TrueLine Plumbing

Water heater repair in Los Angeles

No hot water, not enough hot water, leaks or strange noises. We repair gas, electric and tankless water heaters, and we’ll tell you honestly when a repair isn’t worth it.

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What needs fixing?

Many problems are simple fixes

A water heater that stops working isn’t always finished. Pilot assemblies, thermocouples, gas valves, heating elements and thermostats can all fail on their own and be replaced for much less than a new heater.

When the tank itself is leaking or rusting through, though, no repair will last. In that case we’ll walk you through replacement options and give you a written price.

Wrench on the water connections of a water heater

Common water heater problems

No hot waterOften the pilot, thermocouple, gas valve or an element.
Not enough hot waterSediment, a failed element or a broken dip tube.
Rumbling or poppingHard-water sediment overheating on the tank bottom.
Rusty or smelly waterA worn-out anode rod or a corroding tank.
Water around the baseA leaking valve, fitting or the tank itself.
A dripping relief valveHigh pressure or temperature, or a worn valve.

Repair or replace?

We’ll tell you honestly which makes sense, with the price in writing before we start.

Usually worth repairing

  • Pilot, burner or thermostat problems
  • A bad heating element
  • A leaking valve or fitting
  • A heater under 8 years old

Usually time to replace

  • Water leaking from the tank itself
  • Rust inside the tank
  • A heater 10 to 12 years old or older
  • Repairs that cost close to a new heater

What we repair

  • Pilot assemblies, thermocouples and burners on gas heaters.
  • Heating elements and thermostats on electric heaters.
  • Gas valves, relief valves and drain valves.
  • Anode rods, plus flushing sediment out of the tank.
  • Tankless error codes, scale buildup and ignition problems.

What affects the price

You get a written price before any work starts. These are the things that move it.

The partA thermocouple or element costs far less than a gas valve.
Gas or electricDifferent heaters, different parts.
Age of the heaterOlder heaters sometimes need more than one part.

Make your water heater last

  • Flush the tank once a year to clear out sediment.
  • Have the anode rod checked every few years.
  • Keep the temperature around 120°F.
  • Make sure it’s strapped and the area around it is clear.

Water heater repair questions

Why is my water heater not making hot water?

On a gas heater, it’s often the pilot assembly, thermocouple or gas valve. On an electric heater, usually a heating element or thermostat. All of these can be replaced.

Is it worth repairing an old water heater?

If it’s under 8 years old and the tank isn’t leaking, a repair usually makes sense. If it’s 10 to 12 years old or the tank leaks, replacement is the better value.

Why does my water heater make popping noises?

Sediment from hard water settles on the bottom of the tank and traps water that boils underneath it. Flushing can help, but heavy buildup shortens the heater’s life.

Why is my relief valve dripping?

The temperature and pressure relief valve opens when pressure or heat gets too high. A drip can mean high water pressure, a missing expansion tank or a worn valve. Never plug it. Call us to check it.

Need help with water heater repair?

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