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Water heater replacement
When a tank leaks or keeps failing: choosing the size and fuel, the Raleigh permit, haul-away and what a good install includes.
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Raleigh, North Carolina
Water Heater Repair in Raleigh, NC
No hot water, a pilot that won't stay lit, a tripped breaker or water pooling around the tank? Find out what is likely wrong, what is safe to check yourself, and get connected with an independent local plumber.
Free referral and information service. How it works
- Free to use
- Gas, electric and tankless
- Independent local plumbers
Raleigh & Wake CountyWater heater repair, replacement and tankless help
No hot water at allBreaker, pilot, igniter, element or thermostat.Water around the heaterTank, relief valve, drain valve or fittings.It is old or keeps failingReplacement, sizing and permits.Tankless unit problemsError codes, cold bursts, scale.
Pick the problem that matches yours, or read repair or replace: how to decide.
Quick answer
What does water heater repair involve?
Quick answer
Most water heater repairs replace one failed part: a heating element or thermostat on an electric heater, or a thermocouple, flame sensor, igniter or gas control valve on a gas heater. Relief valves, drain valves and fittings can also be replaced. If water is leaking from the tank itself, the tank has failed and the heater needs to be replaced, not repaired.
A plumber starts by checking the power or gas supply, then tests the parts that heat the water and the safety controls. On a tankless unit, the error code on the display usually points to where to look.
Common problems
Signs your water heater needs attention
What you notice usually points to a short list of causes.
Not enough hot water
Runs out fast or only lukewarm. Often a failed lower element (electric), sediment buildup, a broken dip tube or a tank that is too small for the household.
Pilot won't stay lit
On older gas tanks this often points to the thermocouple or the gas control valve. Newer units use an igniter and flame sensor.
Popping or rumbling
Sediment on the bottom of the tank heats unevenly. Flushing can help on a younger tank. On an old one it can be a sign of wear.
Rusty or smelly hot water
Rust-colored hot water can mean tank corrosion. A rotten-egg smell is often linked to the anode rod reacting with the water.
Breaker keeps tripping
An electric heater that trips its breaker may have a shorted element or a wiring fault. Leave it off and have it checked.
Relief valve dripping
The temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve can open if pressure or temperature is too high. Don't plug or cap it.
Safety first
Before anyone arrives
- Smell gas? Leave the house, don't flip switches, and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
- Turn off the energy. Electric: switch off the water heater breaker. Gas: turn the gas control knob to OFF and close the gas shut-off on the supply line.
- Leaking? Close the cold-water inlet valve on the pipe above the heater so the tank stops refilling.
- Mind the heat. Water in the tank and the relief valve line can be scalding. Don't open the drain or relief valve unless you know how.
- Take photos of the label (brand, model, serial, size), any error code and any water. It speeds up the plumber's diagnosis.
Gas smell means get out. Don't try to relight a pilot if you smell gas. Call the gas company or 911 from outside.
Types of water heaters
Gas, electric or tankless: what usually breaks
The type of heater you have decides which parts fail and what a plumber checks first.
Tank
Gas tank heater
Burner under the tank, flue up through the middle. Needs proper venting and combustion air.
Common repairs: Thermocouple or flame sensor, igniter, gas control valve, venting, T&P valve.
Tank
Electric tank heater
Usually two heating elements, each with its own thermostat, on a dedicated 240-volt circuit.
Common repairs: Elements, thermostats, high-limit reset, wiring, T&P valve.
On demand
Tankless heater
Heats water as it flows. DOE puts output at about 2 to 5 gallons per minute, depending on the unit.
Common repairs: Descaling, inlet filter, sensors, igniter or flame rod, venting, error codes.
Not sure which one you have? Look at the label on the side of the tank or unit. It lists the fuel, the capacity and the model number.
How it works
How the referral works
We are a free referral and information service, not a plumbing company.
You reach out
Tell us what is going on: no hot water, a leak, a pilot that won't stay lit, or a heater you want replaced.
We connect you
You are put in touch with an independent local plumber that handles water heater work in your part of Raleigh.
You decide
The plumber looks at the heater, explains the repair or replacement and the price, and you choose whether to hire them. You only pay the plumber you hire.
The service is free to use. You only pay the plumber you choose to hire, and pricing is set by them. Availability depends on your ZIP code and the time you reach out.
Repair or replace
When a repair makes sense, and when it doesn't
- Usually worth repairing: a failed element, thermostat, thermocouple, igniter, gas valve or relief valve on a heater that is otherwise in good shape.
- Usually time to replace: water leaking from the tank body, heavy rust, or a tank near or past the 10 to 15 years DOE gives for storage heaters that keeps needing repairs.
- Worth a second look: not enough hot water for the household. It may be a part, or the tank may simply be too small.
Hiring tips
What to ask any plumber
Whoever comes out, check these four things before work starts.
A state plumbing license
Plumbing contractors in North Carolina are licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. Ask for the license number and look it up.
The price in writing
Get the diagnosis and the price for the repair, or for the full replacement including haul-away, before work starts.
The permit
For a replacement, ask whether the plumber pulls the City of Raleigh permit and arranges the inspection.
Insurance and warranty
Ask for proof of insurance, and ask what warranty the plumber or the manufacturer offers on parts and labor.
Service area
Areas served in Raleigh
This site covers water heater repair and replacement help for homes across Raleigh, North Carolina, including:
- Downtown Raleigh
- North Hills
- Midtown
- Five Points
- Oakwood
- Brier Creek
- Crabtree Valley
- North Raleigh
- Northeast Raleigh
- Southeast Raleigh
- West Raleigh
- Glenwood-Brooklyn
Plumber availability depends on your ZIP code and the time you reach out.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Why do I suddenly have no hot water?
On an electric heater, the usual causes are a tripped breaker, a tripped high-limit reset button or a failed heating element or thermostat. On a gas heater, it's often a pilot that went out, a bad thermocouple or flame sensor, an igniter fault or a gas supply problem. Our no hot water checklist walks through the safe things to check first.
Is a leaking water heater an emergency?
It can be. A drip from a valve or fitting can often wait for a plumber, but water coming from the tank itself usually means the tank has failed and can get worse quickly. Turn off the power or gas, close the cold-water valve above the heater and keep the area dry. See leaking water heater help.
How long does a water heater last?
The U.S. Department of Energy puts a storage (tank) water heater at about 10 to 15 years and a tankless unit at about 20 years. Age alone doesn't mean you must replace it, but an older tank that leaks from the tank body is a replacement, not a repair.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
Parts like elements, thermostats, thermocouples, igniters, gas valves and relief valves can usually be replaced. A leaking tank can't be repaired. Age, the cost of the repair and how often it has failed all matter. Read repair or replace: how to decide.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Raleigh?
The City of Raleigh lists water heater replacement as residential work that needs a permit (but not plans). A plumber usually handles the permit. If you're a homeowner acting as your own contractor, the city asks for an Owner Exemption Affidavit.
What does water heater repair cost in Raleigh?
It depends on the part, the type of heater (gas, electric or tankless), access and when the visit happens. Ask the plumber for the price in writing before work starts. Our cost guide explains what drives the price.
Are you a plumber?
No. Water Heater Repair Raleigh is a free referral and information service. We connect homeowners with independent local plumbers. We don't do the work and don't guarantee any contractor's work.
Guides
Water heater guides
No hot water or a leaking tank?
Turn off the power or gas to the heater and close the cold-water valve above it if water is leaking. Then get help from an independent local plumber.