Best Water Heater Repair Companies in Colorado Ranked

A malfunctioning water heater can disrupt your daily routine and signal a potential plumbing emergency. Understanding your options for repair is essential for restoring hot water quickly, safely, and cost-effectively. This guide provides Colorado homeowners with practical information on common water heater problems, repair processes, and costs to help you make informed decisions and connect with qualified local professionals.

High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric

15710 W Colfax Ave, Golden, CO 80401

High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric is a full-service plumbing company serving Denver, CO. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, and gas line installation. The company uses advanced video technology for sewer camera inspections and offers trenchless sewer repair to minimize excavation. They also specialize in hydro jetting to clear blocked drains efficiently. High 5 Plumbing is licensed for gas plumbing and installs energy-efficient tankless water heaters. The company has received recognition such as the Angi Super Service Award and a BBB Torch Award for Ethics. They provide 24/7 emergency response for urgent plumbing needs.

5.0

1.7k Reviews

Big Apple Plumbing LLC - Broomfield, CO

1022 Depot Hill Rd Unit 10, Broomfield, CO 80020

Big Apple Plumbing LLC - Broomfield, CO provides a wide range of plumbing services in Denver, CO, including drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair (tank and tankless), leak detection, gas line installation, sump pump repair, and repiping. The company serves both residential and commercial clients, handling routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and new installations with licensed plumbers. They specialize in sewer line services and offer 24/7 emergency plumbing solutions to address urgent issues like burst pipes and leaks. Big Apple Plumbing is locally owned and operated, with a focus on safety and code compliance. Their team is experienced in gas line installations and water heater replacements, ensuring efficient and reliable service. The company is known for upfront pricing, timely arrivals, and clear communication, serving Broomfield and surrounding areas including Anthem, The Broadlands, and Interlocken/FlatIron Crossing.

5.0

490 Reviews

Walk on Water Plumbing LLC

9994 Silver Maple Way, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Walk on Water Plumbing LLC is a family-owned plumbing business based in Highlands Ranch, serving the South Metro Denver area including Denver, CO. They specialize in water heater repair, installation, and tankless water heater services. The company is led by a licensed master plumber with over 15 years of experience, supported by a team with more than 35 years in plumbing. Their services cover a range of residential plumbing needs with a focus on tankless water heaters, which provide instant hot water without waiting. Walk on Water Plumbing LLC is a licensed and insured contractor with a multi-generation legacy in the plumbing industry.

5.0

480 Reviews

bluefrog Plumbing and Drain of Denver

7310 S Alton Way STE 6I, Centennial, CO 80112

bluefrog Plumbing and Drain of Denver provides plumbing services including water heater repair, drain cleaning, and leak detection in Denver, CO. They use specialized leak detection equipment to accurately locate leaks and offer comprehensive evaluations for water heater safety, health, and performance. The company also handles plumbing emergencies with guidance from qualified call operators. Their approach includes thorough diagnostics to address underlying issues and prevent recurring problems.

5.0

466 Reviews

Enki Plumbing

colorado springs

Enki Plumbing is a family-owned and operated plumbing company serving Colorado Springs, CO. They provide a range of services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, and leak detection. The team consists of licensed and experienced plumbers who handle both residential and light commercial plumbing needs. Enki Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency services to assist customers whenever plumbing issues arise.

5.0

289 Reviews

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Common Water Heater Problems in Colorado

Water heaters are hardworking appliances, and several issues can lead to a lack of hot water or system failure. The most common problems often depend on whether your unit is gas or electric, but some issues are universal.

Universal Issues:

• Leaks: A leak is a serious concern. While connections or valves can sometimes be tightened, a leak from the tank itself usually indicates corrosion and typically requires a full unit replacement ¹.
• Sediment Buildup: Colorado's water can leave mineral deposits at the bottom of the tank. This sediment acts as an insulator, forcing the heater to work harder (increasing energy bills) and can lead to overheating, strange rumbling noises, and reduced efficiency ².
• Faulty Pressure Relief Valve (TPRV): This critical safety device releases excess pressure. If it's leaking or fails to operate, it must be replaced immediately to prevent a dangerous pressure buildup ².

Gas-Specific Failures: Gas water heaters have unique components that can fail. In Colorado's high altitude, combustion can be less efficient, which may affect performance ³.

• Pilot Light Issues: The pilot light can go out due to drafts, a faulty thermocouple, or a clogged orifice.
• Faulty Thermocouple: This safety sensor shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. When it fails, it can prevent the gas valve from opening.
• Malfunctioning Gas Control Valve: This valve regulates gas flow to the burner. If it fails, the burner won't ignite, or the water temperature cannot be controlled.

Electric-Specific Failures: Electric models have different internal components.

• Tripped Circuit Breaker: Overheating or an electrical fault can cause the breaker to trip, cutting power to the unit.
• Failed Heating Elements: Most electric heaters have two heating elements (upper and lower). One can burn out, reducing hot water capacity.
• Faulty Thermostats: These regulate the water temperature. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause no hot water, inconsistent temperatures, or water that is too hot.

The Professional Repair Process: What to Expect

When you hire a licensed plumber for water heater service in Colorado, they typically follow a structured process to ensure a safe and effective repair.

1. Diagnosis: The technician will ask about the symptoms (e.g., no hot water, strange noises, leaks) and perform a thorough inspection to pinpoint the exact cause ¹.
2. Safety Precautions: Before any work begins, the plumber will shut off the water supply to the unit and either turn off the gas supply or disconnect the electrical power at the circuit breaker ².
3. Repair or Part Replacement: The faulty component-such as a thermostat, heating element, or valve-is repaired or replaced with a new, compatible part ⁴.
4. System Check & Testing: The water and power/gas supplies are carefully restored. The technician will test the unit to ensure it heats water properly, operates safely, and that there are no leaks ⁵.
5. Maintenance Recommendation: Often, a technician will suggest or perform preventative maintenance, such as flushing the tank to remove sediment, which can extend the life of your unit and improve its efficiency ⁶.

Cost of Water Heater Repair in Colorado

Repair costs in Colorado vary based on the specific problem, the type of water heater (gas or electric), the cost of parts, and the plumber's labor rates. In the Denver area, plumber labor rates typically range from $45 to $200 per hour ¹. Below is a breakdown of common repair costs.

Overall, homeowners can expect to pay between $150 and $800 for most water heater repairs in Colorado ². Gas water heater repairs often trend toward the higher end of the scale due to the complexity of working with gas lines and venting, which requires specialized expertise ⁵.

Gas vs. Electric Water Heaters: Repair Considerations

Choosing between gas and electric models involves weighing upfront costs, operating expenses, and repair profiles-factors that are particularly relevant in Colorado's climate and altitude.

| Feature | Gas Water Heaters | Electric Water Heaters | | :--- | :--- | | Common Problems | Pilot light/thermocouple issues, faulty gas control valves. Altitude can affect combustion efficiency ³. | Tripped breakers, failed heating elements or thermostats. | | Repair Complexity & Cost | Generally more complex and costly. Repairs involve gas lines, venting, and strict safety checks, requiring a licensed gas fitter ⁵. | Typically simpler and less expensive. Repairs usually involve electrical components and access to the panel ⁷. | | Safety Concerns | Risk of gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. Proper ventilation and CO detectors are mandatory ⁶. | Generally safer, with primary risks related to electrical faults and water. | | Operational Cost in CO | Lower monthly energy bills in most areas, as natural gas is often cheaper than electricity for heating ^{3 8}. | Higher monthly energy bills, but installation may be simpler if no gas line is present ⁹. |

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Water Heater

Knowing when to fix an existing unit and when to invest in a new one can save you money and hassle. Consider replacement if:

• The repair cost is high: A common rule of thumb is to consider replacement if the repair estimate is more than 50% of the cost of a new unit ¹⁰.
• The unit is old: The typical lifespan of a standard tank water heater is 10-12 years. If your unit is within or beyond this range and requires a significant repair, replacement is often more economical in the long run ¹¹.
• The tank is leaking: If the leak is originating from the tank itself (not a pipe or valve), the tank is corroded and cannot be repaired-it must be replaced ¹.
• You have recurring problems: Frequent repairs are a sign of systemic failure and add up quickly.
• Your energy bills are rising: An aging, sediment-filled heater works inefficiently. A new, energy-efficient model can offer savings.

A new standard water heater installation in Colorado, including the unit and professional installation, typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,000, depending on the type, capacity, and complexity of the installation ¹².

Maintaining Your Water Heater

Proactive maintenance can prevent common problems, improve efficiency, and extend the life of your unit.

• Annual Tank Flushing: Draining a few gallons from the tank to remove sediment is one of the most effective maintenance tasks.
• Test the Pressure Relief Valve: Lift the valve's lever briefly to ensure water flows freely and stops when released. (Use caution, as water may be hot.)
• Check the Anode Rod: This "sacrificial" rod attracts corrosive elements to protect the tank. Have a professional inspect it every 3-5 years.
• Insulate Older Tanks: Adding an insulating blanket to an older tank (not a new, well-insulated model) can reduce heat loss.
• Set the Temperature: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a setting of 120°F for optimal efficiency and safety.

Frequently asked questions

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