Fort Collins Plumbing Services

Water Heater Repair Fort Collins | Fast, Reliable Water Heater Repair Service You Can Trust

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If you're like many homeowners in Northern Colorado & Boulder, you may have a tendency to take your hot water heater for granted until something goes wrong with it. Allen Service knows that you depend on your water heater every day to bathe, do dishes and laundry, and more. We perform reliable water heater repair, and we also replace water heaters for homeowners. Our experienced team of plumbing professionals can inspect, repair, or replace your water heater. We encourage you to learn more about our water heater repair service and get in touch with us to request an appointment.

Common Water Heater Issues

Water heater problems have a way of showing up at the most inconvenient times. You might notice the water taking longer to heat up during your morning shower, or hear strange sounds coming from the basement that you've been putting off investigating. Here are the most frequent water heater issues Fort Collins homeowners face:

  • No Hot Water: This one's pretty obvious - when you turn on the tap and only cold water comes out, your water heater isn't doing its job. Sometimes this happens suddenly; other times, the water gradually cools over several days. Either way, no hot water means you need professional water heater repair service right away.
  • Water Not Getting as Hot as Before: Maybe you still get some warm water, but it's not reaching the temperature you're used to. Or perhaps the hot water runs out much faster than normal. Your family notices they can't take back-to-back showers anymore without the second person getting a chilly surprise.
  • Strange Noises Coming from Your Unit: Popping, banging, rumbling, or groaning sounds from your water heater usually mean sediment has built up in the tank. Sometimes these noises start quietly and get worse over time. While popping sounds are somewhat normal, loud banging or squealing definitely needs attention.

  • Water Around Your Water Heater: If you see puddles on the floor near your unit, moisture around the pipes, or water pooling anywhere around your water heater, you likely have a leak. This is one of those problems that gets worse fast, especially during Fort Collins winters when pipes are more vulnerable to damage.
  • Rusty or Foul-Smelling Water: When your hot water comes out looking brown or orange, or has a metallic smell, it often indicates corrosion inside your tank. This affects both the quality of your water and your family's comfort.

When to Call for Water Heater Repair Service

Knowing when to pick up the phone and call for professional help can save you from bigger headaches down the road. Some water heater problems need immediate attention, while others give you a little time to plan ahead.

Call Immediately for These Emergency Situations:

  • Water leaking around your unit - Even small leaks can quickly turn into major water damage, especially if they affect your home's foundation or electrical systems
  • No hot water at all - Your family shouldn't have to go without hot water, particularly during Fort Collins winters
  • Gas smell near your water heater - This could indicate a dangerous gas leak that needs immediate professional attention

Water coming from the T&P (temperature and pressure) valve - This safety mechanism prevents your water heater from exploding, so water discharge means the system is under dangerous pressure

Schedule Service Soon for These Performance Issues:

  • Water temperature that's inconsistent or not as hot as usual
  • Hot water that runs out much faster than normal
  • Rumbling, popping, or banging noises that are getting louder
  • Discolored or bad-smelling hot water
  • Your water heater is over 8-10 years old and starting to have minor problems

Don't Try DIY When:

    • You smell gas or suspect any safety issues
    • The problem involves electrical components
    • You're not comfortable working around hot water and pressurized systems
    • Previous DIY attempts haven't solved the problem

    Fort Collins homeowners often ask us, "Should I try to fix this myself first?" While checking your pilot light or circuit breaker is fine, most water heater repair requires specialized knowledge and tools to do safely.

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Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

This is probably the question we get asked most often during service calls. Nobody wants to spend money unnecessarily, but you also don't want to keep throwing good money after bad. Here's how our technicians help Fort Collins homeowners make this decision:

Age of Your Unit Matters Most

Most modern water heaters are designed to work properly for about ten years. If your unit is approaching that age or has already passed it, replacement usually makes more financial sense than heater repair. Think of it like an older car - at some point, the costs start adding up to more than the vehicle is worth.

How Often Have You Called for Service?

If you're calling for water heater repair service every few months, those costs add up quickly. A single bill might be $200-300, but when you're facing your third or fourth visit in two years, you could have put that money toward a new, reliable unit instead.

Your Monthly Energy Bills Tell a Story

Older water heaters work harder to heat the same amount of water, which shows up on your utility bills. If you've noticed your energy costs creeping up even though your usage hasn't changed, an inefficient water heater might be the culprit. Newer units are more energy-efficient and more affordable to operate, and can cut your water heating costs by 20-30%.

When Repair Makes Sense:

  • Your unit is less than 7-8 years old
  • This is your first major issue
  • The cost is less than half the price of replacement
  • Your current water heater meets your family's hot water needs when it's working properly

When Replacement is Your Better Option:

  • Multiple service calls in the past two years
  • Your water heater is over 10 years old
  • Costs are approaching 50% of replacement cost
  • You're planning to stay in your home for more than a few years

We offer financing options and coupons to help with both service and replacement, so cost doesn't have to be the only factor in your decision.

Types of Water Heaters We Repair in Fort Collins

At Allen Service, we work on all types of water heaters. Fort Collins homes have a mix of different systems, and our technicians are trained to diagnose and service every kind you'll find in Northern Colorado. Whether you have an older traditional tank system or a newer high-efficiency model, we have the experience and parts to get your hot water flowing again.

Tankless Water Heater Repair

Tankless units are gaining popularity in Fort Collins due to their space-saving capabilities and potential for increased energy efficiency. But when they break down, they need specialized knowledge for proper heater repair. Common issues we see with tankless systems include mineral buildup from hard water, ignition problems, and error codes that can be confusing to homeowners. Our team knows how to flush these tankless systems, replace heating elements, and troubleshoot the electronic controls that make tankless units work. The installation of tankless units requires careful planning, and maintenance of these systems differs from traditional tank models.

Gas Hot Water Heater Repair

Gas water heaters are still the most common type in Fort Collins homes. They heat water quickly and cost less to operate than electric models. When gas units have problems, it's often related to the pilot light, thermocouple, or gas valve. We also see issues with venting, especially in older homes where the chimney or vent system might not be working properly. Safety is always our first concern with gas appliances. Whether you need installation of a new gas heater or maintenance of your existing unit, our team has the expertise to handle tank-style gas systems.

Electric Water Heater Repair

Electric water heaters are reliable, but when they fail, it's usually because of a heating element or thermostat problem. These units have two heating elements that can burn out over time, especially if your home has hard water. Electric work often involves checking electrical connections and replacing components that wear out from regular use. Our technicians carry the most common electric water heater parts on their trucks. From installation to ongoing maintenance, we handle all aspects of electric tank and tankless systems.

Hybrid Water Heater Repair

Hybrid water heaters that earn the ENERGY STAR label combine traditional tank storage with advanced technology to save energy. They're more complex than standard units, which means service requires technicians who understand both the electrical components and the advanced heating systems. We see issues with the compressor, fan, and electronic controls on these newer models. While they're more efficient, they also need more specialized service when problems arise. The installation of hybrid units requires proper planning, and maintenance schedules differ from conventional tank models.

Get Your Hot Water Back Today!

Don't let water heater problems disrupt your family's daily routine any longer. Whether you're dealing with no hot water, strange noises, or you're not sure if your system needs service or replacement, our experienced technicians are ready to help.

Getting your hot water restored is just a phone call away. Allen Service provides fast, reliable water heater services in Fort Collins that homeowners have trusted for years. We're available for both scheduled appointments and emergency service when you can't wait. From routine maintenance to complete installation, we handle all your water heater needs.

Call us today at 970-449-6011

Frequently Asked Questions