Water Heater Repair in Carnelian Bay

Hot Water Back On Today

Fast, honest water heater repair when you need it most in Carnelian Bay.
A plumber in a black Murray Plumbing jacket kneels in front of a water heater inside a small closet, working. A stacked washer and dryer are to the right, and part of a bathroom with a shower is visible on the left.

Hear from Our Customers

Emergency Water Heater Service Carnelian Bay

Your Hot Water Problems End Here
When your water heater fails in Carnelian Bay, you don’t have time to wait around. You need hot water for showers, dishes, and basic comfort—especially during Tahoe’s cold months. We get your hot water flowing again fast. Most repairs happen the same day we arrive, and we stock the parts needed for common water heater issues in older Tahoe properties. You’ll know exactly what’s wrong and what it costs before we start. No surprises, no inflated bills, no need to call us back to fix what should have been done right the first time.

Carnelian Bay Water Heater Experts

Local Plumbers Who Actually Show Up
We’ve been fixing water heaters around Lake Tahoe for years. We understand the unique challenges that come with Carnelian Bay’s climate and older home infrastructure. Our 4.7-star Google rating from 93 reviews speaks to one thing: we do what we say we’ll do. We show up on time, diagnose the problem quickly, and fix it right the first time. We’re not the cheapest option in town, and that’s intentional. You’re paying for expertise, reliability, and the peace of mind that comes with working with plumbers who actually know what they’re doing.

Water Heater Repair Process Carnelian Bay

Straightforward Service, No Games
First, we listen to what’s happening with your water heater. Strange noises? No hot water? Lukewarm showers? We ask the right questions to understand the issue before we even arrive. When we get to your property, we diagnose the problem thoroughly. We check the heating elements, thermostat, gas connections, venting, and electrical components. You’ll know exactly what’s broken and why. Then we explain your options clearly. Sometimes it’s a simple fix. Sometimes replacement makes more sense. We give you the real story about costs and timeline, then let you decide. No pressure, no upselling—just honest information so you can make the right choice for your situation.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Murray Plumbing

Get a Free Consultation

Water Heater Types Carnelian Bay

We Fix Every Type of Water Heater
Tank water heaters, tankless systems, gas, electric—we handle them all. Many Carnelian Bay properties have older tank-style units that need specific parts and expertise to repair properly. Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular in vacation rentals, but they require different diagnostic skills and maintenance approaches. We stock parts for both types and understand the pros and cons of each system for Tahoe area properties. Gas water heaters need proper venting and safety checks, especially in older cabins. Electric units often have thermostat or heating element issues that we can diagnose quickly. Whatever type you have, we’ve seen the problem before and know how to fix it efficiently.
A plumber wearing a navy shirt and cap works on large water heaters and piping in a utility room, using tools attached to his pants.

How quickly can you respond to water heater emergencies in Carnelian Bay?

We offer 24/7 emergency service for water heater failures. Most emergency calls in Carnelian Bay get same-day service, often within a few hours of your call. During busy periods or severe weather, response times may extend slightly, but we prioritize emergencies like complete water heater failures, especially during winter months when hot water isn’t just convenient—it’s essential. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe when you call, and we stick to it. If we’re running late, we call ahead to let you know.
Sediment buildup is huge here because of our hard water. It clogs heating elements and reduces efficiency in both tank and tankless systems. Regular flushing helps, but most homeowners skip this maintenance. Thermostat failures happen frequently in older tank units, especially after power outages or extreme cold snaps. Gas water heaters sometimes develop venting issues due to snow or debris blocking exhaust pipes. Heating element burnout in electric units is common, particularly in properties that sit vacant during off-seasons. The elements corrode or fail when the system cycles on and off irregularly.
If your water heater is over 10 years old and needs major repairs, replacement usually makes more financial sense. Repair costs on old units often approach 50% of replacement cost, and you’ll likely face more problems soon. For newer units under 8 years old, most repairs are worth doing. Simple fixes like thermostats, heating elements, or gas valves typically cost much less than replacement and can extend your system’s life significantly. We’ll always give you honest advice about repair versus replacement. Sometimes a $200 repair buys you several more years. Sometimes spending that same $200 on an old, failing unit is throwing money away.
Yes, we service all major tankless water heater brands. These systems are popular in vacation rentals because they save space and provide endless hot water, but they need different maintenance than traditional tanks. Tankless units are sensitive to hard water and require annual descaling to prevent mineral buildup. They also need proper gas pressure and venting to work efficiently, which can be challenging in some older Carnelian Bay properties. We stock common tankless parts and understand the specific requirements for these systems in our climate. Most tankless repairs involve cleaning sensors, replacing filters, or addressing gas supply issues.
Simple repairs like thermostat replacement typically run $150-300. Heating element replacement for electric units usually costs $200-400. More complex issues like gas valve replacement can range from $300-600. We provide upfront pricing before starting any work. No surprise charges, no inflated labor rates. Many customers tell us our final bill came in lower than the original estimate because we work efficiently. Emergency service calls include a trip charge, but that gets applied to your repair cost if you choose to move forward with the work. We’re transparent about all costs from the start.
Annual maintenance makes a huge difference, especially with our hard water. Flushing your tank yearly removes sediment that causes heating problems and shortens your unit’s life. Check your temperature setting—120°F is usually optimal. Higher temperatures waste energy and accelerate wear on components. Lower temperatures can allow bacteria growth, which is particularly concerning in vacation properties that sit empty. For properties that are vacant seasonally, consider draining the water heater or setting it to vacation mode. Cycling on and off in empty properties causes unnecessary wear and can lead to failures when you need hot water most.

Other Services we provide in Carnelian Bay