Common Water Heater Problems
Water heaters are dependable appliances designed for long-term use, but like any other appliance, a water heater can develop problems over time. Here are the most prevalent water heater issues faced by homeowners and businesses 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.
Roto-Rooter's Water Heater Repair Services
Roto-Rooter offers water heater repair services to residential and commercial clients in Houston, including replacement and installation services. Our dedicated team employs state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and top-quality replacement components for all repair work. We specialize in servicing all water heater types, encompassing traditional and tankless water heater repair in Houston.
Expert Water Heater Leak Repair
Detecting and rectifying water heater leaks can pose a challenge, as a leak often masks a serious underlying issue. Roto-Rooter's experienced water heater technicians are well-prepared to handle leak repairs effectively, preventing further damage or complete appliance failure. A leak could be coming from any of the plumbing connections or valves. These can almost always be repaired by an experienced Roto-Rooter plumber or service technician. However, a tank leak means that the tank itself is rusting from the inside and cannot be repaired. A tank failure means it’s time for a new water heater.
Water Heater Installation in Houston
Roto-Rooter is the trusted choice for water heater installation in Houston. Our water heater experts oversee the entire replacement and installation process, including the removal and responsible disposal of old units. We ensure all gas and electric components are correctly connected and verify the proper functioning of the new heater. Our specialists excel in the unique demands of water heater installation in Houston, considering factors like special unit sizes, hot water demands, and available space.
Water Heater Maintenance
Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of residential and commercial water heaters. Roto-Rooter water heater specialists tailor maintenance routines to align with your type of water heater, the water heater's location, design, local water quality, and manufacturer recommendations. Contact your local Roto-Rooter plumber today to establish a water heater maintenance schedule and improve the working life and reliability of your water heater.
Commercial Water Heater Repair in Houston
Roto-Rooter is your trusted partner for all commercial water heater needs in Houston, including repairs, replacements, installations, and maintenance. Our water heater specialists have extensive experience with the diverse range of water heaters found in commercial settings, and we offer 24-hour emergency service to restore your business's hot water supply.
Instant Hot Water Dispenser Repairs
Roto-Rooter's water heater specialists possess the expertise required to install and repair instant hot water dispensers, a popular fixture in many commercial settings.
Water Heater Assessment
If you’re uncertain about the type of water heater that best suits your needs, arrange for a Roto-Rooter specialist to assess your property's requirements and provide expert guidance concerning the type and size of water heater that would best serve your home or building. Simply schedule an appointment using our convenient online scheduling form to benefit from our expertise.

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Tips for Water Heater Maintenance
Regular upkeep and maintenance are crucial for extending the lifespan of a water heater and minimizing the risk of significant performance issues or part failures. Below are some tips homeowners and business proprietors can use to help keep their water heaters running smoothly:
Physical Inspections
Check your water heater for signs of leaks, unusual noises, and changes to thermostat settings. Regular inspections help you detect and address problems in their initial stages. Inspect all pipe connections at the top of the appliance. Look for drips or water stains. Likewise, inspect the floor around the appliance for water stains and standing water.
Annual Tank Flushing
Schedule an annual tank flushing to purge the water heater of sediment. Flushing a water heater involves turning off the unit’s power and water supply, attaching a hose to the drain valve, and draining the water into a nearby floor drain or sink. Once drained, turn on the water supply and turn the power back on when the tank is full. Let a Roto-Rooter water heater specialist take care of this potentially hazardous task.
Check the Pressure Relief Valve
Regularly check your water heater’s pressure release valve to ensure it works properly. Consult your manufacturer’s instructions on how to do so, or let Roto-Rooter test the valve during routine maintenance.
Insulate the Water Tank
If you have a traditional water heater installed in a garage or other unheated area, consider wrapping the tank with an insulation blanket. Don’t forget to wrap connected pipes with foam insulation sleeves to conserve heat in the tank. Doing so reduces energy consumption and puts less stress on the heater. These steps are not necessary if the water heater is in a heated room or basement.
Reduce the Water Temperature
Lowering the water heater temperature to 120℉ reduces its workload while still fulfilling hot water demand in most situations. This temperature will also prevent the risk of scalding, which is especially important if there are children or elderly people using the shower and bath facilities.


