Water Heater Repairs | Mother

The Most Common Water Heater Problems

Why did my water heater stop working? A failed heating element, a tripped breaker, sediment buildup, or a broken thermostat are all common culprits. If your unit is over 10 years old, it may be at the end of its life.

I’m running out of hot water too quickly. Your tank might be undersized, the dip tube could be damaged, or the heating elements might not be working properly. If this started recently, we’ll inspect for sediment buildup that’s reducing capacity.

Why is my water cloudy or smelly? Cloudy water usually means there’s mineral sediment in the tank. A rotten egg smell is likely from sulfur bacteria reacting with the anode rod. Both are common in North Texas due to our hard water.

My water heater is making popping or banging sounds. This is caused by trapped sediment at the bottom of the tank. As water heats up beneath it, steam bubbles force their way through, making noise. It’s also a sign the tank is working harder than it should.

There’s water leaking around the tank. This can be as minor as a loose fitting or as serious as a cracked tank. If the leak is from the bottom of the tank, it likely needs replacement.

My pressure relief valve is leaking. That valve is a key safety feature. If it's dripping, it may be relieving excess pressure—which could mean dangerous conditions. Don’t ignore it.

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Any Safety Concerns Before Mother Comes Out?

Is my water heater dangerous in its current state? It depends. If you're seeing signs of overheating, leaking pressure valves, or a smell of gas (for gas heaters), turn off the unit and call us immediately. For electric heaters, it’s best to flip the breaker as a precaution.

Can I keep using it until you come out? If it’s just lukewarm water or no hot water at all—but no leaks or other warning signs—it’s likely safe to use cold water until we arrive. If there’s any sign of leaking or pressure issues, turn it off.

Brands We Service

We work on all major brands, including Rheem, Bradford White, AO Smith, State, Whirlpool, and GE. Not sure what brand you have? Send us a photo.

How to Prevent Future Water Heater Problems

• Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment.
• Install a water softener if you have hard water (very common in DFW).
• Test the pressure relief valve once a year.
• Replace the anode rod every 3–5 years.

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What To Expect During an Appointment

How long will it take to fix? Most repairs take 60–90 minutes. If we need to replace the unit, allow 2–3 hours depending on access and code upgrades.

How much will it cost? We provide flat-rate pricing after diagnosis—no surprises. Most repairs fall in the $200–$600 range. If a full replacement is needed, we’ll give you options.

Is the repair covered under warranty? If your heater is under 6 years old, it may be. We can check your serial number and help with the warranty claim process.

What If We Need to Order a Part?

We carry most common parts on our trucks. If we need to order something, we’ll provide a temporary solution where possible and return ASAP—often within 24–48 hours.

What If the Water Heater Can’t Be Repaired?

We’ll walk you through replacement options, help determine tank vs. tankless, and explain rebate and financing options. And don’t worry—we apply any diagnostic fees toward your installation.

Need help now? Call Mother Modern Plumbing and we’ll get your hot water back—fast, safe, and with no fine print.