Water Heater Repair in Longview, TX No Hot Water, Leaking Tanks, Gas, Electric and Tankless
Cold showers or water around the hot water heater? Start with the safe checks below, then call and ask for a price range for repair and for replacement.
What is wrong with my hot water heater?
| What you notice | Gas heater: likely cause | Electric heater: likely cause |
|---|---|---|
| No hot water at all | Pilot light out, gas valve off, thermocouple | Tripped breaker, failed element or thermostat |
| Hot water runs out fast | Sediment in the tank, thermostat set low | One of two elements failed, sediment |
| Rumbling or popping | Sediment cooking on the tank bottom | Sediment around the lower element |
| Water around the base | Tank leak, drain valve or relief valve | Same |
| Rusty or smelly hot water | Worn anode rod, corroding tank | Same |
| Relief valve dripping | Pressure or temperature too high | Same |
Safe checks before you call
- Electric: check the breaker. If it tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and call.
- Gas: check the pilot window. Relight only by following the label on the tank. If you smell gas, don’t relight: leave the house and call 911 and the gas company.
- Leak: turn off the power or gas, then close the cold water valve on top of the tank.
- Attic tank: check the drain pan underneath. A full pan means the leak is active; act now, before it comes through the ceiling.
Attic water heaters: a Longview concern
Many East Texas homes have the water heater in the attic. That saves floor space, but a leak there damages the ceiling and everything below it. Long, hot summers also make attic tanks work in high heat. Check that your attic tank has a drain pan with a drain line, look at it a few times a year, and replace an old attic tank before it fails rather than after.
Repair or replace?
| Repair usually makes sense | Replacement usually makes sense |
|---|---|
| Tank is well under 10 years old | Tank is 10 years or older (DOE: tanks last about 10–15 years) |
| A part failed: element, thermostat, thermocouple, valve | The tank itself is leaking |
| Water is clean | Rusty water from the tank, not the pipes |
| One problem in years | Repairs keep coming |
The age is on the label: the serial number usually contains the build year. Ask the plumber to show you.
Tankless water heaters and Longview water
Longview’s water is soft to moderately hard: the City’s 2025 water quality report lists 56 to 73 ppm (about 3.3 to 4.2 grains per gallon). That is easier on heaters than hard-water cities, but tankless units still build scale over time. Ask how often the maker recommends flushing yours, and have it done on that schedule.
Do I call a plumber or an electrician for an electric water heater?
A plumber. Plumbers repair and replace water heaters, including elements and thermostats on electric models. Call an electrician only if the problem is the house wiring or the breaker itself, for example a breaker that trips with the heater disconnected.
What to ask before a replacement
- Is the price for the tank only, or installed with valves, connectors and haul-away?
- Does this job need a City of Longview permit, and who pulls it?
- Gas or electric, and which size for my household?
- For an attic tank: is a new drain pan included?
- Is there a trip charge, and an after-hours rate?
Water heater questions
How long does a water heater last?
The U.S. Department of Energy says a tank water heater lasts about 10 to 15 years and a tankless unit about 20 years. Water quality and maintenance play a part.
Should I flush my water heater?
Yes. Flushing removes sediment that makes the tank noisy and less efficient. Follow the maker’s instructions or ask a plumber.
Why is the relief valve on my tank dripping?
The pressure or temperature is too high, or the valve is worn. Don’t plug it; it is a safety valve. Call.
Is a leaking water heater an emergency?
In the attic, yes. In a garage, turn it off and call the same day.
Why does my hot water smell like rotten eggs?
Usually a reaction between bacteria in the water and the anode rod. A plumber can flush the tank or change the anode rod.
