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Herman's Plumbing & Drains
719-204-4120 Schedule Service
Done Right Since 1950 ✦

Water Heaters

Repair and replacement for dependable hot water.

Professional Water Heaters

Water heater diagnostics, repairs and replacement recommendations for conventional tank-style systems.

Water Heaters Options & Related Services

Choose a topic for a more detailed explanation of warning signs, service options, the work process, and common questions.

Water Heater Repair

Diagnosis and repair of controls, burners, elements, thermostats, valves, leaks, and recovery problems.

Warning Signs to Watch For

  • Water around the tank, drain pan, piping connections, or relief-valve discharge.
  • Hot water that runs out faster than it used to or takes unusually long to recover.
  • Rust-colored water, metallic odors, popping, rumbling, or kettling sounds.
  • A pilot, burner, ignition, venting, electrical, or control problem that keeps returning.
  • Visible corrosion, scorching, damaged venting, unsupported piping, or missing safety components.

How the Service Process Works

1

Diagnose the whole system

We check the heater, controls, fuel or power source, water connections, venting, temperature and pressure relief components, expansion control, visible corrosion, and the symptoms reported by the customer.

2

Separate repair from replacement

We explain what failed, whether the tank or heat exchanger is still serviceable, what safety corrections are needed, and whether repair is likely to provide a reasonable service life.

3

Size and plan the work

For replacement, we review available space, household demand, recovery rate, fuel type, venting, electrical capacity, drain access, code-required upgrades, and practical equipment options.

4

Install, test, and explain

The system is installed or repaired, filled and purged, checked for leaks, started, temperature-tested, and reviewed with the customer before the work is closed out.

Practical Advice for Common Scenarios

1

Active leak

Shut off the heater’s cold-water supply when it can be done safely. If water is spreading, shut off the main water supply. Turn off gas or electrical power only if you know the correct disconnect and can reach it safely.

2

No hot water

Check whether the problem affects every fixture. Do not repeatedly reset a tripping breaker, failed ignition system, or high-limit control; repeated trips can indicate an unresolved fault.

3

Scalding or unstable temperature

Stop using the affected fixture if the temperature is unsafe. A failed control, mixing valve, cross-connection, or incorrect setting should be evaluated.

4

Older but still working

Plan replacement before a known high-risk tank reaches the point of leakage. Proactive work allows time to compare equipment, correct venting or piping, and avoid an emergency decision.

Water Heaters FAQs

Should a leaking water heater be repaired?

A leak from a replaceable valve or connection may be repairable. A tank that is leaking through the body or base is generally a replacement condition because the pressure vessel itself has failed.

Why does my water heater make popping or rumbling sounds?

Mineral accumulation, trapped steam, scale on heating surfaces, or sediment movement can create noise. The cause and severity should be evaluated before deciding whether maintenance or replacement is appropriate.

How do I know what size water heater I need?

Sizing depends on household demand, simultaneous fixture use, recovery rate, fuel or electrical capacity, available space, and whether a tank or tankless design is being considered.

Can a water heater replacement require other upgrades?

Yes. Venting, combustion air, electrical disconnects, gas piping, expansion control, drain pans, relief piping, supports, and shutoff arrangements may need correction when the new unit is installed.