For most residential water heater or tank issues, you should call a licensed plumber. If your issue involves specialized electrical wiring (like a broken heating element on an electric model) or a gas line issue, you may need a specialized electrician or an HVAC technician, but a plumber is always the safest first contact.
Yes, licensed plumbers are typically the go-to professionals to call for water heater repair. They handle: Installation and replacement. Leak detection and repair.
Water leaks are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you'll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures. However, this isn't always a sign that your tank is what's leaking.
Average Cost:
The average homeowner spends about $600 on a typical water heater repair, though total costs can range from around $90 to $1,775+ depending on the type of unit (tank vs. tankless), the specific part that failed, the severity of the issue, and local labor rates.
Our expert plumbers are local to you and are experienced in replacing hot water cylinders of a variety of makes and models. They can tackle a range of problems around water tank repairs and installation.
As a general rule, commercial water tanks should be inspected and cleaned at least once every 12 months. This annual clean is widely regarded as best practice and is suitable for many office buildings, warehouses and standard commercial premises.
Repairing a previously installed tank could save $5,000 to $20,000+ compared to replacement, but only if the tank is structurally sound and meets current environmental and safety standards post-repair.
The lifespan of a water tank depends on the material it's made from, where it's installed, and how you look after it. Concrete tanks can last 20–30 years or more, poly tanks are typically designed for a 10–20 year service life, and stainless steel can last even longer with the right care.
To tell if a water tank is bad, first identify what kind of tank you have, as a well pressure tank and a hot water heater tank show different failure symptoms.
Unvented cylinders should be serviced annually to keep the system safe and functioning efficiently. Only G3-qualified engineers are legally permitted to service or repair unvented cylinders. For unvented cylinder servicing/ repairs, expect to pay between £101 and £232, with an average cost of £154.
A water heater making popping, banging, or rumbling noises could be a sign that the unit is failing. If your hot water is yellow, discolored, or rusty, this is a sign that the anode rod in your water heater tank is beginning to fail. The anode rod is responsible for protecting the interior of the tank from corrosion.
Common reasons a hot water heater stops working include tripped circuit breakers, failed heating elements (electric), faulty thermocouples or pilot light failures (gas), and heavy sediment buildup. Other causes include broken dip tubes, faulty thermostats, or the unit reaching the end of its 10–15 year lifespan.
Water heater failures usually trace back to specific, replaceable parts like heating elements, thermostats, or the anode rod. In gas units, pilot assemblies and thermal switches frequently fail. However, the most catastrophic failure is the tank itself rusting out, which necessitates a full replacement.
Common water tank problems include structural leaks, sediment buildup, algae growth, and damaged seals. These issues often stem from aging, improper installation, or lack of maintenance, leading to water contamination, poor pressure, and eventual tank failure. Key warning signs include rust, unusual odors, and unexpected moisture around the tank.
The Home Depot strongly recommends that you use an experienced, licensed plumber to install your new water heater, because they will know the required codes to complete a safe and compliant installation.
Your pipes
You're also responsible for all your internal pipes, appliances and fittings. For example, toilets, taps, showers, water tanks and washing machines. Once a leak on your property is confirmed, it's your legal responsibility to arrange repair within four weeks.
The easiest way to check your fish tank water is to buy a good all-round tester kit. The key things to look out for are ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. These compounds will be kept largely in check with a good mechanical, chemical and biological filter.
A 2-gallon-per-minute (GPM) well is considered low-yield. While it falls short of the recommended 5 to 10 GPM for standard households, it can still fully support a home if you manage water usage carefully or install a supplemental storage (cistern) system.
High Water Bills
If your water pressure tank is starting to fail, you will also begin seeing higher energy bills. The reason for this is because your pressure tank is having a hard time regulating pressure and has to work harder than normal to do so. As a result, you'll have higher water and electric bills.
Flushing your water heater removes sediment that causes inefficiency, higher bills, and potential damage. Most experts recommend flushing once a year—or every six months if you have hard water or heavy use.
Replacing a standard water tank usually takes 2 to 4 hours for a direct swap. However, if you are upgrading to a tankless unit, switching energy types (e.g., gas to electric), or if your space requires plumbing or venting upgrades, the process can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours.
Replacing a hot water tank is a significant investment that varies in cost depending on various factors. On average, homeowners can expect to pay a total cost ranging from £900 to £3,500 for a full replacement, including both the tank and installation.
Foundation repair is generally the most expensive home repair, potentially costing over $30,000 for major lifting and stabilization. Other top-tier, high-cost repairs include complete roof replacements, major water damage remediation, and replacing underground sewer lines, often running into tens of thousands of dollars.
Fixing Small Cracks in Poly Water Tanks
✅ Poly Welding (Permanent Fix) – If the crack is small to medium-sized, a poly welding kit can heat and fuse the material back together. ✅ Plastic Tank Sealant – Food-safe, waterproof epoxy can be applied over small cracks or pinholes.