Best Water Heater Repair Companies in Pennsylvania Ranked

A malfunctioning water heater disrupts daily life, from morning showers to evening dishwashing. When your unit fails, understanding the common problems, repair processes, and costs can help you make an informed decision. This guide provides a clear overview of water heater repair in Pennsylvania, helping you identify issues and connect with qualified local professionals to restore your hot water safely and efficiently.

John Luke Plumbing & Heating

114 W Eagle Rd, Havertown, PA 19083

John Luke Plumbing & Heating serves Philadelphia, PA, and nearby areas with over twenty years of experience in plumbing and heating services. They provide installation, maintenance, and repair for water heaters, drains, garbage disposals, and heating systems. Their capabilities include comprehensive drain cleaning and emergency repairs. The company offers 24/7 emergency service to address urgent plumbing and heating needs.

5.0

364 Reviews

Burlington Drain Cleaning By Davis Plumbing

4491 US-130 Suite 1, Burlington, NJ 08016

Burlington Drain Cleaning By Davis Plumbing is a veteran-owned plumbing company serving Philadelphia, PA, and surrounding counties in New Jersey including Bucks, Montgomery, Burlington, and Camden. They specialize in water heater repair, drain cleaning, and hydro jetting services, offering customized solutions for residential plumbing needs. The company emphasizes a clean work environment and respects customer property. They provide 24-hour emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues promptly. With many years of experience, they focus on accurate, first-time repairs and tailored service to meet each customer's unique situation.

5.0

278 Reviews

Hertler Plumbing & HVAC

437 Pennsylvania Ave, Fort Washington, PA 19034

Hertler Plumbing & HVAC provides water heater repair and installation services in Philadelphia, PA. They offer comprehensive plumbing and HVAC solutions, including emergency repairs and system replacements. The company is known for carrying parts for major brands to complete most repairs in a single visit. Hertler Plumbing & HVAC also provides 24/7 emergency service to address urgent heating and cooling issues promptly. Their team serves Philadelphia and surrounding communities, ensuring homes stay comfortable year-round.

5.0

244 Reviews

Gold Star Plumbing, LLC

philadelphia

Gold Star Plumbing, LLC is a family-owned plumbing company serving Philadelphia, PA, and the surrounding Bucks and Montgomery Counties. They provide a wide range of residential plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, sump pump repair, and bathroom remodeling. The team is experienced in handling mid-century plumbing upgrades and modern fixture installations with attention to local codes and seasonal needs. With over 300 families served near York Road, Jacksonville Road, and Pennypack Creek, Gold Star Plumbing emphasizes transparent pricing, clean workmanship, and respectful scheduling to minimize disruption during projects.

5.0

231 Reviews

Tankless Industries LLC | Tankless Hot Water Heaters

314 S Henderson Rd suite 337, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Tankless Industries LLC | Tankless Hot Water Heaters is a plumbing company serving Philadelphia, PA, specializing in tankless water heater installation, repair, and maintenance. They offer services that include flushing and inspecting tankless units to maintain efficiency and safety. The company works with top brands known for reliable tankless water heating technology. They also provide information on state and federal incentives for upgrading to energy-efficient tankless systems.

5.0

220 Reviews

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Common Water Heater Problems in Pennsylvania

Water heater issues generally fall into two categories: those specific to the fuel type (gas or electric) and those common to all tank-style units. Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward an effective repair.

Gas Water Heater Issues

Gas units are common in Pennsylvania and have specific components that can fail.

• Pilot Light or Ignition Problems: A pilot light that frequently goes out or an electronic ignition that fails is a leading cause of no hot water in gas heaters. This can be due to a faulty thermocouple, a draft, or debris in the pilot assembly.¹
• Faulty Gas Control Valve: This valve regulates the flow of gas to the burner. If it malfunctions, it can cause inconsistent heating, no heat at all, or even safety concerns, requiring professional replacement.^{1 2}
• Burner Issues: A clogged or dirty burner will not ignite properly or will burn inefficiently, leading to poor heating performance and higher energy bills.³
• Ventilation Problems: Proper venting is critical for safety, removing combustion gases like carbon monoxide. Blocked or improperly sized flues can create hazardous conditions and cause the unit to shut down.⁴

Electric Water Heater Issues

Electric models rely on different internal components, which have their own failure points.

• Failed Heating Elements: Each electric water heater has one or two heating elements. When one burns out, you may experience no hot water or only a limited supply of lukewarm water.^{1 5}
• Thermostat Failure: Electric units have upper and lower thermostats that control the temperature. A faulty thermostat can lead to water that is too hot, too cold, or not heated at all.³
• Tripped Circuit Breaker: A short circuit or overload in the water heater's electrical system can cause the dedicated circuit breaker to trip, cutting power to the unit.⁵
• Tripped High-Limit Switch: This is a safety device that cuts power if the water temperature gets dangerously high. It can sometimes trip and require a manual reset.⁶

Problems Common to All Tank Heaters

Regardless of fuel type, traditional tank water heaters share several potential issues.

• Sediment Buildup: Minerals in Pennsylvania's water settle at the bottom of the tank, creating a layer of sediment. This causes rumbling or popping noises, reduces heating efficiency, and can lead to overheating and damage to the tank bottom.^{3 4}
• Tank Leaks: Corrosion or a crack in the inner glass lining can cause the steel tank to leak. A leaking tank typically cannot be repaired and requires full replacement.³
• Faulty Pressure Relief Valve (TPRV): This critical safety valve releases water if temperature or pressure inside the tank gets too high. If it leaks constantly or fails to operate, it must be replaced immediately.⁷

The Professional Repair Process: What to Expect

Hiring a licensed professional for water heater service in Pennsylvania is strongly recommended for safety, proper diagnosis, and code compliance.⁸ Here is a typical step-by-step process a technician will follow.

1. Diagnosis and Inspection: The plumber will first discuss the symptoms with you (e.g., no hot water, strange noises, leaks). They will then inspect the unit, which may involve checking the pilot light, testing thermostats and heating elements with a multimeter, listening for sounds, and looking for signs of leakage or corrosion.^{7 9}
2. Safety Shut-Off: Before any work begins, the technician will ensure the unit is safe to service. For electric heaters, this means shutting off power at the dedicated circuit breaker. For gas heaters, the gas supply valve is turned to the "off" position.^{10 11}
3. Access and Component Repair/Replacement: The faulty component is accessed. For many repairs, such as replacing a heating element or thermostat, the tank must be partially or fully drained. The old part is removed and a new, manufacturer-specified part is installed.^{7 6}
4. Restart and Testing: After the repair, the tank is refilled, and power or gas is restored. The technician will carefully check for leaks at all new connections, verify that the unit is heating properly, and ensure safety devices like the TPRV are functioning. They will often explain what was fixed and provide maintenance tips.⁹

Water Heater Repair Costs in Pennsylvania

Repair costs depend on the specific part needed, the labor involved, and the age of the unit. Prices can also vary by region within the state. The following ranges reflect common repair scenarios for Pennsylvania homeowners.^{12 13}

• Thermostat Replacement: Replacing a faulty thermostat on an electric water heater typically costs between $150 and $300, including parts and labor.
• Heating Element Replacement: Swapping out a burnt-out heating element in an electric unit is more involved, generally ranging from $200 to $400.
• Gas Control Valve Replacement: This is a significant repair for a gas heater, with costs usually between $250 and $500 due to the part's expense and the precision required for safe installation.
• Pilot Light/Ignition Repair: Fixing issues with the pilot assembly, thermocouple, or electronic ignition system typically falls in the range of $100 to $300.
• Tank Flushing (Maintenance): Having a professional flush your tank to remove sediment is a preventative service that usually costs $125 to $225.

For context, the average total cost for a typical water heater repair in Pennsylvania is around $374¹⁴. It's important to compare this to the average cost of a full replacement, which is approximately $1,411¹⁴. A professional can advise if a repair is cost-effective or if replacement is a wiser long-term investment, especially for older units.

Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Right Choice

Knowing when to fix your current unit and when to invest in a new one is crucial. Consider these factors:

• Age of the Unit: The typical lifespan of a tank water heater is 8-12 years. If your unit is within this range or older and requires a major repair, replacement is often more economical.
• Cost of Repair: A common rule of thumb is to consider replacement if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the price of a new unit. A $500 repair on a 10-year-old heater likely justifies a new installation.
• Frequency of Repairs: If you are calling for service on the same unit multiple times within a couple of years, it may be becoming unreliable. Cumulative repair costs can quickly approach the price of a new, more efficient model.
• Signs of Tank Failure: Rust-colored water, moisture or pooling around the base of the tank, or a leak from the tank itself are strong indicators that the internal tank is corroded. Tank leaks are not repairable and necessitate immediate replacement.³

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 once a year helps remove sediment buildup, which is a primary cause of noise, inefficiency, and failure.⁷
• Test the Pressure Relief Valve: Lift the valve's test lever briefly each year to ensure it opens and closes properly and allows water to discharge. This verifies a critical safety feature is operational.
• Check the Anode Rod: The anode rod sacrifices itself to protect the tank from corrosion. Having a professional inspect it every 3-5 years and replace it if heavily corroded can significantly prolong your tank's life.
• Adjust the Temperature Setting: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a setting of 120°F. This provides sufficient hot water for most households while reducing energy costs and the risk of scalding.

Frequently asked questions

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