Water Heater Repair in Florissant, MO
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St. Louis County winters put your water heater to work
Cold groundwater comes into your water heater colder from December through February, when nights here average 26°F. The tank has to work harder to bring that water up to temperature. A gas burner cycles more often. An electric heating element stays on longer each time it runs.
St. Louis County has also seen 108 damaging wind events and 9 winter storms over the past ten years. Power loss is common enough in Missouri that about 19% of households went at least 24 hours without it in 2024. An electric water heater comes back on by itself once power returns. A gas water heater with a standing pilot keeps heating through the outage. One with an electronic ignition needs that ignition to relight before it heats water again.
- 26°F
- the average winter night, and colder incoming water means longer heating
- 7 months
- October through April, the months homes here need heat
- 19%
- of Missouri households lost power for a day or more in 2024, and a heater with an electric element or electric ignition stops without it
NOAA nClimDiv, 1991–2020 normals
A new water heater would cut about $80 a year off hot water for a typical Missouri home.
Estimates for a typical Missouri home, compared with an older unit built to the federal minimum, from EIA household energy data and Missouri fuel prices. Your home will differ.
Repair makes sense when an element, thermostat or gas valve has failed.
Replacement makes sense when the tank itself is leaking.
- Why is my water heater leaking from the bottom?
- Most often the tank itself has rusted through, and once that happens the tank can't be repaired, only replaced. It could also be the drain valve or a fitting that's simply loose, so before assuming the worst, check that the valve is fully closed and the connections are tight. Water pooling underneath can also come from condensation or from the temperature and pressure relief valve venting, so a contractor will need to look to be sure which one it is.
- Why won't the pilot light on my water heater stay lit?
- Usually the thermocouple has worn out and can no longer signal that the flame is lit, so the gas valve shuts it back off. A dirty pilot orifice or a draft near the burner can cause the same problem. A weak or damaged thermocouple is a simple part to replace, but if the gas valve itself is at fault, the water heater is more likely to need replacing.
- Can a tankless water heater be repaired?
- Yes, most problems with a tankless water heater can be fixed without replacing the unit. Mineral buildup on the heat exchanger is a common cause of reduced flow or hot water that comes and goes, and flushing the system clears it. Igniter and sensor failures can also be repaired. A contractor will need to test the unit to find out which part is causing the trouble.