Tank and Tankless Water Heater Repair in Des Plaines
No hot water in a Des Plaines house usually comes down to a handful of causes — a pilot or ignition problem, a failed part, sediment, or a tank that's simply worn out. Right Away repairs standard tank water heaters and tankless units, and we're a certified Navien tankless installer. Our shop is at 2093 Rand Road, so Des Plaines calls are local runs for us rather than a trip in from another county.
In plain language: we find out why the hot water stopped, tell you whether a repair makes sense, and fix it or explain your replacement options.
Right Away Plumbing and HVAC is based at 2093 Rand Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Tank water heaters in Des Plaines homes
Most bungalows and split-levels in town have a 40- or 50-gallon gas tank in the basement or utility room. Lake Michigan water is moderately hard by the time it reaches the suburbs, so sediment builds up in the bottom of the tank. That's the rumbling or popping you hear when the burner runs, and over time it shortens the tank's life and slows recovery.
On a no-hot-water call we check the gas supply, pilot or ignition, thermocouple or flame sensor, gas valve, venting and the condition of the tank. A leak from the tank body itself is a replacement, not a repair. A leak from a fitting or relief valve often isn't.
Tankless and Navien service
Tankless water heaters give endless hot water when they're set up and maintained properly, but they are sensitive to scale. An error code, fluctuating temperature or a unit that shuts down mid-shower is often a heat exchanger that needs descaling or an inlet filter that needs cleaning. As a certified Navien installer, we know these units and their error codes and can tell you whether it's a maintenance issue or a failed part.
If you're considering switching from a tank to tankless in a Des Plaines home, we look at gas line size, venting route and where the unit can be mounted before recommending it.
Repair or replace?
We give you an honest read. Age, the condition of the tank, the cost of the part and how the unit has been maintained all factor in. If replacement is the better choice, we explain the options — tank, tankless or a different size — and you get the price before work begins.
What we check
- Gas supply, pilot or ignition and flame sensor
- Gas valve, thermostat and burner operation
- Venting and draft
- Tank condition, relief valve and visible leaks
- Tankless error codes, inlet filter and scale on the heat exchanger
See our full water heater services page, or go back to plumbing and HVAC in Des Plaines.
Des Plaines water heater repair questions
Do you repair tankless water heaters in Des Plaines?
Yes. We service tankless units and are a certified Navien tankless installer, so we work with Navien systems regularly.
Why is my water heater making a popping noise?
Usually sediment in the bottom of the tank. Water trapped under the sediment boils and pops as the burner heats it. Flushing can help if the tank is in fair condition; heavy buildup in an older tank can point toward replacement.
Is a leaking water heater an emergency?
Shut off the cold water supply to the heater and, for a gas unit, turn the control to off or pilot if you can safely reach it. A leak from the tank body means replacement. Call 847-550-3322 and we'll schedule a visit — same-day when the schedule allows.
How often should a tankless water heater be descaled?
It depends on your water and how much hot water you use. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidance, and have it checked if you see scale-related error codes or temperature swings.
Request water heater repair in Des Plaines
Call 847-550-3322 or request service online. Same-day visits when the schedule allows. We are licensed, bonded and insured.