Hot water, honestly diagnosed. Repair if it makes sense — replace if it doesn't.
Most water heater calls don't need a replacement. We test before we recommend, show you the math on tank vs. tankless, and price the job in writing before any work.
What we fix on water heaters every week.
- • No hot water at all (gas valve, thermocouple, igniter, breaker, element)
- • Lukewarm water (sediment buildup, dip tube failure, undersized for the home)
- • Rusty or smelly water (anode rod, tank corrosion, bacteria)
- • Popping or rumbling sounds (sediment cooking on the bottom of the tank)
- • Pilot won't stay lit (thermocouple, gas pressure, venting)
- • Water around the base (tank failure, T&P relief, supply connections)
- • Pinhole leaks at fittings, expansion tank failure, T&P discharge
Repair vs. replace — the honest call.
If your tank is under 6 years old and the failure is at a serviceable component (element, gas valve, T&P), repair is almost always the right answer — see our water heater repair service. At 6 years and beyond, the math shifts — and conditions and location of every water heater matter. We walk it through with you.
Repair if…
- • Tank is under 6 years old.
- • The leak is at a fitting, valve, or relief — not the tank itself.
- • You've had no major prior issues.
- • The failure is a serviceable part (thermocouple, element, gas valve).
Replace if…
- • Tank is 6+ years old or recommended by technician.
- • Tank itself is leaking or the bottom is rusting.
- • You've done two or more repairs in the last 24 months.
- • Your household has grown out of the tank's recovery rate.
Tank vs. tankless — the math we'll walk through.
The full details are on our tankless installation page. Here's the honest summary:
Tank water heater
- • Lower install cost. Familiar.
- • 40, 50, and 75 gallon options for typical homes.
- • Lifespan: 8–12 years with hard Hill Country water.
- • Best for: most existing homes, straightforward replacement.
Tankless water heater
- • Endless hot water — when sized for simultaneous demand.
- • ~15 year lifespan with annual flush and water softener.
- • Often needs gas line upsize, venting, and recirculation pump.
- • Best for: large families, remodels, or anyone tired of running out mid-shower.
Hill Country water is hard. Without a softener, sediment kills tanks fast and scales tankless heat exchangers. We'll tell you whether a water softener pays for itself before recommending a tankless upgrade.
What's included in a water heater install.
- • New tank or tankless unit (we'll show you the brand and model)
- • Hauling away the old unit
- • Code-required expansion tank (if not already present)
- • Updated T&P relief and discharge piping
- • Updated shut-off, flex connectors, and venting as needed
- • Code-compliant installation with required inspections handled
- • Walk-through of how to flush, drain, and turn off the unit
Why Hill Country Homeowners Call Cowboy
We Know Hill Country Water
Hard water kills tanks and scales tankless units faster here than almost anywhere in Texas. We factor that into every recommendation.
Licensed Master Plumber
Texas Master Plumber License M-36742. Fully insured — no unlicensed subcontractors.
Same-Day on Most Calls
We stock common tank sizes and carry the parts for most repairs. Same-day hot water on most calls, next-day on the rest.
Recent water heater jobs from the truck
Real recent work in this category, with photos and a plain-English write-up.
Install 50 Gallon ENT
Install 50 Gallon AO Smith water heater and haul off old unit.
50 Gallon ENT Installation
Removed old heater and installed new 50-gallon ENT with expansion tank setup.
Replace Expansion Tank
Replaced punctured expansion tank and installed new setup with flexes and a vacuum breaker.
Questions Homeowners Ask
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
If the tank itself is leaking, replacement is the only fix. If it's an element, thermostat, gas valve, or thermocouple on a unit under 6 years old, repair usually makes sense. We test first and show you the math either way.
How long does a water heater last in Hill Country hard water?
Hard water shortens tank life. A tank heater that might last 12 years elsewhere often runs 8–10 here without a softener. Annual flushing and a softener both extend that meaningfully.
Is a tankless water heater worth it?
For many households, yes — endless hot water and lower standby losses. But tankless units cost more up front and need scale protection in our hard water. We'll show you the actual payback numbers for your home before you decide.
How fast can you replace a failed water heater?
Most standard tank replacements are done same-day or next-day. We stock common sizes, and you get a written price before any work starts.
Why is my water heater making popping or rumbling noises?
That's almost always sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank — very common with Hill Country hard water. A flush can help if caught early; heavy buildup shortens the tank's life and hurts efficiency.
What's included in a water heater installation?
Every install includes the new unit, haul-away of the old one, code-required expansion tank if not present, updated T&P relief and discharge piping, and proper venting. We handle all the code items.
Water Heater Service Area
We service and replace water heaters across Central Texas including:
New Braunfels · Canyon Lake · Seguin · San Marcos · Kyle · Buda · Boerne · Spring Branch · Bulverde · Northeast & Northwest San Antonio
Hot water out? Get an honest diagnosis first.
We test before we recommend, show the math on tank vs. tankless, and put the price in writing before any work.