Water Heater Repair in Laredo, TX
Short answer: If the tank is leaking, shut off the water at the main valve, keep water away from anything electrical and have a licensed plumber look at it. ENERGY STAR suggests considering a replacement once a water heater is more than 10 years old. A new one costs about $1,300 on average nationally.
Texas requires a license for plumbing work. Look up any plumber in the state's public database before you hire.
What to do right now
- If you smell gas, leave the house and call for help from outside. Don't touch switches on your way out.
- Leaking tank? Shut off the water at your main shut-off valve. If the heater is electric, you can also turn off its breaker at the panel. Leave gas controls to the plumber.
- Keep water away from outlets and cords, and move boxes and rugs out of the way.
- Don't touch the relief valve or open the panels. The water inside can be hot enough to burn.
What your water heater is telling you
| What you notice | What it can point to |
|---|---|
| No hot water at all | Something in the power, gas supply or controls; a plumber can test it |
| Less hot water than before | Sediment building up in the tank |
| Rumbling or popping | Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank |
| Rusty water from the hot tap | Corrosion inside the tank |
| Water around the base | A leaking connection, valve or the tank itself |
| Corrosion on the pipes or the tank | A sign the heater needs attention |
ENERGY STAR lists corrosion, leaks at joints or seams, rust in the water, less hot water and rumbling noises as signs a water heater needs attention, and warns that some fail without warning.
Repair or replace?
A leak from the tank itself usually means replacement. A bad valve, a loose connection or a failed electrical part can often be repaired. Age matters too: ENERGY STAR suggests thinking about a replacement once a heater is more than 10 years old, before it forces an emergency decision. You can usually find the age from the brand and serial number on the label.
The full comparison is in repair or replace your water heater?
Texas requires a license for plumbing work. Look up any plumber in the state's public database before you hire.
What a plumber usually checks
- Power or gas supply, and the controls.
- The relief valve and connections for leaks.
- Signs of sediment or corrosion in and around the tank.
- Size and venting, if you're replacing it.
- A written estimate for the repair or the new unit, including installation and haul-away.
What a new water heater costs
Angi puts the national average for installing or replacing a water heater at about $1,300, with most jobs between $875 and $1,750. Tankless units, bigger tanks and changes to gas lines or venting cost more. Prices in Laredo can be different; the plumber confirms the price before starting.
Set the temperature to 120°F
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends setting water heaters to 120°F. At 150°F, most adults suffer third-degree burns in two seconds; at 140°F, burns happen in six seconds. If your water comes out scalding, ask the plumber to check the setting.
Before you hire
- Check the license in the state's public search.
- Ask for the price in writing, including the unit, installation, any permit and removal of the old tank. Texas rules require proposals and invoices to show the Responsible Master Plumber's name and license number.
- Ask if the job needs a city permit. The plumber will tell you.
- Ask about the warranty on the tank and on the labor, in writing.
Related
- Repair or replace your water heater?
- Installation and replacement, including tankless
- Leaks, slab leaks and burst pipes
- Plumbing emergencies
- Drains and the main sewer line
Water heater FAQ
How long does a water heater last?
It varies with the model, the water and the maintenance. ENERGY STAR's advice is to start planning a replacement once a heater passes 10 years, rather than waiting for it to fail.
Is a leaking water heater dangerous?
The water can damage floors and walls, and it can reach outlets. Shut off the water at the main valve, keep away from wet electrical parts and have it checked soon.
Is it worth repairing an old water heater?
If it's young and the problem is a part, a repair often makes sense. If the tank leaks or it's past 10 years, a replacement usually makes more sense. See repair or replace.
What temperature should my water heater be?
120°F, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Before you hire, check the license
Texas requires a license for plumbing work. Look up any plumber in the state's public database before you hire.
Sources
- ENERGY STAR, "When should you replace your water heater?"
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, "Tap Water Scalds" (Document 5098)
- Angi, "Water heater repair" (cost guide)
- Railroad Commission of Texas, "Gas Leaks"
- 22 Texas Administrative Code § 367.10
Last updated: November 14, 2026