Water Heater Repair in South Lake Tahoe

Hot Water Back On Today

24/7 emergency response with transparent pricing and no surprise fees.
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.

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High-quality water heater repair tools utilized by Murray Plumbing for effective repairs in El Dorado County, CA

Emergency Water Heater Service

Your Hot Water Crisis Solved
When your water heater fails at 6,200 feet above sea level in the middle of winter, you need more than just any plumber. You need someone who understands how South Lake Tahoe’s extreme conditions affect your system. We get your hot water flowing again fast. No more cold showers, no more worrying about frozen pipes, no more wondering if your vacation rental guests are going to leave bad reviews. You’ll have reliable hot water, peace of mind, and the confidence that comes from working with professionals who show up when they say they will. That’s what 93 customers have experienced, giving us our 4.7-star Google rating.

South Lake Tahoe Plumbing Experts

We Know These Mountains
Murray Plumbing has been solving water heater problems for South Lake Tahoe residents who need reliable service in challenging conditions. We understand what high altitude and extreme temperature swings do to water heating systems. You won’t get surprised by hidden fees or contractors who don’t show up. Our pricing is transparent from the start, and many customers find their final bill comes in under our original estimate. We’re the team locals call when their water heater fails during a snowstorm or when they need emergency repairs that can’t wait until Monday morning.
Expert water heater repair tools from Murray Plumbing in El Dorado County, delivering trusted and efficient plumbing services

Water Heater Repair Process

Straight Talk About Our Process
First, we diagnose the problem completely before recommending any repairs. No guessing, no unnecessary work, no inflated bills for parts you don’t need. We explain exactly what’s wrong, what it’ll cost to fix, and how long it’ll take. If we can repair your existing unit safely and cost-effectively, that’s what we’ll recommend. If replacement makes more sense, we’ll tell you why. During the repair, we protect your property and clean up after ourselves. You’ll get hot water back as quickly as possible, with work that’s built to handle South Lake Tahoe’s demanding conditions. Most customers are surprised by how straightforward the whole process is.
Professional water heater repair tools used by Murray Plumbing in El Dorado County, ensuring quality service for your home heating needs

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Complete Water Heater Services

Every Type of Water Heater
We repair and replace all water heater types: traditional tank units, tankless systems, gas, electric, and hybrid models. Each type has specific challenges at South Lake Tahoe’s elevation and climate conditions. Tankless units can freeze in extreme cold if not properly installed. Gas water heaters need altitude adjustments for proper combustion. Electric units strain under heavy vacation rental usage during peak seasons. We stock parts for major brands and can handle emergency repairs on systems that other contractors might not touch. Whether you’re dealing with a complete failure or just lukewarm water, we have the experience to get your system running properly again.
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?

We offer 24/7 emergency service because water heater failures don’t wait for business hours. During South Lake Tahoe’s winter months, a failed water heater can lead to frozen pipes and serious property damage within hours. Our response time depends on current demand and weather conditions, but we prioritize true emergencies. We’ll give you an honest timeframe when you call and keep you updated if conditions change. Emergency calls do carry additional fees, but we’re upfront about all costs before we start any work.
Repair costs vary significantly based on the problem, your water heater’s age, and parts availability. Simple fixes like replacing a heating element might run $200-400, while major component failures can cost $600-1200. We provide transparent pricing upfront and many customers find their final bill comes in under our original estimate. We’ll always explain your options and help you decide whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense. High-altitude installations and South Lake Tahoe’s hard water conditions can affect both repair complexity and part costs, which we factor into our estimates.
Yes, we specialize in tankless water heater service and understand the unique challenges they face at 6,200+ feet elevation. Tankless units require specific altitude adjustments for proper gas combustion and are vulnerable to freezing if not properly installed. Common tankless issues we handle include scale buildup from hard water, combustion problems due to altitude, and freeze damage from improper installation or power outages. We stock parts for major tankless brands and can often repair units that other contractors recommend replacing. Proper maintenance is critical for tankless systems in South Lake Tahoe’s conditions, and we can set up a service schedule to prevent major failures.
If your water heater is over 10 years old and facing major repairs, replacement often makes more financial sense. Older units are less efficient, more prone to failure, and harder to find parts for. We’ll assess your unit’s condition, repair costs, and remaining lifespan to give you honest recommendations. Sometimes a $300 repair on a 12-year-old unit is throwing good money after bad when a new system would be more reliable and efficient. South Lake Tahoe’s harsh conditions are particularly hard on aging water heaters, so units here often need replacement sooner than in milder climates.
Yes, we warranty our repair work because we stand behind our craftsmanship. Labor warranties typically cover our work for 90 days to one year depending on the type of repair. Parts warranties vary by manufacturer but we’ll explain what’s covered when we provide your estimate. If you have issues with our repair work within the warranty period, we’ll return to fix it at no additional charge. We also help you understand and register manufacturer warranties on new parts and complete system replacements to ensure you get maximum protection on your investment.
Absolutely. Regular maintenance can prevent most water heater failures and extend your system’s lifespan significantly. In South Lake Tahoe’s hard water conditions, annual flushing and anode rod replacement are especially important. We can set up a maintenance schedule that fits your needs and budget. For vacation rental properties, we often recommend pre-season inspections to catch potential problems before they affect your guests. Simple steps like adjusting temperature settings, checking pressure relief valves, and monitoring for early warning signs can save you from expensive emergency repairs and property damage.

Other Services we provide in South Lake Tahoe