, a water heater will show signs that something is wrong. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should call Bill Howe for water heater service:

• You hear a knocking sound in your water heater.
• The pilot light won’t stay lit.
• You see standing water under the unit.
• The hot water doesn’t get as hot as it should.
• The water from the hot water faucet fluctuates between hot and cold.
• The water heater keeps shutting off.

Any of these can be signs of a significant repair issue. You should call for service right away instead of waiting. These problems don’t get better with time.

Here are the most common issues that may arise with water heaters.

Rust & Corrosion

Rust and corrosion are common issues with water heaters. Usually found on the exterior of the tank, inlet pipes and inlet parts, rust and corrosion are telltale signs that you need your water heater repaired.

Rust on the exterior of your water heater indicates that your system is nearing the end of its life, especially if it is more than 6 years old. If you’ve noticed rust around your water supply, call a professional immediately to have the system replaced. A certified Bill Howe technician can recommend a new system for your home and will haul your old hot water heater away after installing a new one.

Heavy corrosion buildup on water line valves indicates fluctuations in pressure, causing small leaks. Left unchecked, sediment will corrode the inside of the tank and seep into the water supply. Routine system flushes can prevent corrosion from building, extending the life of your system. Bill Howe offers water heater flush services to help prevent corrosion.

Make sure to routinely check for rust to help you catch the problem at the start.

Leaking Water Heater

It is common for water heaters to leak due to fluctuating pressure through the temperature and pressure relief valve. Small drips are not cause for concern. However, homeowners should monitor the size of the leaks.

A water heater that is leaking from the bottom of the tank is failing and should be replaced immediately. If your water heater is in a garage and has leaks, schedule an estimate as soon as possible. Then, remove debris and clutter away from the system. If your water heater bursts, it is smart to avoid water damage to your belongings.

For tank water heaters located inside the home, immediately cut the supply of water to the heater and schedule an appointment to avoid flooding. Bill Howe offers tips on what to do if your water heater is leaking.

Popping Noises

If you hear strange snapping or popping sounds coming from your water heater, there’s no reason to worry. The sounds mean that sediments are mixing together, and the water heater simply needs to be rinsed. Call Bill Howe Plumbing and let our technician get it done for you promptly.

Water Takes Too Long to Turn Warm

Most likely, this indicates an issue with the heating element in your water heater. A specialist can determine if the heating element can be fixed or needs to be replaced with a new one.

Sudden Temperature Change

Have you noticed sudden splashes of cold water while hot water is supposed to be running? If this starts happening, it’s most likely that there’s a crack in the dip tube connecting cold water with your water heater. Request a specialist visit with Bill Howe Plumbing for your water heater repair.

Your Water Heater Isn’t Working – What’s Next?

In the event of a water heater suddenly not working, don’t try to repair it yourself. You might potentially cause more damage that would result in additional work and repair cost. Your safest bet is to call a professional at Bill Howe and have a certified plumber conduct an inspection and make necessary water heater repairs. You can call us anytime to request any water treatment services.

The Decision to Repair or Replace

As your water heater gets older, more issues can arise. Some will be easy fixes, such as replacing the heating element. Others require replacement, such as a leak in the tank. For other issues, decide how much to put into repairs before replacing the heater. We can discuss your options with you to help you determine when it’s time to upgrade your system to a new one.

With new technology, you have more choices for types of water heating systems. You must also consider the size of the system for your household. We can help you choose the right size to ensure enough hot water for everyone’s usage. With a conventional water heater, you will need to decide on the tank size that will provide your family with the amount of hot water it needs. With tankless water heaters, you have hot water all the time.

The two most popular types of water heaters are conventional and tankless. Conventional water heaters include a tank that holds the heated water, and they are the most common systems found in homes. Tankless water heaters are also known as on-demand or recirculation systems. They don’t store hot water but heat it as the water comes through the pipes. You can choose gas or electric tankless systems, just as with conventional water heaters.

Heat pumps and solar water heaters are two other systems that use natural resources to heat your water. Heat pump water heaters transfer heat from the ground or the air to the water. Solar heaters use solar panels mounted on the roof to heat the water. Talk to our team about water heater replacement and what works best for your home or business.