Seattle Water Heaters

If the tank itself is leaking or visibly rusted, replacement is almost always the answer, since a damaged tank cannot be repaired safely. Issues like a faulty thermostat, heating element, or pilot light are often repairable, especially on a newer unit. Our technicians will tell you honestly which situation you are in.

Tank water heaters cost less upfront and are a familiar, reliable choice for most households. Tankless units cost more to install but heat water on demand, take up less space, and can last longer, which makes them worth considering for households with high hot water use or limited space. We can walk you through the trade-offs for your specific home.

A traditional tank water heater usually lasts 8 to 12 years, while a well-maintained tankless unit can last 15 to 20 years. Water quality, usage, and maintenance all affect how long a unit actually holds up.

Sizing depends on the number of people in your household, how many bathrooms you have, and your peak hot water usage, such as running the dishwasher and a shower at the same time. Our technicians can recommend the right tank size or tankless flow rate based on your specific household.

This is usually caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, which traps water underneath and causes it to boil and pop. Regular flushing can prevent this, and if the noise has already started, it is worth having a technician take a look before it shortens the unit's lifespan further.

It can be, both from water damage and, on gas units, from the risk of a gas leak near the failing tank. If you notice water pooling around your water heater, shut off the water and power or gas supply and call us right away rather than waiting to see if it gets worse.

In most cases, we can complete a water heater replacement the same day we diagnose the problem, since our technicians carry common tank sizes on their trucks. Tankless installations or units requiring venting changes may take a bit longer.

They can, mainly through lower energy use since they only heat water on demand rather than keeping a full tank hot around the clock. The higher upfront installation cost means the savings build up gradually, so the payoff depends on your household's hot water usage and how long you plan to stay in the home.

A dirty or faulty thermocouple is the most common cause, along with a draft near the unit or a buildup of debris around the pilot assembly. If it keeps happening after you relight it, it is worth having a technician diagnose the actual cause rather than continually relighting it yourself.

Yes. Beacon installs and repairs both gas and electric tank and tankless water heaters, and our technicians can advise on which fuel type makes the most sense if you are considering a switch during a replacement.