Water Heater Repair in Arlington, TX: Common Problems and When to Call a Plumber

A water heater rarely fails all at once. Most problems start small: water that is warm instead of hot, a puddle in the garage, or a popping sound when the burner kicks on. Many of these can be fixed without replacing the unit. This guide walks through the most common water heater problems we see in Arlington homes, a few safe things you can check yourself, and when it is time to call a licensed plumber.

Safe things to check first

Before you call, a few quick checks can save time:

• Electric unit with no hot water: Look at your breaker panel. If the water heater breaker has tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and call a plumber, because that points to an electrical fault.
• Gas unit with no hot water: Check that the gas supply valve to the heater is open. On older units with a standing pilot, look through the sight glass to see if the pilot is lit. Follow the relighting instructions on the unit's label exactly. If you smell gas, do not try to relight anything. Leave the house and call your gas utility from outside.
• Thermostat setting: Make sure the temperature dial was not bumped down.

If none of these solve it, the problem is likely inside the unit.

Common water heater problems and likely causes

No hot water or not enough hot water On electric units, a burned out heating element or a failed thermostat is a common cause. On gas units, it is often a faulty thermocouple or flame sensor, a dirty burner, or a gas control valve problem. A broken dip tube can also cause hot water to run out quickly. All of these are usually repairable.

Water too hot A thermostat that is set too high or has failed can overheat the water. This is a safety issue. Turn the setting down and have the thermostat and the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve checked.

Leaking water Where the water is coming from matters:

• A leak at the inlet or outlet connections, drain valve, or T&P valve can usually be repaired.
• Water dripping from the T&P discharge pipe may mean the valve is worn, or that pressure in the tank is too high. In homes with a closed water system, a missing or failed expansion tank can cause this.
• A leak from the tank body itself usually cannot be repaired, and the unit will need to be replaced.

Rumbling, popping, or crackling noises This is usually sediment in the bottom of the tank. Minerals settle out of the water over time, and the burner or lower element heats through that layer. Flushing the tank can help on a newer unit. On an older unit with heavy buildup, flushing may not fix it.

Rusty or smelly hot water Rusty hot water can mean the anode rod is worn out and the tank is starting to corrode. A rotten egg smell is often caused by a reaction between the anode rod and bacteria in the water. Replacing the anode rod can solve both problems if the tank is still sound.

Repair or replace?

Repair usually makes sense when the unit is relatively young and the problem is a part: an element, thermostat, thermocouple, valve, or anode rod. Replacement is often the better choice when the tank itself is leaking, when the unit is near the end of its typical life and having repeated problems, or when it no longer meets your household's hot water needs.

If you are leaning toward a new unit, our guide to water heater replacement in Arlington covers your options, and our water heater replacement page explains how we handle it.

What affects the cost of a water heater repair?

We will not quote a price without seeing your system, because the final cost depends on what is actually wrong. The main factors are:

• Which part has failed, and whether it is in stock for your make and model
• Gas or electric, tank or tankless
• How easy the unit is to reach (garage, closet, or attic)
• Whether any related code items need attention, such as the T&P discharge line or drain pan. See water heater code requirements in Texas for what those items mean.

We explain what we find and give you a clear price before any work starts.

When to call right away

• Water is leaking from the tank itself
• You smell gas near the water heater (leave the home first and call your gas utility)
• The T&P valve is discharging hot water or steam
• The water is scalding hot even at a normal setting

For a leak, shut off the cold water supply valve to the heater and turn off the power or gas, then call.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my water heater suddenly not making hot water? On electric units, a tripped breaker, failed heating element, or bad thermostat is common. On gas units, it is often the pilot, thermocouple, or gas control. A plumber can test the parts and tell you what failed.

Can a leaking water heater be repaired? It depends on where the leak is. Leaks from fittings, the drain valve, or the relief valve can usually be repaired. A leak from the tank body usually means the unit needs to be replaced.

Is it worth repairing an old water heater? For a simple part on a unit with years of life left, usually yes. For an older unit with a corroded or leaking tank, replacement is often the better value. We will give you an honest recommendation either way.

How often should a water heater be flushed? Many manufacturers recommend flushing a tank water heater about once a year. Homes with hard water may benefit from more frequent flushing. Check your unit's manual.

Water heater trouble in Arlington?

Boost Air And Plumbing serves Arlington, Grand Prairie, and the surrounding North Texas communities. Call (817) 527-8883 or use the Book online button to schedule a visit. See all of our Arlington plumbing services.