Houston Water Heater Repair and Replacement
At Cooper Plumbing, we specialize in the water heater installation and replacement, which not only aids homeowners in reducing their energy expenses but also spares them from the inconvenience of running out of hot water.
We are proud to offer a wide selection of top-tier brands, and our team of professional hot water heater installers are certified by major manufacturers.
Rest assured that your hot water needs will be met with efficiency and expertise.
Common Water Heater and Tankless Issues
–Leaking heater tank – Mineral deposits corrode the inside of a water heater tank, eventually causing cracks in the tank. The average lifespan of a heater is 8- 12 years.
–Pilot light won’t stay lit – the most common reason the pilot on your water heater won’t remain lit is the thermocouple. Other common reasons are faulty venting, high winds, low gas pressure, or heat exchangers.
–Pop sounds coming from the water heater – Popping, banging, and crackling noises are caused when Sediment and scale accumulate at the bottom of your tank. The popping noise is caused by Sediment’s steaming and bubbling up when it is pushed around the heater.
-Rotten egg smell from hot water heater – Rotten egg smell is the most common odor problem with water heaters. It is usually caused by sulfate bacteria that develop within a tank. When warm water is left sitting too long in a tank, bacteria build up in the water heater.
–Tankless heater error codes – When your tankless heater is not functioning properly, it is probably because there is a flashing error code. If you cannot identify the code, it is best to contact a licensed plumber to diagnose the tankless heater.
-Water stays lukewarm – Throughout time, sediment and scale can accumulate at the bottom of the tank leading to slower heating of the water heater and causing lukewarm warm water. It is recommended to flush the water heater once a year to remove sediment buildup.
Hot water heater repair and replacement is just one area that Cooper Plumbing specializes in. When it is time for your to replace your current hot water system, reach out to Cooper Plumbing, so we can recommend the correct type or equipment for your property. You may have a commercial property with a variety of hot water needs or you may just need to replace an old tank. Either way our team can recommend the correct repair or suggest ideas for new models that will meet your standards and needs. We can do work on any gas, electric or tankless water heater in Houston.
Tankless Water Heaters, Houston
This may be a new concept to you or it may be something you already use in your home or business. A tankless water heater can heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. The way it work goes like this: the hot water tap is turned on, and at first cold water travels through the pipes and into the unit. A gas burner or electric component will then heat the water.
Tankless models deliver a consistent supply of hot water and it only operates when hot water is being requested. No need for storage tanks to keep the hot water or to reheat it, therefore, homeowners and business owners prefer this system over the traditional hot water heater using a tank. The electronic component means there is no standing pilot light constantly using energy. Tankless systems are much more energy efficient and even more they can save owners on utility costs.
If you need tankless water heater repair, replacement or installation then do not hesitate to contact Cooper Plumbing today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the signs that your water heater needs a repair or replacement?
Some of the warning signs that your water heater needs repair or replacement are –
- Fluctuation in water temperature ( hot water takes a long time to heat up; lukewarm water)
- Reduced water pressure
- Leaking tank
- Unpleasant odor ( a rotten egg or sulfur smell)
- Cloudy water
- Odd noises coming from the heater ( loud banging or popping sound)
- Rusty water
- Drop-in water volume
- Signs of corrosion
2. What is the average cost of a water heater replacement?
- Average cost of water heater replacement is $1100-$3000. Price is dependent on what type of unit is being installed, location of unit and code upgrades if needed. ( All costs are based on averages and may vary. Your actual expenses could differ from the estimates provided.)
3. What brand water heater does Cooper Plumbing install?
Cooper Plumbing installs Bradford White water heaters. Why do we choose Bradford White?
- DURABILITY – Many models feature a protective Vitraglas lining inside tank to prevent corrosion.
- AMERICAN MADE – Bradford white is an American company founded in 1881 with its headquarters located in Philadelphia.
- ENERGY EFFICIENCY – Its Hydrojet Total Performance System reduces sediment buildup, allowing the water heater to work more efficiently and conserve energy.
- QUALITY – Bradford Whites are generally more expensive partly because they’re made in the United States.
4. What are the causes of water heater leakage?
Some of the common reasons your hot water heater is leaking are
- Old heater ( the average lifespan of a water heater is 8-12 years.)
- Drain valve not shutting off properly
- Too much water pressure
- Faulty temperature and pressure relief valve ( temperature and pressure relief valves should be replaced every 3-5 years)
- Loose inlet and outlet connections
- Sediment collection
- Broken or cracked storage tank
- Corroded anode rode
5. How long does it take to install a new water heater and what factors may influence the installation time?
On average, it takes anywhere between 2-5 hours to install a water heater in Houston. However, there are some factors that may influence the installation time.
- Size of heater
- Heater location ( if unit is in first , second or third story attic, utility room , garage or other location)
- Any required code upgrades
- Removal of the old tank.
6. What are the main reasons I have no hot water?
- If you have no hot water, it’s often due to a lack of gas supply in the home. It could also mean the pilot light has gone out or the gas control valve on your water heater is malfunctioning.
7. How long does a water heater take to fully heat up?
- A gas water heater usually takes 30-45 minutes to heat up and an electric heater takes 1-2 hours.
8. Why will my pilot light not stay lit?
- If the pilot light won’t stay lit, it may be due to an insufficient gas supply going to the gas control valve. This could point to a malfunctioning gas control valve or a faulty thermocouple. Another possible issue is not holding the gas valve down long enough while lighting the pilot. Typically, you need to keep it pressed for 1-2 minutes before turning it to the code approved temperature setting.
9. Why will my pilot light not light?
- If the pilot light won’t ignite, start by checking whether the gas supply is turned on. There may also be debris blocking the gas line, which can prevent the gas control valve from working correctly. Another possible cause is a faulty thermocouple.
10. Why does my water heater make rumbling, cracking , snapping or popping sounds?
- Rumbling, snapping, popping, or cracking sounds coming from your water heater usually signal a significant buildup of sediment inside the tank.
11. Why is there discolored water coming out of my faucets?
- If discolored ( brownish, yellowish) water is coming from your faucets, it may be a sign of corrosion, possibly caused by heavy sediment buildup in your water heater or corrosion within your water lines.
12. Why is my water heater too hot?
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If the water is too hot, it’s likely that the thermostat has been turned up too high. The thermostat on your water heater should be set between 120 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure it’s adjusted correctly. If the setting is fine, the issue might be with the copper heating elements causing the water to overheat.
13. Why is my water heater not hot enough?
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Lukewarm water can result from several issues, including sediment buildup, a leaking tank, clogged pipes, a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty heating element, a defective gas control valve or pilot light, or a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
14. How often should you flush your water heater?
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Most manufacturers recommend to flush your water heater at least once a year to remove sediment buildup.
15. When should you not flush a water heater?
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You shouldn’t flush a water heater on a tank that has not been flushed in over 4-5 years. The flush could break up sediment that is filling cracks in tank leading to a tank leak.
16. Why does my water have a rotten egg smell?
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One of the most common reasons for a rotten egg smell is a water heater that has been turned off or is set to a low temperature. The smell is caused by hydrogen sulfide, which forms due to the presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria. Low temperatures create ideal conditions for these bacteria to grow.
17. What is the average lifespan of a water heater?
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The average lifespan of a water heater is 8-12 years.
18. Why does it take so long to get hot water to my ( lavatory faucet, kitchen faucet ,tub, shower) ?
When hot water leaves the water heater tank, it must travel through the pipes to reach the fixtures( lavatory faucets, kitchen faucets ,tubs, showers.) In large homes, these “plumbing runs” can be long, causing a delay before the hot water arrives. A good solution to this problem is installing a recirculation pump.
19. What is the best temperature to set your water heater at?
- Heater manufacturers commonly recommend a setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent scalding and reduce energy consumption.
20. How often should you replace your temperature and pressure relief valve?
- Manufacturers recommend replacing Temperature and pressure relief valves (T&P valves) every 3-5 years. It is also recommended to test the T&P valve at least once year.
21. Why is my water heater drain valve leaking?
- There are three main types of water heater drain valves: plastic, brass, and full port ball valves.
1. Plastic drain valves are the most affordable but tend to have the most problems.
2. Brass drain valves are typically found on premium or ‘exclusive’ water heaters.
3. Full port ball valves are considered the most effective option, offering superior water flow control.
22. Why is it important to properly install water heater venting?
- Improper venting can lead to the release of carbon monoxide( a poisonous gas that can cause serious health risks) , cause the water heater to overheat, and may void the manufacturer’s warranty. To enhance safety and prevent the inner vent wall from contacting combustible materials, manufacturers often require the use of double-wall venting.
23. What are the most common code upgrades on water heaters in Houston?
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Common Code Upgrades for Water Heaters in Houston:
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Installation of a sediment trap
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Replacement of the temperature and pressure relief (T&P) line using proper materials, routed to the exterior in a code-approved location
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Installation of proper venting
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Installation of a code-approved stand
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Replacement of the heater pan
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Replacement of the pan drain line with proper materials, routed to the exterior in a code-approved location
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Replacement of spring-style gas valves with ball-type valves
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Installation of a code-approved gas flex line
Note:
Houston water heater codes are subject to change. The city’s construction code — including plumbing and mechanical standards — is updated regularly to reflect evolving safety regulations, efficiency guidelines, and building practices. -
24. What is the best way to keep sediment from building up in a water heater?
- In addition to the recommended annual water heater flush, there are other effective ways to prevent sediment and scale buildup. While a water softener removes minerals like calcium and magnesium before the water enters the system, it’s not the only option. A water conditioner can be installed on the cold water inlet of the heater to minimize scale without removing all the minerals. It works by creating a swirling flow that alters the structure of the minerals, generating a voltage between 4.2 and 6 volts. This process changes how minerals and salts behave, preventing them from forming hard crystalline deposits.
25. How many years is a water heater usually covered under warranty?
- Most water heaters come with a standard 6-year warranty, but registration with the manufacturer is usually required for the coverage to be valid. Many brands also offer extended warranty options that can extend coverage to 10 or even 12 years. Given that the average lifespan of a water heater is between 8 and 12 years, investing in an extended warranty may be a worthwhile consideration.
26. How do I know if my water heater is still under warranty?
- Water heaters typically have a sticker or label displaying the serial number, usually found near the top, center, or bottom of the unit. This label may also include the model number and manufacturing date. To check the warranty status, visit the manufacturer’s website and enter the serial number, which should provide the warranty details. If you’re still unsure, call the manufacturer’s customer service line, but be sure to have both the model and serial number ready when you call.