Best Water Heater Repair Companies in California Ranked

A failing water heater can disrupt your daily routine and signal a potential plumbing emergency. Understanding your repair options helps you make informed decisions, manage costs, and restore your hot water supply efficiently. This guide provides a detailed overview of water heater repair in California, covering common problems, repair processes, and cost considerations to help you navigate the process and connect with qualified local professionals.

All City Plumbing, Air & Electrical

5612 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807

All City Plumbing, Air & Electrical is a full-service plumbing, HVAC, and electrical provider located in Anaheim, CA. They offer a wide range of services including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repair. Their team is licensed, bonded, and insured, with technicians who are ACE Certified and available 24/7 for emergency plumbing and HVAC needs. With over 13 years of experience serving Anaheim and surrounding areas, they use advanced technology to ensure efficient and reliable service.

5.0

1.9k Reviews

All American Plumbing Inc.

14260 Garden Rd unit A601, Poway, CA 92064

All American Plumbing Inc. provides a wide range of plumbing services in San Diego, CA. Their offerings include sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, gas line installation, and garbage disposal repair. The company is equipped to handle emergency plumbing situations with 24-hour availability. They emphasize employing highly trained and safety-certified plumbers to deliver reliable service. All American Plumbing is recognized locally for quality work and is considered a leading trade employer in the area.

5.0

1.4k Reviews

Dymek's Freedom Plumbing, Inc

2921 E Miraloma Ave #17, Anaheim, CA 92806

Dymek's Freedom Plumbing, Inc is a plumbing service provider based in Anaheim, CA, offering a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing solutions. Their services include sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, repiping, and garbage disposal repairs. They utilize advanced technology such as electronic slab leak detection and sewer video inspection to diagnose and address plumbing issues efficiently. With over 25 years of experience, the company emphasizes old-fashioned values combined with modern technology and is available 24/7 for emergency plumbing needs.

5.0

1.0k Reviews

Courtesy Plumbing Inc.

7950 Silverton Ave UNIT 113, San Diego, CA 92126

Courtesy Plumbing Inc. provides a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial clients in San Diego, CA. Their offerings include water heater installation and repair, tankless water heater services, gas leak repair, repiping, garbage disposal installation, drain cleaning, and leak detection. The company operates a fully equipped fleet and employs licensed, bonded, and insured technicians. With many years of experience, Courtesy Plumbing Inc. is committed to delivering work that meets industry standards.

5.0

1.0k Reviews

Jim & Sons Plumbing & Rooter

9345 Narnia Dr, Riverside, CA 92503

Jim & Sons Plumbing & Rooter is a family-owned plumbing company serving Riverside, CA, and the surrounding Inland Empire region. Since 1983, they have provided residential and commercial plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and garbage disposal repair. They specialize in trenchless sewer repair techniques such as pipe bursting and cured-in-place lining, which allow sewer line renewal without excavation, preserving landscaping and minimizing environmental impact. The company offers same-day service and is fully licensed and insured.

5.0

741 Reviews

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Common Water Heater Problems in California

Water heaters, whether gas or electric, can develop a range of issues. Identifying the symptoms is the first step toward a solution.

• No Hot Water or Lukewarm Water: This is the most common complaint. For gas water heaters, the cause is often a pilot light that has gone out, a faulty thermocouple (a safety device), or a malfunctioning gas control valve ¹. For electric water heaters, check for a tripped circuit breaker first; if power is present, the issue is likely one or more broken heating elements or a failed thermostat ².
• Leaking Tank or Connections: Water pooling around the base of your heater is a serious concern. Leaks can originate from loose pipe connections, a faulty temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve, or, most critically, from the tank itself. A leaking tank usually cannot be repaired and indicates the need for a full replacement ².
• Strange Noises (Rumbling, Popping, Banging): These sounds are typically caused by sediment buildup-minerals like calcium and lime that settle at the bottom of the tank. This is a frequent issue in California due to the varying mineral content in water across the state ². The sediment insulates the water from the heat source, causing the tank to overwork, reduce efficiency, and potentially overheat the bottom of the tank.
• Discolored or Foul-Smelling Water: Rust-colored water suggests corrosion inside the tank, while a rotten egg smell is often caused by bacteria reacting with the anode rod (a sacrificial component that protects the tank). Both are signs of aging components.
• Inconsistent Water Temperature: Fluctuations between hot and cold water during a shower can point to a failing thermostat, a problem with the dip tube (which directs incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank), or significant sediment interference.

Gas vs. Electric Water Heaters: Repair Differences

The type of water heater you own significantly influences the repair approach, parts required, and associated safety protocols.

Gas Water Heater Repairs involve working with natural gas or propane, which introduces critical safety considerations. Repairs often focus on the pilot light assembly, thermocouple, gas control valve, and burner. Technicians must also ensure proper venting to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide buildup ³. Due to the complexity and hazard, repairs on gas units should only be performed by licensed professionals.

Electric Water Heater Repairs center on electrical components. The most common fixes involve replacing one or both submerged heating elements or the thermostats that control them ⁴. While there is no combustion gas, working with high-voltage electricity and water presents a serious shock hazard, requiring the system to be completely powered down at the breaker box before any work begins.

The Professional Repair Process: What to Expect

A licensed plumber follows a systematic approach to ensure a safe, effective, and code-compliant repair ^{5 6}.

1. Diagnosis: The technician will ask about the symptoms, inspect the unit, and perform tests. For electric heaters, this may involve using a multimeter to check elements and thermostats. For gas heaters, they will inspect the pilot light, thermocouple, and gas valve operation ⁷.
2. Safety Precautions: Before any work begins, the technician will secure the unit. For electric models, this means shutting off power at the dedicated circuit breaker. For gas models, they will turn the gas control valve to "off" and extinguish the pilot light ^{8 9}.
3. Repair/Part Replacement: The faulty component is repaired or replaced with a new, compatible part. This could be a heating element, thermostat, gas valve, thermocouple, or pressure relief valve. In cases of severe sediment, a full tank flush may be performed.
4. Testing & Verification: After reassembly, the system is restored. For gas units, the pilot is re-lit and the burner operation is verified. For electric units, power is restored. The technician will run hot water to ensure proper temperature recovery and check for leaks ^{10 3}.
5. Cleanup and Disposal: The work area is cleaned, and any old parts are removed for proper disposal, often in accordance with local California regulations.

Water Heater Repair Costs in California

Repair costs in California are often higher than the national average due to elevated labor rates, particularly in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco ^{11 12}. The final price depends on the specific problem, the type of water heater, part costs, and the time required for the repair.

Most common repairs fall within the $150 to $600 range. However, complex issues involving multiple components or difficult access can push costs toward $1,000 or more^{5 11}.

Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Right Choice

Knowing when to repair and when to replace is crucial for long-term value and reliability. Consider replacement if:

• The Tank is Leaking: A leak from the tank itself is a definitive sign of failure. Tank corrosion cannot be effectively repaired.
• Age of the Unit: Conventional tank-style water heaters have a typical lifespan of 8-12 years. If your unit is within this range or older and requires a major repair, replacement is often more economical.
• Frequency of Repairs: If you are calling for repairs every year or two, you are investing in a failing system. The cumulative cost may surpass that of a new, reliable unit.
• Declining Efficiency: An aging heater works harder to heat water, increasing your energy bills. Modern units are significantly more energy-efficient.

The installed cost for a new conventional water heater in California typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,000, depending on the unit's capacity, fuel type, and complexity of the installation ^{5 13 14}. While this is a larger upfront investment than a repair, it comes with a new warranty, improved efficiency, and peace of mind for years to come.

Tankless Water Heater Repairs

Tankless (on-demand) water heaters are growing in popularity for their energy savings and endless hot water. However, they also require maintenance and can need repairs. Common issues include mineral scale buildup (especially in hard water areas), a faulty flow sensor, or problems with the heat exchanger or ignition system ¹⁵. Repairs on these advanced units are often more specialized and may require a technician with specific training and certification for your brand.

Choosing a Repair Service in California

Selecting the right professional is key. Always verify that the plumber or company is licensed, bonded, and insured to work in California. Look for established local businesses with positive reviews and clear communication. A reputable technician will provide a clear estimate before beginning work, explain the problem and proposed solution, and pull all necessary permits for the repair if required by local code.

Frequently asked questions

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