Gas Water Heater Repair: Common Issues, Fixes, and When to Call a Pro

When your gas water heater, a device that uses natural gas or propane to heat water for showers, sinks, and laundry. Also known as a gas boiler for domestic hot water, it’s one of the most used but least noticed appliances in your home. Suddenly stops working, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a daily crisis. No hot showers, cold dishes, frozen laundry. And unlike an electric model, a gas water heater relies on gas lines, pilot lights, thermocouples, and venting systems that can fail in ways you can’t ignore.

Most gas water heater problems aren’t mysterious. A pilot light, a small, constant flame that ignites the main burner going out is the #1 culprit. It’s often caused by a dirty burner, a weak gas flow, or a faulty thermocouple, a safety sensor that shuts off gas if the pilot flame isn’t detected. You can relight it yourself—but if it keeps going out, something deeper is wrong. Then there’s the gas valve, the control unit that regulates gas flow to the burner. If it’s stuck or corroded, your heater won’t fire up at all. And don’t forget sediment buildup. Over time, minerals from hard water sink to the bottom, creating a barrier that traps heat and burns out the tank lining. That’s why regular water heater maintenance isn’t optional—it’s the cheapest insurance you’ll ever buy.

Some signs are harder to miss: water pooling around the base, rust on the tank, or a rumbling noise like a kettle on the fritz. These aren’t just annoyances—they’re warnings. A leaking tank means corrosion has eaten through the steel. No amount of repair will fix that. And if your heater is over 10 years old, even a simple fix might not be worth the cost. That’s why many homeowners in Bedford end up replacing rather than repairing. But before you call for a full replacement, get a certified gas engineer to check the pilot assembly, gas line, and pressure valve. Many times, a $70 part and an hour of work can bring your heater back to life.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides from local repair experts covering exactly what goes wrong, how to spot it early, and whether you can fix it yourself—or if it’s time to call in the pros. From checking the thermocouple to flushing out sediment, these posts give you the facts without the fluff. No theory. No guesswork. Just what works in real homes in Bedford.