Water Heaters in Rescue, CA

Hot Water When You Need It

Professional water heater service that actually shows up on time, gets it right the first time, and charges you what we quote.

Hear from Our Customers

Water Heater Repair Rescue CA

Back to Hot Showers Today

You shouldn’t have to plan your morning around whether your water heater decides to work. When your water runs cold, your tank starts making weird noises, or you spot water pooling around your unit, you need someone who can diagnose the real problem and fix it right. That’s where we come in. We handle everything from emergency repairs to full replacements, and we do it without the runaround or surprise fees. Most repairs can be completed the same day, so you’re not stuck taking cold showers while waiting for parts to arrive. Whether it’s a faulty heating element, a worn-out thermostat, or sediment buildup affecting your water quality, we’ve seen it all. And more importantly, we know how to fix it properly the first time.

Rescue CA Plumbing Experts

Local Plumbers You Can Count On

We’ve been serving Rescue and the surrounding El Dorado County area for years. We’re not a big corporation with call centers and upselling scripts. We’re your neighbors, and we treat your home like our own. What sets us apart is pretty simple: we show up when we say we will, we explain what’s actually wrong before we start any work, and we charge fair prices without hidden fees. No diagnostic charges that disappear into inflated repair costs, no pressure tactics to sell you equipment you don’t need. We’ve built our reputation one satisfied customer at a time, and that’s exactly how we plan to keep it. When you call Murray Plumbing, you’re getting local expertise with the kind of personal service that’s becoming harder to find these days.

Water Heater Installation Process

Straightforward Service, No Surprises

Here’s how we handle your water heater service, from start to finish. First, we listen to what’s happening with your system. Strange noises, inconsistent temperatures, visible leaks – these details help us narrow down the issue before we even arrive. When we get to your home, we perform a thorough inspection of your entire water heater system, not just the obvious problem. We check connections, examine the tank for signs of corrosion, test the heating elements or gas components, and look for any safety concerns. Once we’ve identified the issue, we explain exactly what’s wrong and what your options are. If it’s a simple repair, we’ll typically have the parts on our truck and can complete the work immediately. For replacements, we help you choose the right size and type for your home’s needs and California’s efficiency requirements. Every installation includes proper permitting and inspection scheduling, so you never have to worry about code compliance. We clean up completely when we’re done, and we make sure you understand how to maintain your new system for maximum lifespan.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Murray Plumbing

Get a Free Consultation

California Water Heater Requirements

What Rescue Homeowners Need to Know

California has some of the strictest water heater regulations in the country, and they’re getting stricter. Starting in 2030, gas-powered water heaters will be phased out entirely, which means if you’re planning a replacement, timing matters. Right now, there are significant rebates available for heat pump water heaters – up to $1,100 for Northern California residents. These systems are incredibly efficient and can cut your water heating costs substantially. But they require proper electrical setup, which we coordinate with licensed electricians. For traditional replacements, California requires specific safety features like expansion tanks, proper venting, and pressure relief valve installations. Every water heater installation needs a permit and inspection, which we handle as part of our service. Rescue’s hard water conditions also mean your water heater works harder than average. Sediment buildup happens faster here, which is why regular maintenance isn’t just recommended – it’s essential for preventing premature failure and maintaining your warranty coverage.

How long should my water heater last in Rescue's water conditions?

Most water heaters in our area last 8-10 years with proper maintenance, though Rescue’s mineral-rich water can shorten that lifespan if you skip regular servicing. The key factors are how hard your water is and whether you’re flushing sediment annually. Gas units tend to show problems earlier because the mineral buildup affects the heat exchanger more directly. Electric units can last a bit longer, but the heating elements still suffer from scale buildup. If your water heater is over 8 years old and you’re starting to notice inconsistent temperatures or strange noises, it’s worth having it inspected. The good news is that with annual maintenance – which includes flushing the tank and checking the anode rod – you can often extend that lifespan by several years and avoid the inconvenience of unexpected failures.

What size water heater do I need for my home?

Water heater sizing depends on your household’s hot water usage, not just the number of people. A family of four with teenagers who take long showers needs more capacity than a family of four with young children. Generally, you want about 10-15 gallons of capacity per person, but that’s just a starting point. If you have multiple bathrooms, run the dishwasher and washing machine frequently, or have a large soaking tub, you’ll need to size up. A 40-50 gallon tank works for most average households. Tankless units are sized differently – by flow rate rather than storage capacity. They’re great for homes with limited space or consistent usage patterns, but they require adequate gas supply or electrical capacity. We help you calculate your actual needs based on your specific usage patterns, not generic formulas.

Should I repair or replace my current water heater?

If your water heater is under 6 years old and the repair costs less than half the price of replacement, repair usually makes sense. But age isn’t the only factor – it’s about the overall condition and what’s likely to fail next. Multiple small repairs within a year often signal that bigger problems are coming. If you’re dealing with rust in the water, tank corrosion, or repeated heating element failures, replacement is usually the smarter long-term choice. You’ll get better efficiency, updated safety features, and warranty coverage. With California’s 2030 gas phase-out approaching, this is also a good time to consider upgrading to electric or heat pump systems while rebates are still available. We’ll give you an honest assessment of whether repair makes financial sense or if you’re just postponing the inevitable.

What are the signs I need emergency water heater service?

Call immediately if you see water pooling around your unit, smell gas near a gas water heater, or notice the pressure relief valve releasing water frequently. These can indicate serious safety issues or imminent tank failure. Other urgent signs include no hot water at all, water that’s scalding hot despite normal thermostat settings, or loud banging noises from the tank. These problems rarely fix themselves and often get worse quickly. Strange smells in your hot water can indicate bacterial growth, which is both unpleasant and potentially unhealthy. If you’re seeing rusty water from your hot taps, that usually means the tank is corroding from the inside. Once that starts, you’re on borrowed time before a leak develops. We offer same-day emergency service because these problems don’t wait for convenient timing.

How much does water heater replacement cost in Rescue?

Water heater replacement typically runs $1,200-$2,500 for standard units, depending on size, type, and installation complexity. Gas units are generally less expensive than electric, but that gap is narrowing with efficiency requirements. Tankless installations cost more upfront – usually $2,500-$4,000 – but they last longer and can significantly reduce your energy bills. Heat pump water heaters are in the middle price range, but current rebates can bring the net cost down substantially. The total cost includes the unit, installation, permits, and any necessary upgrades to meet current codes. We provide written estimates that include everything, so you won’t see surprise charges later. Most installations can be completed in a single day, and we handle all the permitting and inspection scheduling as part of our service.

Do I need a permit for water heater replacement in Rescue?

Yes, California requires permits for all water heater installations and replacements, and El Dorado County enforces this strictly. The permit ensures your installation meets current safety codes and efficiency standards. The permit process includes plan review and final inspection. We handle all the paperwork and coordinate with county inspectors, so you don’t have to navigate that process yourself. Permit costs typically run $50-$150, depending on the specific work required. Installing without a permit can cause problems if you sell your home later, and your insurance might not cover damage from unpermitted work. It’s also required for warranty coverage on most units. We include permit costs in our estimates upfront, so there are no surprises about what’s required to do the job properly.

Local Resources

Other Services we provide in Rescue