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Water Heater Repair In San Diego, CA

Reliable Water Heater Repair for Consistent Hot Water

As a homeowner, there are many issues you might face that are more than a little annoying. However, a broken water heater might be at the top of that list. A malfunctioning water heater can lead to various inconveniences, from a lack of hot water for dishes or laundry to cold showers that are a rude awakening.

Being without hot water for even a single day can severely disrupt your home and daily life, making it essential to get your water heater repaired as soon as possible. When you call the San Diego plumbers from Paws Plumbing, you can rest assured your water heater will be up and running faster than you might have expected.

We understand water heaters thoroughly, allowing us to quickly and accurately diagnose the issues you're experiencing and recommend a cost-effective solution. Our San Diego-based team is familiar with the local challenges homeowners face, such as mineral buildup due to the area's hard water.

We have encountered nearly every type of water heater problem, using that experience to formulate a repair strategy that saves you money and best suits your home. We're transparent about your water heater needs, and we never suggest unnecessary services that increase your costs. Please check our customer reviews to see why we are San Diego's most trusted water heater repair professionals. Don't forget to look at our promotions for our latest specials.

Cold showers? Get fast, reliable water heater repair and restore your comfort today with expert plumbers in San Diego! Contact us at (858) 252-1670 or fill out our online form.

What Are 5 Signs That You May Need Water Heater Repair?

  1. You Have Less Hot Water: Have people within your home started complaining about going with lukewarm or even cold showers in the morning? If this is a new occurrence and there used to be enough hot water for everyone in the morning, then your water heater is likely losing heating power.  
  2. You Notice Rusty Colored Water: Turn on your hot water taps. Do you see rusty, or brownish discoloration in the water? This often means that there is too much sediment inside the hot water tank. It may also indicate corrosion. Check to see if this is occurring in your cold water taps too—if it is, there's either a problem with your plumbing system as a whole or the municipal water supply.
  3. Your Water Heater Has Corrosion: Due to the constant presence of water in the metal water heater tank, water heaters are designed to resist corrosion. This is made possible with a component called the anode rod, which absorbs rust and corrosion so that it doesn’t impact the inside of the tank. The anode rod must be replaced every once in a while; it’s important to schedule maintenance to allow us to check its condition.
  4. Your Water Heater Is Making Strange Noises: This sound can be alarming, leading you to think your water heater’s tank is about to burst. The good news is, this likely is not the case.  However, this isn’t a noise you want to ignore, as it might mean the water pressure has risen too high, there is sediment along the bottom of the tank, and you have a broken expansion tank.
  5. Your Water Heater Is Leaking: A sight you never want to see is water pooling around the base of your water heater. The only place you should ever see the water is dripping from the pressure relief valve. If there’s water dripping from anywhere else, it’s a serious problem that must be addressed.

Water Heater Repair VS Water Heater Replacement - What's The Difference?

One of the most common questions we receive from customers is whether their water heater can be repaired. It’s not always a question of whether your unit can be repaired, as it almost always can. It’s really a question of whether you should opt for water heater repair or replacement

Consider replacement if any of the following apply:

  • Your unit is old - Water heaters usually only last about eight to ten years on a normal basis anyway, so replacement may seem like the best option rather than calling in our San Diego water heater repair experts.
  • There’s damage to the tank - Leaks and corrosion can happen to water heaters on the lines and the tank itself. While damage to your anode rod or water lines can be fixed easily, if the damage is to the tank itself, it’ll be cheaper to replace the unit than to repair it.
  • Loud rumbling or grinding sounds - Not all sounds mean the same thing. If there is a snapping or popping sound, then you just need to call in our water heater repair team to give your unit a good cleaning. But if you hear loud grinding or rumbling sounds, it could be time for a replacement. Our technicians can help determine the best course of action based on the severity of the issue.
  • A very expensive repair - A good rule of thumb is that if the water heater repair cost is close to half the price of a new unit, you should opt for the replacement. It’s also a good idea to factor in the unit’s age, as that has a lot to do with replacing a unit as well.

While replacement might sometimes be the best option, this isn’t always true—there are cases where a repair can keep your system running and provide several more years of use before replacement becomes necessary. Don't hesitate to call the experts in water heater repair San Diego residents depend on.

Our Water Heater Repair Services In San Diego

We can fix all types of water heater issues, including:

  • Gas connection problems
  • Electrical connection problems
  • Tank exhaust problems
  • Faulty burners
  • Dead or defective heating elements
  • Emergency drain issues
  • Pressure relief problems
  • Loud noises or strange smells

Apart from these, our local San Diego team is adept at tackling issues specific to the region, such as problems arising from local water quality. Our familiarity with local regulations and plumbing codes ensures all repairs are compliant, providing you with peace of mind and reliable plumbing service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should You Do if Your Tank Is Leaking?

There’s really only one type of problem that can’t be fixed: tank leaks. While it is possible to fix a leaking tank, a leak is usually a sign of corrosion or wear on the tank itself. Water will eventually corrode the metal in your tank, and a small leak is a sign that more leaks could be developing elsewhere. In most cases, it’s not a good investment to repair a leak in your tank when another one may form not long after. 

Likewise, getting into actually repairing a leaking tank usually involves tearing into the metal and insulation that compromises your tank’s structure, which often damages the tank beyond repair and reduces its efficiency. When you have a leak, we strongly advise having your tank replaced immediately. Quick intervention ensures a constant supply of hot water and mitigates potential water damage to your property.

What Are The Benefits Of Timely Water Heater Repair?

As a homeowner or business owner, you rely on your water heater to provide hot water for various purposes, including bathing, cooking, and cleaning. When your water heater breaks down, it can be a significant inconvenience, and if left unaddressed, it can result in costly repairs or even replacement. That’s why timely water heater repair is crucial, and it comes with a host of benefits. At Paws Plumbing, we focus on water heater repair in San Diego and nearby areas, and we want to highlight some of the benefits of timely repairs.

  • Lower Energy Bills: A faulty water heater can consume more energy than necessary, leading to higher energy bills. Timely water heater repair can ensure that your system is working efficiently, significantly reducing your energy costs.
  • Improved Water Quality: A malfunctioning water heater can affect the quality of your hot water. It may result in rust or sediment buildup, which can affect the taste and smell of your water. With timely repair, you can prevent such issues and ensure that your hot water is clean and safe to use.
  • Longer Lifespan of Your Water Heater: If you neglect water heater repair, the problem may escalate, resulting in extensive damage that may require costly repairs or even replacement. A timely repair can prevent this and extend the lifespan of your water heater, saving you money in the long run.
  • Peace of Mind: A faulty water heater can be a source of stress and worry. With timely repair, you can have peace of mind knowing that your water heater is functioning correctly and that you won’t have to deal with any unexpected breakdowns or emergencies.

How Long Does a Typical Water Heater Repair Take?

The duration of a typical water heater repair can vary significantly depending on the nature and complexity of the problem. Simple fixes, such as relighting a pilot light, replacing a thermocouple, or tightening a loose connection, might take as little as 30 minutes to an hour. However, more involved repairs like replacing a heating element, anode rod, or thermostat can take 2 to 3 hours. If the repair involves diagnosing an intermittent issue, locating a leak, or if specialized parts need to be sourced, the process could extend to several hours or even require a follow-up visit. Our technicians aim to provide an accurate estimate of the repair time once the issue has been thoroughly diagnosed.

How Often Should I Have My Water Heater Serviced?

To ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your water heater, it is highly recommended to have it professionally serviced at least once a year. Regular annual maintenance, which often includes flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup, inspecting the anode rod, checking pressure relief valves, and examining electrical connections or gas lines, helps prevent common issues and catch minor problems before they escalate into costly repairs. For homes with hard water, more frequent flushing might be necessary. Consistent servicing helps maintain the unit's efficiency, ensures safe operation, and can ultimately save you money on energy bills and premature replacement costs.

What Can I Do to Troubleshoot Minor Issues Before Calling for Repair?

Before contacting a professional for water heater repair, there are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can perform to address minor issues. If you have no hot water, first check the circuit breaker for electric water heaters or the pilot light for gas models. For electric units, you can also try resetting the high-temperature cutoff switch, usually a red button. If you notice a minor leak, ensure all connections are tight. For strange noises, a simple tank flush might resolve issues caused by sediment buildup. Always consult your water heater's owner's manual for specific troubleshooting tips for your model, and remember to turn off the power or gas supply to the unit before attempting any adjustments for safety.

Is your water heater leaking or making strange noises in San Diego, CA? Our expert technicians provide prompt, efficient repairs. Contact us at (858) 252-1670 or fill out our online form today.

What Makes Us Different Why Choose Paws Plumbing?

  • Same Day Service & Flat-Rate Pricing
  • Specials & Maintenance Plan Available
  • Commitment to Eco-Friendly Services & Products
  • Trained, Experienced, Friendly Technicians

Our Reviews

    "I would highly recommend them!"

    Jacob and Angus were on time, communicated well, and of course, were skilled plumbers that got the job done!

    Cynthia
    "Friendly, Clean, and Efficient"

    We found Paw Plumbing and sent in a request for a quote/service. I was very impressed with how quickly they responded and got us an appointment.

    Jen
    "Attention to Detail"

    I appreciate the professional services of Paws Plumbing. It was easy to schedule my appointment.

    Alison
    "Honest and Talented"

    Now I have a great/honest/talented plumbing service.

    Jana
    "Fast, Professional and Extremely Courteous"

    Very pleased with the service of J. Geyer.

    Veronica
    "Professional"

    Kept things clean during and upon completion of the job.

    Mari
    "Superior Excellence"

    Plumbing knowledge and expertise are well beyond any plumber I've ever met. His professionalism makes him stand out even more.

    Debi Z.

Contact Paws Plumbing Today!

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