Water Heater Repair, Replacement & Installation Houston, TX

Cold showers in the morning, lukewarm water that never gets hot enough, strange rumbling noises from the garage, and puddles forming around your water heater. These are the signs your water heater is failing, and they never happen at a convenient time. When your water heater stops working in Houston, you need fast, reliable service from plumbers who actually know what they’re doing.

John Moore Services has been repairing, replacing, and installing water heaters throughout Houston since 1984. We work on every type of water heater, including traditional tank models, tankless systems, heat pump water heaters, and solar water heaters. Our licensed plumbers diagnose problems accurately, explain your options clearly, and complete installations that meet all current building codes. Whether you need a simple repair or complete water heater replacement, we handle it right the first time.

Water Heater Services for Houston Homes and Businesses

Houston’s hard water and hot climate create unique challenges for water heaters. Mineral deposits from our water supply accumulate inside tanks and on heating elements, reducing efficiency and shortening equipment life. Our humid coastal environment accelerates corrosion on tank exteriors and connections. These local conditions mean Houston water heaters often fail sooner than the manufacturer’s estimated lifespan, especially without proper maintenance.

We provide comprehensive water heater services throughout Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Montgomery County. Our service trucks carry common repair parts, diagnostic equipment, and the experience to handle any water heater problem. We repair leaking tanks when possible, replace failed heating elements and thermostats, fix gas control valves, clear sediment buildup, repair expansion tanks, and address any issue that’s preventing your water heater from producing hot water reliably.

Water Heater Repair Houston

• Most water heater problems have specific symptoms that indicate what’s failing. No hot water at all usually means a failed heating element in electric models or a pilot light or gas valve issue in gas water heaters. Water that’s not hot enough often indicates a faulty thermostat, sediment buildup reducing capacity, or undersized equipment for your household needs. Strange noises like rumbling, popping, or banging sounds typically result from sediment accumulation on the tank bottom or scaling on heating elements.
• Water leaks from your water heater require immediate attention. Small leaks from the temperature and pressure relief valve could potentially signal high pressure or a malfunctioning valve, both of which are easily replaceable. Leaks from pipe connections can often be tightened or repaired with new fittings. However, water leaking from the tank itself means the tank has corroded through and needs complete replacement. No repair can fix a leaking tank, and the leak will only get worse.
• Rusty or discolored water from your hot water taps suggests the anode rod inside your tank has deteriorated completely, allowing the tank to corrode. Replacing the anode rod can extend tank life if caught early. If corrosion has progressed too far, replacement becomes necessary. Foul-smelling hot water, often described as a rotten egg odor, results from bacteria growth inside the tank. This issue can usually be resolved by flushing the tank and treating it with hydrogen peroxide, though severely affected tanks may need the anode rod replaced with an aluminum-zinc alloy rod.
• When you call us for water heater repair in Houston, our technician arrives with diagnostic equipment and common replacement parts. We test heating elements, check thermostats, inspect the tank for leaks, measure temperature and pressure, and identify exactly what’s causing your hot water problems. We provide upfront pricing for repairs before starting work. If your water heater is beyond economical repair, we explain why and provide replacement options with clear pricing for each choice.

Water Heater Replacement Houston

• Water heaters don’t last forever, especially in Houston’s challenging water conditions. Most traditional tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years with proper maintenance. Once your water heater reaches this age range, repair costs often approach or exceed the cost of replacement. When a water heater fails catastrophically, like a ruptured tank, replacement is your only option.
• Several factors help determine whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your situation. Age is the primary consideration. If your water heater is over 10 years old and needs a major repair like a new gas control valve or multiple heating elements, replacement usually provides better long-term value. The cost of repair matters too. If repair costs exceed half the price of a new water heater, replacement makes more financial sense. Efficiency is another consideration. Modern water heaters are significantly more efficient than models from 10 or 15 years ago, so replacement can reduce your energy bills substantially.
• Our water heater replacement service includes removing your old water heater, proper disposal following local regulations, installing the new unit with all required safety features, connecting water lines and gas or electrical service, installing a new expansion tank if required by current code, testing for proper operation and temperature, and thorough cleanup when we finish. We handle all aspects of water heater replacement, so you don’t need to coordinate multiple contractors or make multiple calls.
• We install water heaters from leading manufacturers, including Rheem, Bradford White, AO Smith, Rinnai, Navien, and others. We help you select the right size and type of water heater based on your household size, hot water usage patterns, available space, fuel type, and budget. Our recommendations are honest and based on what actually works best for Houston homes, not what generates the highest profit margin.

Tankless Water Heater Installation Houston

• Tankless water heaters heat water on demand as it flows through the unit rather than storing hot water in a tank. This provides several advantages for Houston homeowners, including endless hot water since the unit heats water continuously as long as you need it, energy savings of 20 to 30 percent compared to tank water heaters because you’re not constantly heating stored water, longer equipment life with tankless units typically lasting 20 years compared to 10 to 12 for tank models, and space savings since tankless units mount on walls and don’t require floor space.
• Tankless water heaters work well in many Houston homes but aren’t the right choice for every situation. They require higher upfront investment than traditional tank water heaters, typically costing $3,000 to $5,000 installed compared to $1,200 to $2,500 for quality models of tank water heaters. They need an adequate gas supply, often requiring larger gas lines than existing tank water heaters use. They require proper venting, typically through exterior walls or the roof. They deliver hot water at a specific flow rate measured in gallons per minute, so you need properly sized equipment for simultaneous hot water uses in your home.
• Our tankless water heater installations include calculations to find the right size for your home, checking and upgrading the gas line if necessary, installing proper venting according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and local rules, connecting water lines with shut-off valves for future maintenance, setting up the required expansion tank and pressure relief valve, making electrical connections for the unit’s controls, and thorough testing to make sure everything works well and delivers the right temperature.
• We install both whole-home tankless water heaters that serve your entire house and point-of-use tankless units for specific locations like a master bathroom addition or detached garage. Point-of-use tankless heaters are ideal for locations far from your main water heater where you’re currently wasting water waiting for hot water to arrive. We help you determine whether a single whole-home unit or a combination of units makes the most sense for your property.

Gas Water Heater Installation and Repair

• Gas water heaters are the most common type in Houston homes because natural gas is readily available throughout the metro area and costs less than electricity for water heating. Gas water heaters heat water faster than electric models, recover hot water more quickly after heavy usage, and continue operating during power outages if they have standing pilot lights.
• Installing or replacing a gas water heater requires proper gas line connections, an adequate combustion air supply, correct venting to safely exhaust combustion gases outside your home, temperature and pressure relief valve installation, gas leak testing, and pilot light or electronic ignition setup. Every installation of a gas water heater we perform meets current building codes and manufacturer specifications. We pull required permits and coordinate inspections when necessary.
• Repairs for gas water heaters we commonly perform include relighting pilot lights that have gone out, replacing faulty thermocouples that shut off gas flow, replacing gas control valves that fail to regulate temperature properly, repairing or replacing burner assemblies, addressing venting problems that cause backdrafting, and fixing gas leaks at connections. Any time we work on gas water heaters, we perform combustion analysis and leak testing to ensure safe operation.

Electric Water Heater Installation and Repair

• Electric water heaters are common in Houston homes without natural gas service and in locations where gas venting isn’t practical. Electric water heaters are simpler than gas models with fewer components to fail, require no venting or combustion air, and have no risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide. However, they cost more to operate than gas water heaters in most areas, including Houston, heat water more slowly, and stop working during power outages.
• Electric water heater installation requires proper electrical connections at the correct voltage, typically 240 volts for residential tank water heaters; adequate circuit protection with appropriately sized breakers; proper wire sizing to carry the electrical load safely; temperature and pressure relief valve installation; and expansion tank installation if required by local code. Our electricians and plumbers work together on electric water heater installations to ensure both the plumbing and electrical aspects meet code requirements.
• Common electric water heater repairs include replacing failed heating elements, replacing faulty thermostats, resetting tripped high-temperature limit switches, repairing electrical connections that have loosened or corroded, and addressing circuit breaker issues. Electric water heater problems often relate to electrical component failures rather than mechanical issues, which generally makes repairs less expensive than those for gas water heaters.

Heat Pump Water Heaters Houston

• Heat pump water heaters use electricity but work differently than traditional electric resistance water heaters. Instead of directly heating water with electrical elements, they use a heat pump to extract heat from surrounding air and transfer it to the water. This makes them two to three times more efficient than standard electric water heaters, significantly reducing energy costs.
• Heat pump water heaters work well in Houston’s climate because they extract heat from ambient air, and our warm temperatures provide plenty of heat energy year-round. They work best in locations with excess heat, like garages or mechanical rooms. As a bonus benefit, they dehumidify and cool the surrounding space, which can be advantageous in Houston’s humid climate. However, they require adequate space around the unit for airflow, typically need 8 to 10 feet of ceiling height, make some operational noise from the compressor and fan, and have higher upfront costs than standard electric water heaters.
• We install water heaters that use heat pumps for Houston homeowners looking to reduce energy costs without switching to tankless systems. The energy savings typically pay back the additional upfront cost within 3 to 5 years. Thereafter, you continue saving $200 to $400 annually on water heating costs compared to standard electric water heaters. Many utility companies offer rebates for heat pump water heater installation, and we help you identify and apply for available incentives.

Water Heater Maintenance Houston

• Regular maintenance extends water heater life and prevents many common failures. Most manufacturers recommend annual maintenance, though Houston’s hard water conditions mean twice-annual service provides better protection for your investment. Our water heater maintenance includes draining and flushing the tank to remove sediment accumulation, testing the temperature and pressure relief valve, inspecting the anode rod and replacing it if deteriorated, checking gas burner operation and combustion on gas models, testing heating elements and thermostats on electric models, inspecting all connections for leaks, checking venting systems on gas water heaters, testing temperature output, and adjusting as needed.
• Sediment flushing is particularly important in Houston because our hard water deposits minerals continuously inside water heater tanks. This sediment layer insulates the tank bottom from the burner or heating element, forcing your water heater to work harder and use more energy. Severe sediment buildup causes the rumbling and popping noises many homeowners notice. Regular flushing prevents this accumulation and maintains efficiency.
• The anode rod inside your water heater sacrifices itself to prevent tank corrosion. It attracts corrosive elements in the water, corroding instead of the tank. Once the anode rod deteriorates completely, the tank begins corroding and will eventually leak. Checking and replacing the anode rod during regular maintenance can double your water heater’s lifespan. Most homeowners never think about anode rods, which is why so many water heaters fail prematurely.

Commercial Water Heater Services Houston

• Commercial properties have different hot water demands than residential homes. Restaurants need high-volume hot water for dishwashing and cleaning. Hotels require reliable hot water 24/7 for guest rooms. Medical facilities need precise temperature control. Office buildings need enough capacity for restrooms throughout multiple floors. We provide commercial water heater installation, repair, and maintenance for Houston businesses across all industries.
• Commercial water heater systems range from large tank water heaters to multiple tankless units to boiler systems with storage tanks. We size commercial systems based on peak demand calculations, recovery requirements, and usage patterns specific to your business. We understand that water heater failures cost commercial properties money through lost business, customer complaints, and operational disruptions. Our commercial service prioritizes rapid response and efficient repairs to minimize downtime.
• We offer maintenance contracts for commercial water heaters that include scheduled service visits, priority emergency response, discounted repair labor rates, and detailed reporting for facility management records. Preventive maintenance is even more critical for commercial water heaters than residential units because commercial systems work harder and failure impacts more people. Regular maintenance prevents emergency breakdowns and extends equipment life significantly.

Service Areas for Water Heater Services in Houston

John Moore Services provides water heater repair, replacement, and installation throughout the Houston metropolitan area. We serve Houston neighborhoods including the Heights, Montrose, River Oaks, Memorial, Bellaire, West University, the Galleria area, the Medical Center, Midtown, downtown Houston, and surrounding communities across Harris County.

Our service trucks for water heater repairs regularly work in Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands, Pearland, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, Missouri City, League City, Humble, Pasadena, Friendswood, Cinco Ranch, Energy Corridor, Clear Lake, Kingwood, Atascocita, and throughout Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, and Galveston County. If you’re within the greater Houston metro area, we can service your water heater regardless of type or brand.

Why Houston Homeowners Trust Our Water Heater Services

We’ve installed and repaired thousands of water heaters throughout Houston since 1984. Our plumbers understand local building codes, permitting requirements, and the specific challenges Houston’s water quality and climate create for water heating equipment. Each technician servicing your water heater holds a license, undergoes training in the latest water heater technology, and has extensive experience with all major brands and types.

We provide honest recommendations based on your actual needs rather than pushing the most expensive options. We will inform you if cost-effective repair is possible for your water heater. If replacement makes more sense, we explain why and present multiple options at different price points. We never use scare tactics or pressure sales techniques. Our goal is helping you make informed decisions about your water heating system.

Our water heater installations include proper permitting when required, work that meets or exceeds current building codes, manufacturer warranty registration, thorough testing before we leave, and workmanship warranties that protect your investment. We stand behind our work. If something doesn’t perform correctly after installation, we return and make it right at no additional charge.

Water Heater Financing Options

Water heater replacement represents a significant expense, especially if you’re upgrading to a tankless system or high-efficiency model. We offer financing through approved credit partners with competitive rates and flexible terms. Most water heater installations qualify for financing, and approval is typically quick. Our office can explain financing options and help you find terms that fit your budget.

Energy-efficient water heaters often qualify for utility rebates, manufacturer rebates, or tax credits. We stay current on available incentive programs and help you identify applicable rebates for your installation. These incentives can reduce your out-of-pocket costs substantially, making high-efficiency equipment more affordable.

How much does it cost to replace a water heater in Houston?

Replacement costs for water heaters vary based on the type and size of unit you choose. Traditional 40- to 50-gallon tank water heaters typically cost $1,200 to $2,500 installed, including removal of your old unit. Premium tank models with longer warranties run $2,000 to $3,000 installed. Depending on their size and the need for gas line upgrades, tankless water heaters can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 to install. Heat pump water heaters run $2,500 to $4,000 installed. These prices include professional installation, proper venting or gas line work, code-compliant setup, and warranty coverage. We provide exact pricing before starting work so you know the complete cost upfront.

How long do water heaters last in Houston?

Traditional tank water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years in Houston, with some premium models reaching 15 years with excellent maintenance. Houston’s hard water tends to shorten water heater life compared to areas with softer water because mineral deposits accelerate tank corrosion and component wear. Tankless water heaters last longer, typically 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Heat pump water heaters generally last 10 to 15 years. Regular maintenance, including annual flushing and anode rod replacement, can extend your water heater’s lifespan by several years regardless of type.

What size water heater do I need for my Houston home?

Water heater sizing depends on the number of people in your household and your hot water usage patterns. For tank water heaters, a general guideline is 30 to 40 gallons for 1 to 2 people, 40 to 50 gallons for 3 to 4 people, and 50 to 80 gallons for 5 or more people. However, if you have a large soaking tub, multiple teenagers taking long showers, or other high-demand uses, you may need a larger capacity. For tankless water heaters, sizing is based on flow rate measured in gallons per minute. We calculate peak demand by adding up simultaneous uses like showers, dishwashers, and washing machines. Our technicians perform proper sizing calculations during estimates to ensure you get adequate hot water capacity.

Should I repair or replace my water heater?

This decision depends on several factors, including age, repair cost, and efficiency. If your water heater is under 7 years old and the repair costs less than $400, replacement usually makes sense. If your water heater is over 10 years old or the repair costs more than half the replacement cost, the replacement typically provides better value. If your tank is leaking, replacement is your only option because leaking tanks cannot be repaired. Other considerations include energy efficiency since new models can significantly reduce utility bills and reliability since older water heaters are more likely to fail again soon even after repairs. We provide honest assessments and explain both repair and replacement options with clear cost comparisons.

Do you install tankless water heaters in Houston homes?

Yes, we install tankless water heaters throughout the Houston metro area and have extensive experience with all major brands, including Rinnai, Navien, Noritz, and Rheem. Tankless installation requires proper sizing based on your hot water demands, an adequate gas supply, which sometimes requires larger gas lines, proper venting to the exterior, and electrical connections for the control systems. We handle all aspects of tankless installation, including any necessary gas line upgrades, venting work, and permit coordination. We help you determine whether tankless makes sense for your home based on your usage patterns, available space, and budget.

What causes water heater leaks?

Water heater leaks have several possible causes with different implications. Leaks from the temperature and pressure relief valve often indicate excessive pressure in the system or a faulty valve that needs replacement. These are straightforward repairs. Leaks from inlet or outlet connections usually result from loose fittings or worn washers and can be repaired by tightening connections or replacing components. However, leaks from the tank itself indicate the tank has corroded through and cannot be repaired. Tank leaks require complete water heater replacement. If you notice water around your water heater, call us immediately for inspection because even small leaks can cause significant water damage to your home.

Why is my water heater making noise?

Water heater noises have specific causes. Rumbling or popping sounds typically indicate sediment buildup on the tank bottom. As water heats beneath the sediment layer, it causes popping sounds as steam bubbles escape through the sediment. This phenomenon indicates your tank needs flushing. Screeching or whistling sounds often come from partially closed valves or scale buildup restricting water flow. Banging sounds might indicate a water hammer in your plumbing system rather than a water heater problem. Sizzling sounds near a gas water heater can indicate water dripping onto the burner or condensation, which needs immediate attention. If your water heater is making unusual noises, we can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate solutions.

Can you service my water heater on the same day?

For water heater repairs and replacements, we typically can schedule service within 24 to 48 hours depending on current demand. During winter months when water heater failures increase, scheduling may take slightly longer. For complete water heater failures with no hot water, we prioritize these service calls and often can respond the same day or the next day. We schedule according to your preferred timeline for water heater installations when you’re planning ahead rather than reacting to failure. When you call, we provide honest timeframes and update you if anything changes.

Do you offer water heater maintenance?

Yes, we provide comprehensive water heater maintenance throughout Houston. Our maintenance service includes draining and flushing the tank to remove sediment, inspecting and testing the temperature and pressure relief valve, checking the anode rod and replacing it if needed, testing heating elements and thermostats on electric models, inspecting burner operation and combustion on gas models, checking all connections for leaks, testing temperature output, and making any necessary adjustments. We recommend annual maintenance for most water heaters, though twice-annual service provides better protection in Houston’s hard water conditions. Regular maintenance extends equipment life, maintains efficiency, and prevents many common water heater failures.

What is an anode rod, and why does it matter?

The anode rod is a metal rod inside your water heater tank, typically made of magnesium or aluminum. It serves as a sacrificial component that attracts corrosive elements in your water, corroding instead of the tank. As long as the anode rod has material remaining, your tank is protected from corrosion. Once the anode rod deteriorates completely, the tank begins corroding and will eventually develop leaks. Most water heaters have anode rods that last 3 to 5 years in Houston’s water conditions. Checking and replacing the anode rod during maintenance can double your water heater’s lifespan. Most failed water heaters could have lasted much longer if the anode rod had been inspected and replaced periodically.

Are tankless water heaters more efficient than tank water heaters?

Yes, tankless water heaters are significantly more efficient than traditional tank water heaters. Tank water heaters constantly maintain a large volume of hot water at a temperature, which means they’re using energy 24/7 even when you’re not using hot water. This is called standby heat loss. Tankless water heaters only heat water when you open a hot water tap, eliminating standby losses. This process typically results in 20 to 30 percent energy savings compared to tank water heaters. Over a 20-year lifespan, these savings can offset the higher upfront cost of tankless systems. However, tankless water heaters require higher initial investment and sometimes need gas line upgrades, so the decision involves balancing upfront costs against long-term savings.

Do you work on water heaters in older Houston homes?

Older Houston homes are one of our specialties. We regularly service, repair, and replace water heaters in properties built from the 1920s through the 1970s throughout historic Houston neighborhoods. Older homes often have outdated water heater installations that don’t meet current codes, inadequate gas line sizing for modern water heaters, venting systems that need updating, and space constraints that require creative installation solutions. Our experience with older Houston properties means we can navigate these challenges and provide water heater solutions that work within your home’s limitations while meeting current safety codes.

What’s the difference between gas and electric water heaters?

Gas water heaters burn natural gas or propane to heat water, while electric water heaters use electrical resistance elements. Gas water heaters heat water faster, cost less to operate in most areas including Houston, recover hot water more quickly after heavy usage, and work during power outages if they have standing pilot lights. However, they require gas line connections, proper venting to exhaust combustion gases, adequate combustion air, and regular burner maintenance. Electric water heaters are simpler with fewer components, require no venting, have no combustion safety concerns, and are easier to install in some locations. However, they cost more to operate, heat water more slowly, and stop working during power outages. For most Houston homes with natural gas service, gas water heaters provide better operating economics.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover water heater replacement?

Standard homeowner’s insurance typically doesn’t cover water heater replacement due to normal wear and age-related failure. However, if your water heater fails catastrophically and causes water damage to your home, insurance often covers the resulting damage, though not necessarily the water heater itself. If a covered peril like a lightning strike or falling tree damages your water heater, insurance may cover replacement. Review your specific policy or contact your insurance agent to understand your coverage. We provide detailed invoices and documentation you can submit to insurance companies when you have applicable coverage.

Do you provide emergency service for water heaters?

Yes, we provide emergency water heater service throughout the Houston metro area. Complete water heater failures that leave you without hot water or water heater leaks that are causing water damage require immediate attention. Call us at 713-853-9881 when you experience water heater emergencies. We’ll assess your situation and dispatch a technician as quickly as possible. Our service vehicles carry common water heater repair parts, and our plumbers can diagnose problems and often complete repairs the same day. For water heaters that need replacement, we can sometimes install new units within 24 hours depending on equipment availability.

John Moore Services
10005 West Sam Houston Pkwy N
Houston, Texas 77064
Phone: (713) 853-9881
Website: https://www.johnmooreservices.com/

Professional water heater repair, replacement, and installation throughout Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands, Pearland, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, Missouri City, League City, Humble, Pasadena, Friendswood, and all surrounding Houston metro areas since 1984.