Restore hot water and know whether repair makes sense.
Common Water Heater Problems
No Hot Water
Gas: pilot, thermocouple, or gas valve. Electric: tripped breaker, reset button, or failed element. See no hot water.
Not Enough Hot Water
Sediment buildup, a failed lower element, a broken dip tube, or a heater too small for the household.
Leaking Tank
Valves and fittings can be repaired. Water from the tank body means replacement.
Pilot Won’t Stay Lit
Often a failing thermocouple or flame sensor, a draft, or a dirty burner.
Strange Noises
Rumbling or popping is usually sediment from Dallas’s hard water heating at the bottom of the tank.
Rusty Water
Rust-colored hot water can mean a depleted anode rod or a corroding tank interior.
Should I Repair or Replace My Water Heater?
Repair usually makes sense for a newer tank with a failed part. Replacement is usually the better value when the tank leaks, the heater is over about 10–12 years old, or repairs are piling up. The technician can tell the unit’s age from its serial number. See water heater replacement and tankless options.
Gas Water Heater Repair
Check that the gas supply valve is open and the pilot is lit (follow the label instructions). A plumber checks the thermocouple or flame sensor, gas control valve, burner, and venting. Do not adjust the gas control beyond the manufacturer’s instructions, and if you smell gas, leave and call Atmos Energy or 911.
Electric Water Heater Repair
Check whether the breaker has tripped and the high-limit reset has popped. A plumber tests element resistance and thermostats; a failed lower element is a common cause of short hot-water supply. Never cap or plug the temperature and pressure relief valve. Flushing the tank periodically and checking the anode rod can extend its life in hard-water Dallas.
Water Heater Repair Cost
Repair cost depends on the part, fuel type, and access. If replacement is on the table, See our water heater replacement cost guide for published ranges with linked sources, plus the factors that change the price. Figures there are third-party ranges, not quotes.
FAQs
How long do water heaters last?
Tank heaters commonly last about 8–12 years; tankless units often longer with maintenance.
Why is my pilot light going out?
Often a failing thermocouple or flame sensor, a draft, or a dirty burner.
Is a leaking water heater dangerous?
It can cause water damage. Turn off the water supply and the gas or power to the unit.
Ready for help?