
Repair, Replace or Upgrade? Start Here.
Most water heater calls fall into one of three situations. Pick the one that sounds like yours:
- It still heats, but something is off. No hot water, a pilot that will not stay lit, a tripped breaker, a dripping relief valve. These are usually parts, and a water heater repair is often finished the same day.
- The tank is leaking or past its lifespan. Water at the base of the tank, rusty hot water, or a unit older than 10 to 12 years. A leaking tank cannot be repaired, and a water heater replacement swaps it for a code-compliant unit, usually in a few hours.
- You want something better than another tank. Endless hot water, more room in the garage, or lower energy bills. Tankless water heater installation and heat pump water heaters are the upgrades worth comparing below.
Not sure which one you are dealing with? Call us and describe what the heater is doing. We will tell you on the phone whether it sounds like a repair or a replacement, before anyone is scheduled.
Three Technologies. One Right Answer for Your Home.
Every household uses hot water differently. The right system depends on your family size, energy goals, available space, and budget. Here’s how the three main options compare
Feature

Standard Tank

Tankless (On-Demand)

Heat Pump (Hybrid)
Why Sacramento Homeowners Trust Us With Their Hot Water

In-House Licensed Technicians

Upfront Flat-Rate Pricing

Expert Permit Management

1-Year Labor Warranty
Financing & Referral Program

Flexible Payment Options



Our Referral Program

Flexible Payment Options
Water Heater Questions, Straight Answers
- My hot water smells like rotten eggs. Do I need a new water heater?
Not necessarily. The smell usually comes from a reaction between sulfate in your water and the tank’s anode rod. We can replace the rod with a zinc-alloy version to eliminate the odor — often without replacing the unit.
- How does Sacramento’s hard water affect my water heater?
Hard water causes mineral scale to build up inside your tank and, more critically, inside tankless heat exchangers. This scale reduces efficiency, shortens lifespan, and can void manufacturer warranties. We recommend an annual flush for tanks and a descaling service for tankless units — and for homes with very hard water, a whole-home water softener.
- Why is my water heater making popping or rumbling sounds?
That’s sediment boiling at the bottom of the tank. The layer of buildup traps water beneath it, which overheats and creates those sounds. It wastes energy, stresses the tank’s metal, and accelerates failure. If you hear it, call for a professional flush or assessment.
What to Expect — From Call to Hot Water
No guesswork, no open-ended timelines. Here’s exactly how a water heater replacement works with 5-Star Plumbing.






