Best Water Heater Repair Companies in Kansas Ranked

When your water heater fails, it disrupts daily life and can signal a serious plumbing issue. Water heater repair in Kansas involves diagnosing and fixing problems with gas or electric units to restore hot water safely and efficiently. This guide explains common problems, typical repair processes, and cost considerations to help you understand your options and connect with qualified local professionals for service.

Simmons Plumbing, Water Heater Repair & Drain Cleaning

602 N Webb Rd Suite 102, Wichita, KS 67206

Simmons Plumbing, Water Heater Repair & Drain Cleaning provides plumbing services in Wichita, KS, specializing in sewer camera inspections, water heater repairs, and drain cleaning. They use industry-grade rooter machines to clear blockages efficiently and employ camera inspections to accurately identify plumbing issues without unnecessary disruption. The company serves various areas around Wichita, including College Hill and Maize, and offers 24/7 availability for urgent plumbing needs.

5.0

185 Reviews

On Time Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric

4065 N Woodlawn Blvd Suite 3, Bel Aire, KS 67220

On Time Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric is a full-service provider based in Wichita, KS, offering plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical services. Their plumbing expertise includes water heater repair, water softener installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, and gas line installation. The company has been serving the Wichita area and surrounding communities since 2004. They provide 24/7 emergency services to address urgent plumbing, HVAC, and electrical needs. With multiple locations, they serve customers in Wichita, Newton, Lenexa, Maize, Enid, Kansas City, Andover, and Olathe.

4.9

4.0k Reviews

Eck Services

2799 S Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67217

Eck Services is a plumbing, HVAC, and electrical company based in Wichita, KS, serving Sedgwick County and surrounding areas. They provide a wide range of services including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, gas line installation, and toilet and garbage disposal repairs. Eck Services has over 15 years of experience and offers 24/7 emergency plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services to ensure customers have access to support whenever needed.

4.9

3.0k Reviews

Bowers Plumbing Company

2020 E 1st St N, Wichita, KS 67214

Bowers Plumbing Company is a family-owned plumbing and HVAC service provider based in Wichita, KS. Serving the local community since 1955, they offer a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, leak detection, and toilet repairs. Their experienced technicians use advanced technology to diagnose and resolve plumbing issues efficiently, with capabilities such as sewer line camera inspections to identify root causes of problems. The company emphasizes a whole-home approach to prevent recurring issues and provides same-day appointments for many services.

4.9

2.8k Reviews

Reddi Root'r Plumbing, Sewer & Drain

wichita

Reddi Root'r Plumbing, Sewer & Drain is a plumbing company serving Wichita, KS, with over 60 years of experience. They provide a range of residential and commercial plumbing services including drain cleaning, sewer and water line repair, leak detection, water heater installation and repair, sump pump services, and trenchless pipe repair. Their trenchless technology allows for underground pipe repairs without damaging yards or driveways. Reddi Root'r offers scheduled and 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent needs at any time.

4.9

552 Reviews

See more providers in Kansas

Common Water Heater Problems in Kansas Homes

Residential water heater issues in Kansas generally fall into two categories: problems common to all units and failures specific to the fuel source. Understanding the symptoms can help you describe the issue accurately to a technician.

Universal Issues (Gas & Electric):

• No Hot Water: This could stem from a tripped circuit breaker (electric), a pilot light outage (gas), or a failed heating component.
• Insufficient Hot Water: Often caused by a faulty thermostat, a undersized unit for household demand, or a broken heating element in an electric heater.
• Discolored or Rusty Water: Typically indicates internal tank corrosion, which can be a sign the tank is failing and may need replacement. ¹
• Rumbling or Popping Noises: Caused by sediment (mineral buildup) hardening at the bottom of the tank. This reduces efficiency and can lead to overheating. ²
• Leaks: Water pooling around the base can originate from a loose drain valve, a faulty temperature & pressure (T&P) relief valve, or, most seriously, a crack in the tank itself. ³

Gas vs. Electric Water Heater Repairs

The repair approach differs significantly based on whether your unit uses natural gas/propane or electricity.

Gas Water Heater Common Failures

Gas units involve combustion, which introduces specific components that can malfunction. ¹

• Pilot Light Problems: The pilot light may not stay lit due to a faulty thermocouple (a safety device), a clogged pilot orifice, or a draft.
• Faulty Gas Control Valve: This valve regulates gas flow to the burner. If it fails, the burner won't ignite, or gas may not shut off properly.
• Burner Assembly Issues: The burner can become clogged with dirt or soot, leading to inefficient combustion, strange odors, or yellow flames instead of blue.
• Ventilation Blockages: Proper venting is critical to expel exhaust gases like carbon monoxide. A blocked flue is a serious safety hazard. ⁴

Electric Water Heater Common Failures

Electric heaters have simpler combustion-free operation but rely on electrical components. ¹

• Failed Heating Elements: Most electric units have two heating elements (upper and lower). One or both can burn out, leading to no or limited hot water.
• Tripped Circuit Breaker: A faulty element or wiring issue can cause the dedicated breaker to trip repeatedly.
• Faulty Thermostats: Electric heaters have one or two thermostats that control the elements. A malfunctioning thermostat won't signal the elements to heat.

The Professional Repair Process

For safety and efficacy, water heater repairs in Kansas should be handled by a licensed professional. ³ Here's what a standard service call entails:

1. Safety First: The technician will first shut off the power at the breaker (for electric) or the gas supply valve and the cold water supply to the unit.
2. Diagnosis: They will inspect and test specific components to identify the exact cause. For electric units, this may involve using a multimeter to check elements for continuity. For gas units, they'll inspect the pilot assembly, thermocouple, and gas valve. ^{3 5}
3. Repair/Replacement: The faulty part is repaired or replaced. A simple fix like relighting a pilot or resetting a high-temperature cutoff is quick. More involved repairs, such as replacing a gas control valve or a heating element, require more time and specific parts. ^{6 7}
4. Testing & Restoration: After the repair, the technician will restore power/gas and water, fire up the unit, and ensure it is heating properly and that there are no leaks.
5. Maintenance Recommendation: Often, the technician will recommend or perform a full tank flush to remove sediment, a key preventative maintenance step for both gas and electric units that improves efficiency and longevity. ^{8 9}

Understanding Repair Costs in Kansas

Repair costs can vary based on the specific issue, unit accessibility, and local labor rates. The following are typical cost ranges (parts and labor included): ^{6 10}

Key Consideration: A common rule of thumb is that if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the price of a new water heater, or if the unit is over 10-12 years old, replacement is usually the more cost-effective and reliable long-term solution. ^{3 11}

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Water Heater

Making the right choice between repair and replacement depends on several factors:

• Age of Unit: Most traditional tank water heaters have a lifespan of 8-12 years. If yours is in this range and needs a major repair, replacement is often advisable.
• Cost of Repair: As noted, a major repair costing several hundred dollars on an older unit may not be a wise investment.
• Condition of the Tank: If the tank itself is leaking due to internal corrosion, it cannot be repaired and must be replaced. ⁸
• Energy Efficiency: Newer models are significantly more energy-efficient. Upgrading can reduce your monthly utility bills, potentially offsetting the replacement cost over time.
• Recurring Problems: If you're frequently calling for repairs, a new unit will provide peace of mind and reliability.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance can extend the life of your water heater and prevent sudden failures.

• Annual Flushing: Draining a few gallons from the tank to remove sediment is the single most important maintenance task. This prevents noise, improves efficiency, and protects the tank from overheating. ²
• Test the T&P Valve: Lift the lever on the temperature and pressure relief valve annually to ensure it operates freely and discharges water. This is a critical safety device.
• Check the Anode Rod: The sacrificial anode rod protects the tank from corrosion. It should be inspected every 2-3 years and replaced if heavily corroded. ³
• Set Temperature: Keep the thermostat set to 120°F for optimal efficiency and safety to prevent scalding.

Frequently asked questions

Sources