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No hot water? Water heater repair

Fast water heater repair and honest repair-or-replace advice for homes across South Orange County. Tank or tankless, we get your hot water back.

Smell gas? Water pooling around the heater? If you smell gas, leave the house and call 911 or your gas utility from outside. If water is spilling, shut off the cold water supply to the heater if you can reach it safely, then call us.
Start here

What is your water heater doing?

Water on the floor around the tankA leaking tank body usually means the tank has failed. Call now and shut off the water supply.
No hot water at allCould be a failed element, a thermostat, or an ignition problem. Often repairable the same day.
Lukewarm or runs out fastSediment or a failing element or dip tube. Frequently a repair, not a replacement.
Popping or rumblingMineral scale or sediment in the bottom of the tank. A flush may help on a younger heater.
Rusty or discolored hot waterMay point to corrosion inside the tank. Worth an inspection soon.
Pilot light keeps going outCan be a thermocouple or gas valve issue. We test and repair, with safety first.
Repair or replace?

We tell you what we would do in your house

A repair is the right call when the tank is sound and the part is cheap. A replacement is the right call when you would be fixing an old tank that is about to fail anyway.

  • Repair when the heater is younger and the problem is a part like an element, thermostat, or valve
  • Replace when the tank itself is leaking
  • Think replace when the heater is well into its second decade or needs repeat repairs
  • Consider tankless when you want to free up space and can support the gas and venting
Drain Town Rooter plumber and a customer giving a thumbs up beside a newly installed wall-mounted tankless water heater
A tankless install, finished and approved by the customer.
Tank or tankless

The honest comparison

TankTankless
Upfront costLowerHigher
Hot water supplyLimited to the tank, then recovery timeContinuous while it is running
SpaceFloor space in the garage or closetMounts on the wall, often outside
Install needsUsually a direct swapGas line size and venting must be right
Best forBudget-first swaps and tight timelinesLarger households and space-saving

General guidance. Your home's gas line, venting and layout decide what is practical, and we check before we quote.

Doing it the California way

Permit, strapping, and a clean finish

California requires water heaters to be braced against earthquakes, and most replacements need a permit. We include both in our installs so the work is legal, safe, and passes inspection. If an old heater was installed without strapping, we fix that while we are there.

Our crew works under California Contractor License #1076015, and you can verify it on the CSLB website. Replacing a heater should not wait on a budget, so ask about financing.

Customers say

What customers say

★★★★★they came right away and Austin fix the problem they did an amazing jobElenita, Google review
★★★★★They are very professional, get the job done right and have exceptional customer service!Eric, Google review
★★★★★Great service experience..Timely call back. Arranged same-day emergency work.Jerry, Google review

Review text is quoted exactly as written on Google. Ratings and review counts change daily. 4.9 on Google, 1,700+ reviews. These reviews are not specific to this service.

Questions

Water heater FAQ

How long does a tank water heater last?

Many tank water heaters last roughly 8 to 12 years, depending on the unit and how the water in your home treats it. If yours is in that range and starting to leak, rumble, or run out of hot water, replacement usually makes more sense than another repair.

Does a water heater replacement need a permit in California?

In most cities it does, and California code requires the heater to be braced against earthquakes. We handle the strapping and the permit paperwork as part of the install, so you do not have to chase either one.

Is tankless worth it?

It depends on your household. Tankless heaters do not keep a tank of water hot all day and can free up garage or closet space, but they cost more up front and need the right gas and venting setup. We walk through both options and tell you which fits your home.

My heater makes popping or rumbling sounds. Is that serious?

It often points to mineral scale or sediment built up in the bottom of the tank. A flush can help on a younger heater. On an older one it can be a sign the tank is wearing out. We will tell you which it is.

What should I do if I smell gas near the heater?

Leave the house, do not touch switches or flames, and call 911 or your gas utility from outside. Once the gas company says it is safe, call us and we will inspect and repair the heater.

Do you charge more for after-hours water heater emergencies?

No. There is no night or weekend surcharge. A heater flooding the garage at midnight is an emergency, and we price it like any other time.

Get help

Cold shower? Call.

(949) 352-4417

Open 24/7, including nights and weekends, with no after-hours surcharge. Not an emergency? Send the form and we will call you back.

  • 23342 Madero Rd, Suite F, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
  • California Contractor License #1076015

Request service

Tell us what is going on. We will call you back. Emergency? Call (949) 352-4417 instead.

Demo form only. On the live site this sends the lead to Drain Town Rooter by text and email and shows up on the lead dashboard.
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