Gas smell: leave first, then call
If you smell gas near a water heater, do not light anything, do not flip switches and do not use a phone indoors. Leave the house and call 911 and your gas utility from outside. A plumber should not be your first call in that situation.
For everything else, such as no hot water, a leaking tank or a strange noise, call us and we will help you decide what to turn off.
What your water heater is telling you
No hot water at all
On an electric heater, a tripped breaker or a failed element is common. On gas, a pilot or thermocouple problem is typical.
Water around the base
A leak from a fitting can be repaired. A leak from the tank itself usually means replacement.
Popping or rumbling
Sediment at the bottom of the tank traps water that boils and pops.
Lukewarm water
A failed element, a thermostat setting or a sediment layer can cut capacity.
Discolored water
Rust can mean the anode rod is spent and the tank lining is next.
Relief valve dripping
This can mean high pressure or high temperature. It is a safety item to address.
What we do on a repair visit
- 1
Safety check
We check for gas, venting and electrical problems first.
- 2
Find the fault
We test the heating system, thermostat, valves and connections.
- 3
Tell you plainly
We explain whether it is a repair or the tank has reached the end of its life.
- 4
Repair or plan replacement
If repair makes sense, we do it. If not, see water heater replacement.
No hot water tonight?
Call and tell us whether the heater is gas or electric and what you see. We will help you troubleshoot.
Repair it or replace it
A repair makes sense when the problem is a part. A tank that leaks is a different story.
Repair is a good bet
- A failed element, thermostat or igniter
- A leaking valve or fitting
- The tank is sound and not very old
- The repair costs a fraction of a new unit
Replace is a better bet
- Water leaking from the tank body
- Heavy rust or sediment damage
- Repeated repairs in a short time
- The unit is at or past its expected life
What affects the cost of a repair
Simple checks before you call
A few quick checks can save a service call or help us diagnose by phone. On an electric heater, check the breaker and the reset button on the thermostat. On a gas heater, check that the gas valve is on and that the pilot or igniter looks normal. Never open sealed gas parts.
Also check that the cold water valve on top of the tank is fully open. A partly closed valve can reduce hot water flow and cause odd symptoms.
What to tell us on the phone
- Gas or electric, and the brand on the label
- Whether you smell gas
- Where the water is leaking from, if it is
- Whether hot water is missing or just lukewarm
- Any noises, error lights or tripped breakers
- How old the heater is
Water heaters in Bothell homes
Bothell water is soft, which means less scale than hard-water areas, but sediment can still build up over years. Flushing a tank can extend its life.
The City Permit Center says replacing a water heater requires a permit, and repairs may too. Bothell Municipal Code lists exemptions for stopping or repairing leaks and replacing certain fixtures, but not for code violations. We tell you what applies to your job.
Repairs to venting, relief piping and gas connections follow the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as adopted in WAC 51-56.
Water heater repair questions
Yes. Our emergency line is open 24 hours a day, every day. Call (425) 845-0257. If you smell gas, leave the house and call 911 from outside first.
A gas heater with no hot water often has a pilot or thermocouple issue. An electric heater with no hot water often has a tripped breaker or a failed element. We confirm on arrival.
If you are comfortable and there is no gas smell, the manufacturer label gives the steps. If it will not stay lit, call us.
A leak from a fitting or valve can be repaired. A leak from the tank body cannot, and the tank should be replaced.
Annual flushing helps remove sediment. Check your manual for the right interval for your unit.
Tankless units have different faults. See tankless water heater service.