Water Heater Repair in the Twin Cities

Expert Water Heater Repair & Replacement Services in the Twin Cities Metro Area

When your water heater stops working, you need help fast. Whether you’re dealing with no hot water, strange noises, leaks, or lukewarm showers, Champion Plumbing is here to diagnose and fix the problem quickly. With over 24 years of experience serving homeowners throughout the Twin Cities metro area, we’ve repaired thousands of water heaters and know exactly what it takes to get your hot water flowing again.

We handle all types of water heater repair – from gas water heater issues to electric water heater problems, traditional tank systems to tankless water heaters. Our licensed plumbers will assess your situation honestly and help you understand whether a repair or replacement makes the most sense for your home and budget.

If you need water heater repair services, please call 651-365-1340 to schedule an appointment with our team of professionals. We promise to get the job done right!

Common Water Heater Problems We Repair

Over two decades in the plumbing business have taught us that water heater issues usually fall into a few common categories. Here’s what we see most often and how we fix them:

No Hot Water

If you’re getting cold water when you expect hot water, the issue could be a failed heating element in an electric water heater, a pilot light problem in a gas water heater, or a tripped breaker. Sometimes it’s a simple fix like relighting the pilot or resetting a breaker. Other times, we need to replace heating elements or thermostats. We’ll diagnose the problem quickly and get your hot water restored.

Not Enough Hot Water or Lukewarm Water

Running out of warm water faster than usual? This could mean sediment buildup in your tank, a failing heating element, or a thermostat issue. For gas water heaters, a faulty gas valve or burner assembly can prevent proper heating. Tankless water heaters can struggle with flow rate issues if they’re not properly sized or if the heat exchanger needs cleaning. We’ll identify the root cause and repair it.

Leaking Water Heater

Water pooling around the base of your water heater requires immediate attention. Small leaks from fittings, connections, or the temperature and pressure relief valve can often be repaired by tightening connections or replacing valves. However, leaks from the tank itself usually mean corrosion has eaten through the metal, and replacement is necessary. We’ll inspect thoroughly to determine if repair is possible.

Strange Noises

Popping, banging, or rumbling sounds coming from your water heater? This is typically caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. As water heats up, it has to bubble through the sediment layer, creating those noises. We can flush your tank to remove sediment, which often solves the problem and improves efficiency. If sediment has caused damage to heating elements or the tank, we’ll let you know what repairs are needed.

Discolored or Smelly Water

Rusty or discolored hot water can indicate corrosion inside your tank or deteriorating anode rods. A sulfur smell (like rotten eggs) usually points to bacteria in the tank. We can replace anode rods on both gas and electric water heaters to prevent further corrosion. We highly recommend the Corro-Protec Powered Anode Rod, which comes with a 20-year warranty and eliminates the bacteria that causes sulfur smell. If corrosion is severe, replacement may be the better option.

Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit

For gas water heaters, a pilot light that won’t stay lit is one of the most common repair calls we get. This could be a faulty thermocouple (the safety device that senses the pilot flame), a gas supply problem, or a dirty pilot assembly. Most of these repairs are straightforward and affordable, and we carry common parts on our trucks for same-day fixes.

Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve Issues

The temperature and pressure relief valve is a critical safety feature. If it’s leaking, constantly releasing water, or won’t open when tested, it needs immediate attention. We can replace faulty relief valves to ensure your water heater operates safely.

Why Choose Champion Plumbing for Water Heater Repair?

Experience You Can Trust: We’ve been independently owned and operated since 2001, with Minnesota State Plumbing Contractor License PC000308. Our technicians have seen every type of water heater problem imaginable and carry common parts on our trucks for faster repairs.

Honest Diagnosis: Before we start any work, you’ll get a clear explanation of the problem and upfront pricing. No hidden fees, no surprise charges. If your water heater can be repaired affordably, we’ll tell you. If replacement makes more sense, we’ll explain why and give you options.

Same-Day Service Available: For most residential water heaters, we offer same-day service. However, scheduling same-day service is subject to current workload. If you need same-day service, please call us before noon.

One-Year Labor Warranty: All our repair work comes with a one-year warranty on labor, giving you peace of mind that the repair is done right.

We Service All Major Brands: We’re factory-certified with Bradford White, Rheem, and Navien, and we service most other major water heater brands. Whether you have a traditional tank water heater or a modern tankless system, our technicians have the expertise to diagnose and repair it correctly.

What to Expect During a Water Heater Repair Visit

Initial Diagnosis Our technician will inspect your water heater, test components, and diagnose the problem. We’ll explain what’s wrong in plain language and discuss your options.
Upfront Quote Before any repair work begins, we’ll provide clear pricing. You’ll know exactly what the repair costs before we start.
Professional Repair If you approve the quote, we’ll perform the repair using quality parts and proper techniques. Most common repairs like replacing heating elements, thermostats, or thermocouples can be completed on the same day.
Testing and Verification After completing the repair, we test the system to ensure it’s working properly. We’ll verify you’re getting hot water at the proper temperature and check for any leaks.
Maintenance Advice Before we leave, we’ll share tips on maintaining your water heater to prevent future problems and extend its lifespan.

Water Heater Troubleshooting: DIY Tips Before You Call

Before calling for service, here are a few things you can check:

For Electric Water Heaters:

Check if the breaker has tripped at your electrical panel
Reset the high-temperature limit switch (usually a red button near the thermostat)
Verify the temperature setting is between 120-140°F

For Gas Water Heaters:

Check if the pilot light is lit
Ensure the gas supply valve is fully open
Verify the temperature setting on the gas control valve

For All Water Heaters:

Look for visible leaks around fittings, valves, and the base
Listen for unusual sounds like popping, hissing, or banging
Test your hot water at multiple faucets If you’ve checked these basics and still don’t have hot water, it’s time to call in the professionals. Don’t attempt to repair heating elements, gas connections, or electrical components yourself – water heater repair requires specialized knowledge and tools.

Repair vs. Replacement: What’s the Better Choice?

This is the question we get asked most often during repair calls. Here’s our honest guidance:

When Repair Makes Sense:

Your water heater is still under the manufacturer’s warranty (typically 6 to 12 years, depending on the brand and model)
The repair is relatively minor (heating element, thermostat, pilot light, valve)
The cost of repair is less than 50% of replacement cost
The tank itself is in good condition with no rust or corrosion
You’re satisfied with your current water heater’s capacity

When Replacement Is the Better Choice:

Your water heater is over 10 years old
You’re facing a major repair or the tank is leaking
Your unit has been repaired multiple times recently
You want to upgrade to a more efficient model to save on energy costs
Your current water heater is undersized for your household needs

We’ll never push you toward an unnecessary replacement. Our goal is to educate you about your options so you can make the best decision for your home and budget. Sometimes a minor repair can get your water heater running again and extend its life. Other times, investing in a new, efficient system makes more financial sense.

When Replacement Makes More Sense Than Repair

We install quality brands like Bradford White and Navien, and all installations come with our one-year labor warranty.
We handle everything from the removal of your old unit to professional installation and cleanup.

If we determine that replacement is the better option, we offer a full range of water heater replacement services:

Traditional Tank Water Heaters

Gas and electric models in various sizes

Tankless Water Heaters

Unlimited hot water and superior energy efficiency

Hybrid Water Heaters

Heat pump technology for maximum energy savings

Schedule Your Water Heater Repair Today

Don’t let water heater problems disrupt your daily routine. Whether you need a quick repair or it’s time for a full replacement, Champion Plumbing is here to help with fast, honest, and professional water heater installation and repair service.

We serve homeowners throughout the Twin Cities metro area, including Eagan, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Bloomington, Inver Grove Heights, Savage, Rosemount, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average lifespan of a water heater?

Traditional tank water heaters last 6 to 12 years on average, while tankless water heaters can last 15-20 years or more. Regular maintenance like annual draining and utilizing a Corro-Protec Powered Anode Rod can help extend the life of your water heater. Other factors that affect lifespan include water quality, maintenance frequency, and usage patterns.

What is usually the most common water heater problem?

Sediment buildup is the most common water heater problem, caused by minerals settling at the bottom of the tank over time. This leads to rumbling noises, reduced efficiency, and can eventually damage heating elements. Flushing your tank annually and installing a Corro-Protec Powered Anode Rod helps prevent these issues, or join our MVP Program for scheduled maintenance that keeps your water heater running longer.

Is it worth it to repair a water heater?

It’s worth repairing a water heater if it’s still under warranty and the repair costs less than 50% of replacement cost. However, if your tank is leaking, there’s no way to repair it. The tank must be replaced. If your water heater is over 10 years old or needs major repairs, replacement is typically the better investment.

Professional Installation & Local Expertise

As an authorized Brita PRO partner, Champion Plumbing brings industry-leading water filtration technology right to your home—installed by professionals who know the local water challenges inside and out.

With over 24 years of experience, our licensed, highly trained plumbers have helped thousands of homeowners across the Greater Twin Cities Metro Area improve their water quality and protect their homes.

Whether you’re in Eagan, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Minneapolis, St. Paul, or any city in our Service Area you can count on our team for expert advice, clean installs, and top-notch service—every time.

What Our Customers Have to Say about Champion Plumbing

Financing and Pricing

We understand that investing in a new water filtration or conditioning system is a big decision—and we’re here to make it easy.

Because every home is different, pricing can vary based on system size, installation layout, and water quality needs. To provide the most accurate estimate, we invite you to give us a call or fill out our quick quote form. One of our licensed plumbing experts will follow up with a personalized recommendation—no pressure, just honest advice.

💡 Financing Available Through GreenSky®
Champion Plumbing has partnered with GreenSky® to offer flexible financing options that help make clean, safe water more accessible—without the upfront stress. From low monthly payments to deferred interest plans, we’ll help you find a solution that fits your budget.

📞 Call us at 651-365-1340

Clean soft water, the right way—and on your terms.