No hot water and common tank heater problems
Running out of hot water is the most common complaint, and the cause depends on the fuel. A gas tank might have a pilot or igniter problem, a failed thermocouple or a dirty burner. An electric tank often has a failed heating element or thermostat, or a tripped high limit switch. Sediment on the bottom of the tank can also reduce capacity and cause popping or rumbling as it heats.
Hot water that is lukewarm, runs out quickly or swings in temperature can point to a broken dip tube, a failing element or a mixing valve problem elsewhere in the house. A technician tests the heater and the plumbing around it before deciding what needs replacing.
- No hot water at all, or hot water that runs out within moments
- Rumbling, popping or banging from the tank
- Rusty or discolored hot water
- Water pooling around the base of the tank
- A pilot light that keeps going out on a gas heater
Gas and electric tank heater repairs
Gas heaters involve combustion, venting and a gas supply, so they deserve respect. If you smell gas, leave the building and call the gas utility or 911 from outside. Do not relight a pilot unless you are following the manufacturer's instructions exactly, and call a professional if there is any doubt.
Electric heaters are simpler in principle but still involve live power. Turning off the breaker is the first rule, and anything involving a panel or wiring is a job for a technician. Typical repairs include replacing elements, thermostats, the temperature and pressure relief valve and drain valves, and flushing sediment from the tank.
- Confirm whether the heater is gas or electric and read the label for its age and capacity.
- Check power or gas supply and look for water around the tank.
- Test the controls, burner or elements to find the failed part.
- Weigh the repair against the age and condition of the tank.
- Repair or replace, then confirm the water reaches a safe, steady temperature.
When replacing the tank makes more sense
A leaking tank cannot be patched. Once water is escaping from the tank body rather than a fitting, the inner shell has failed and the heater should be replaced. Rust at the base, repeated element failures and a unit well past the age most tanks last are also signs that replacement is the better investment than another repair.
Replacement is a chance to match the tank to the household. A family that has grown may need a larger capacity, and one that has shrunk may be fine with less. Gas and electric are not always interchangeable, since switching fuel changes the venting, gas line and electrical work involved. If you are curious about other kinds of water heaters, Rocket handles those on their own pages, linked below.
What happens during a tank replacement
A straightforward swap follows a predictable order. The water and fuel are shut off, the old tank is drained and disconnected, and the new one is set, connected and checked before it is brought up to temperature. Hot and cold connections, the relief valve and its discharge pipe, and the gas or electric supply are all inspected as part of the job.
Whether a permit is needed depends on your city, so confirm with your local building department. Where one is required, the work is inspected after installation.
- Removal and disposal of the old tank
- New flexible connectors or piping where the old ones are worn
- Venting and combustion air checked on gas units
- A relief valve discharge line routed safely
- Expansion control and strapping where local rules call for them
What affects the cost of a replacement
No two replacements are the same, so a responsible quote depends on the details of your home. The factors below shape the scope of work, and a technician can walk through them with you at the house.
- Tank capacity and efficiency rating
- Fuel type and whether the gas line, power circuit or venting needs updating
- Location, including attic, closet, garage or basement access
- Code related items such as expansion tanks, seismic strapping and relief valve piping, which vary by local rules
- Removal and disposal of the old unit
- Water quality, since hard water shortens heater life and may justify a softener
Other water heater options
If you are weighing a different style of water heater, Rocket covers tankless water heaters and heat pump water heaters on separate pages so each can be explained properly. This page stays focused on traditional storage tanks, the repairs they need and the replacements that keep them running.
Why call Rocket for tank water heaters
Rocket is locally owned by a father and his sons in West Jordan. When the hot water stops, you can call or text, and emergency hours are listed as 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a tank water heater usually last?
Many tank heaters last roughly a decade, though water quality and usage change that. Check the label for the manufacture date and talk to a technician if yours is old.
Why is my water heater making popping noises?
Sediment on the tank bottom traps water that boils and pops. Flushing can help in some cases, but a heavily scaled tank may be near the end of its life.
Is a leaking water heater an emergency?
Yes, if water is escaping steadily. Shut off the water supply to the heater, turn off power or gas, and call. Do not touch electrical parts near standing water.
Does hard water hurt my water heater?
Hard water is common in the Salt Lake Valley and leaves scale on elements and the tank bottom. Check your water utility's quality report for your area.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?
Many cities require one for a replacement, but rules differ. Confirm with your local building department before the work starts.
