Water heater leaking at the base
Call nowWhat it usually means
The tank itself may be leaking. A leaking tank can't be patched.
Water heater troubleshooting
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair or Replacement
A failing water heater usually gives you a warning first: noise, rusty water or less hot water than before. Water at the base of the tank is the one sign that can't wait.
No hot water
Call nowWhat it usually means
The pilot, burner, element or gas control valve has failed.
Water heater not heating water fully
SoonWhat it usually means
A failed element, a bad thermostat or a tank packed with sediment.
Popping or rumbling sounds
SoonWhat it usually means
Sediment has built up on the bottom of the tank.
Rusty or brown hot water
SoonWhat it usually means
The inside of the tank or the anode rod is corroding.
Relief valve dripping
SoonWhat it usually means
Pressure or temperature is too high, or the valve is worn.
Gas smell near the water heater: leave the house now. PG&E advises leaving the area and calling 911 from a safe distance.
What to Do Right Now If Your Water Heater Is Leaking
Close the cold water valve on the pipe going into the top of the tank.
Shut off the energy. On a gas unit, turn the gas control knob to off. On an electric unit, switch off its breaker.
Keep clear of the relief valve pipe. Water from it can be scalding.
Move boxes and belongings away from the tank and the water.
Call (559) 418-4780. Tell us the tank size if you can see it on the label.
Decision guide
Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?
Repair it when a part has failed. Replace it when the tank itself is leaking or corroded, because the tank is the one part that can't be fixed.
Local plumbing factor
How Clovis Hard Water Wears Out Water Heaters
Hard water is a common local reason Clovis water heaters lose efficiency and wear out early. The City of Clovis 2023 water quality report lists average hardness of 116.4 ppm, with a range of 7.3 to 280 ppm. About 53% of the city's water that year came from groundwater wells.
Gas tanks: sediment on the bottom
Minerals settle into a layer under the water. The burner has to heat through it, which causes popping sounds and overheats the tank floor.
Electric tanks: scale on the elements
Scale coats the heating elements, so they work harder and burn out sooner.
Tankless units: scale in the heat exchanger
Scale narrows the small passages inside a tankless heater. Tankless water heater flushing removes it. Check your manual for how often the maker recommends it.
California Water Heater Strapping Rules
Every water heater in a California home has to be strapped. Health and Safety Code section 19211 covers all new, replacement and existing residential water heaters. It requires them to be braced, anchored or strapped against falling or shifting in an earthquake.
The California Plumbing Code (section 507.2) says the straps go within the upper one-third and lower one-third of the tank. When a home is sold, the seller must certify to the buyer that the water heater meets this rule.
This is general information, not legal advice. For permit questions, contact the City of Clovis building department.
Tank or tankless?
Tankless Water Heater Installation in Clovis, CA
A tankless unit heats water only when you use it, so it doesn't run out. A tank stores hot water and costs less to install. The right choice depends on your home's gas line, space and hot water use.
Adding a tankless unit often means upsizing the gas line. See gas line installation in Clovis.
Water heater services
Water Heater Services We Handle in Clovis
Our water heater services in Clovis, CA cover every common type, from hot water heater repair to full replacement. Our water heater plumbers cover these jobs:
Where Our Water Heater Work Stops
We handle the water heater and the plumbing, gas and vent connections to it. We don't handle the damage a leaking tank leaves behind.
We handle
✓The tank or tankless unit
✓Water lines, valves and expansion tanks
✓Gas line changes for a new unit
✓Earthquake strapping and relief valve piping
We don't handle
✕Water damage cleanup and drying
✕Drywall, flooring or cabinet repair
✕Furnace and HVAC work
✕Electrical panel upgrades
If a leak has soaked the garage or a closet, we stop the leak and replace the heater. A restoration company handles the drying.
How a Water Heater Replacement Works
Call (559) 418-4780. Tell us the symptoms, plus the tank size and fuel type from the label if you can.
Check the unit. The plumber confirms whether it can be repaired or needs replacing.
Choose the replacement. Tank or tankless, gas or electric, and the right size for your home.
Install to code. New unit, earthquake straps, relief valve line and gas or electrical connections.
Test it. The unit is filled, fired up and checked for leaks and hot water at the taps.
Arrival time depends on where you are in Clovis, traffic and the jobs already underway. You'll get a realistic time when you call.
What to Expect From a Water Heater Company in Clovis
A good water heater company in Clovis, CA explains why the unit failed before selling you a new one. Look for these:
✓A clear answer on repair versus replacement, and why
✓Earthquake straps included on any new or replacement tank
✓A check of the gas line and vent when a tankless unit goes in
✓A written scope that lists the unit, the parts and what is included
✓Hot water tested at the taps before the plumber leaves
How the Cost of a Water Heater Is Set
There is no fixed price for water heater replacement or repair. Cost is set after the job is assessed. It depends on:
✓Tank or tankless, and gas or electric
✓The size of the unit
✓Changes to the gas line, venting or electrical supply
✓Code updates such as straps, an expansion tank or a relief valve line
✓Where the unit sits: garage, closet or attic
Documentation for Your Insurance Company
If a leaking water heater damaged your home, we can provide photos, the cause we found and a record of the work. You can submit these documents to your insurance company to request compensation. Whether a loss is covered is between you and your insurer. We don't make coverage decisions or promise any outcome.
Water Heater Service Near You in Clovis
We replace and repair water heaters across Clovis and Tarpey Village. Pick your area for local water and sewer details.
Also serving: Harlan Ranch · Elev8ions · Buchanan Estates · European Park · Dry Creek ·all Clovis service areas →
