
Water Heater Repair in Pittsburgh, PA
Dependable Solutions for Water Heater Issues
Waking up to a cold shower is a problem no Pittsburgh homeowner wants to face. A broken water heater disrupts your entire day, from washing dishes to doing laundry. Signs of trouble, like a leak or strange noises, can also create serious anxiety about potential water damage and safety risks.
Since 1994, Rick Hartman Plumbing has been the trusted name for plumbing solutions. Our team of 4th-generation, licensed plumbers responds quickly to diagnose and fix your water heater issues. We are committed to restoring your hot water and providing a solution that gives you lasting confidence.
For emergency water heater repair in Pittsburgh, call our 24/7 team at (412) 556-1576 or request your free quote online now.
Common Water Heater Problems We Fix
Your water heater is a complex appliance that can experience a range of issues over its lifespan. Recognizing the signs of a problem can help you get a repair before a minor issue becomes a major, costly emergency. Our team has the expertise to diagnose and resolve all types of water heater failures.
We are frequently called to help with these issues:
- No Hot Water: The most obvious problem, this can be caused by a faulty thermostat, a tripped pilot light on a gas unit, or a broken heating element in an electric model.
- Insufficient Hot Water: If your hot water runs out much faster than it used to, it could be due to sediment buildup in the tank or a malfunctioning dip tube.
- Leaking Tank: Water pooling around the base of your unit is a serious issue. Leaks can come from pressure relief valves, loose connections, or corrosion in the tank itself.
- Strange Noises: Popping, rumbling, or banging sounds often indicate a significant amount of sediment has hardened at the bottom of the tank, which can reduce efficiency and damage the unit.
- Discolored or Smelly Water: Rusty water can be a sign of internal corrosion in the tank, while a "rotten egg" smell could point to a problem with the anode rod.
No matter the symptom, a professional inspection is the best way to determine the cause and the safest path forward.
Our Water Heater Diagnosis and Repair Process
At Rick Hartman Plumbing, we approach every water heater repair with the care and precision that comes from four generations of plumbing experience. Our goal is to provide a safe, effective, and transparent service that gets your hot water flowing again with minimal disruption to your home or business.
Our professional repair process includes the following steps:
- Safety-First Inspection: Our licensed plumber will begin by carefully inspecting your water heater, checking for visible issues like leaks, corrosion, and problems with the gas or electrical connections.
- Thorough Troubleshooting: We test key components like the thermostat, heating elements or burner assembly, and the pressure relief valve to accurately diagnose the root cause of the failure.
- Honest Assessment & Free Quote: We will clearly explain our findings and provide you with an honest recommendation on whether a repair or replacement is the best option. You will receive a 100% free quote before we start any work.
- Expert Repair: Once you approve the work, our plumber will use high-quality parts and proven techniques to perform the repair, whether it's replacing a faulty part or fixing a leak.
- Final Testing & Cleanup: After the repair is complete, we test the water heater to ensure it is functioning correctly and safely. We always leave our work area clean and tidy.
We stand behind our workmanship with a guarantee, so you can be confident in the solution we provide.
The Importance of Professional Water Heater Repair
When your water heater fails, attempting a DIY repair can be a risky decision. These appliances involve a combination of water, high pressure, and either a high-voltage electrical system or a natural gas line. An incorrect repair can easily lead to a much more dangerous situation.
A small mistake could result in a serious water leak, causing extensive damage to your property. For gas heaters, improper work on the gas line creates a significant risk of a leak. Professionals are trained to handle these systems safely, following strict codes and procedures.
Furthermore, a licensed plumber can accurately determine if a simple repair is sufficient or if the unit's age and condition make replacement a more cost-effective choice. This expert advice saves you from spending money on a temporary fix for a unit that is bound to fail again soon.

Don’t let costs delay your home’s comfort—ask us about financing! Call now to explore easy payment options.
Why Choose Us for Water Heater Repair in Pittsburgh
When your hot water supply is on the line, you need a plumbing company with a long history of reliability and expertise. At Rick Hartman Plumbing, we are a locally owned and operated business that has built its reputation on quality work and customer trust since 1994.
Here is why Rick Hartman Plumbing is the best choice for your water heater needs:
- A Legacy of Experience: As 4th generation plumbers, we have decades of hands-on experience with all makes and models of water heaters. Plumbing is in our blood, and we've perfected our craft.
- 24/7 Emergency Response: We understand that a broken water heater is an emergency. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your call and provides same-day service to get your hot water back on fast.
- Fully Licensed and Insured: Your peace of mind is important to us. Every plumber on our team is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and we guarantee our workmanship for the long run.
- Honest and Transparent Service: We provide 100% free quotes before any work begins. Our team offers honest assessments to help you decide between repair and replacement without any sales pressure.
- Residential and Commercial Experts: We have the skills and equipment to service water heaters in both homes and commercial properties, from simple repairs to complex replacements.
We are committed to delivering fast, reliable service at prices that won't break your budget.
FAQs About Water Heater Repair in Pittsburgh
What are the common signs that my water heater is failing?
The most common signs include a lack of hot water, lukewarm water, leaks or puddles around the tank, loud popping or rumbling noises, and discolored or rusty water coming from your taps. Any of these symptoms warrant a professional inspection.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
This often depends on the age of the unit and the cost of the repair. If your water heater is over 10-12 years old and requires an expensive repair, replacement is often the more economical choice in the long run. We provide a free quote and an honest recommendation to help you decide.
Why is my water heater making a popping or banging noise?
This noise is typically caused by layers of sediment and mineral scale that have built up at the bottom of the tank. When the burner or element heats the water, trapped air bubbles in the sediment pop, creating the noise. This reduces efficiency and can damage the tank over time.
How long does a typical water heater repair take?
Many common repairs, such as replacing a thermostat or heating element, can be completed in just a few hours. Our plumbers arrive with well-stocked trucks to handle most issues on the same visit. We will give you a time estimate along with your free quote.
If you have an issue, call our Pittsburgh water heater repair experts 24/7 at (412) 556-1576 or contact us online for your free quote!
Our Reviews
Hear From Your Friends & Neighbors
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“From start to finish I had an excellent experience with Rick Hartman Plumbing... Pricing was fair and upfront, and I was able to pay with a debit card online. A very nice experience given the circumstances.”- Alex P.
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“Rick Hartman Plumbing has always been reliable, quick, and professional. They respond in emergencies, and have appointments available throughout the week.. I couldn't recommend them more!”- Jocelyn K.
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“Excellent professional service and personal attitude.. the office was very patient and at the same time quick to respond, overall great experience. And very reasonable pricing. Highly recommend.”- Yevgeny F.
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“He did a great job. The work was very clean and presentable. He took the to explain how the unit operated and answered the questions I had. I would highly recommend for all of your HVAC and plumbing needs!”- Brendon K.
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“The 2 men, Steve and Nick, met all our expectations…knowledgeable, neat and very respectful. So pleased with their work ethic… top not”- Margo D.
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“Dan was courteous and THE most knowledgeable plumbing professional we've EVER had in our home over many years. Efficient and got the job DONE right! SO happy! Alright, Dan!!”- Moira K.
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“Clean up was done very thoroughly. I would use them again without hesitation.”- L. B.
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“Excellent service. I called this morning with a clogged basement drain and there were out in a few hours, fixed the problem and left the area spotless... I highly recommend Hartman Plumbing!”- Gitthaline G.
