Gas heater repairs
Pilot and igniter problems, thermocouples and flame sensors, and gas control valves.
Water Heaters · Northern Virginia
Fix it when it is worth fixing.
Quick answer
LeMaster Plumber repairs gas and electric tank water heaters across Northern Virginia, often the same day. Most no-hot-water calls come down to one part: a pilot or igniter, a thermocouple, a gas valve, a heating element or a thermostat. We find the failed part, give you an upfront price, and tell you honestly if the tank is too far gone to be worth fixing. Call (703) 832-9090.
A water heater that stops working is not always a water heater that needs replacing. On a tank that is still sound and not too old, a single part is usually the problem, and fixing it costs far less than a new unit. The trick is diagnosing it properly instead of swapping parts until something works.
Pilot and igniter problems, thermocouples and flame sensors, and gas control valves.
Upper and lower heating elements and thermostats, tested and replaced.
Temperature-and-pressure relief valves, drain valves and leaking connections.
Flushing out the sediment that causes popping noises and lost capacity, common with hard water.
If the tank is leaking or the repair is not worth it on an old unit, we tell you before you spend money.
Being clear about the edges of a job is how you avoid a surprise halfway through it:
We test the burner or elements, the controls and the valves to find the part that failed.
You get the repair price and, if it is close, the replacement price too. You choose.
We replace the failed part and check the rest of the system while we are there.
We confirm hot water at the tap and a safe, steady burner or element before we leave.
Why LeMaster Plumber
You approve the price before we start — no surprises and no pressure. You’ll always know the cost before any work begins.
Every job is backed by proper training, the right permits, and a workmanship guarantee.
We show up on time, protect your space, and leave the job cleaner than we found it.
We quote every job upfront and you approve the price before any work begins. What we cannot do honestly is put a number on this page without seeing your situation — so here is what actually moves it:
An element or thermostat is a different job from a gas control valve.
The parts and the diagnosis differ between the two.
Parts for older models can be harder to get, which is one reason repair stops making sense past a certain age.
A heater in a tight closet or attic takes longer to work on than one in an open basement.
A like-for-like part repair does not usually need a permit. Replacing the whole water heater does: in Fairfax County a permit is required for every water heater replacement, which our Fairfax County permit guide covers.
Gas-side repairs involve combustion and venting, so they are not a good do-it-yourself job. A heater with a scorched burner area or signs of back-drafting needs to be looked at before it is simply relit.
Ready to get it sorted? Pick your own appointment time online.
Or call (703) 832-9090 — we answer 24/7.
We cover all of Fairfax County — Fairfax, Centreville, Chantilly, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Burke, Springfield, McLean, Annandale and every community in between — plus Ashburn, Sterling and South Riding in Loudoun, and neighboring Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church and Manassas.
On a gas heater it is most often the pilot, igniter, thermocouple or gas valve. On an electric heater it is usually a heating element or thermostat, or a tripped breaker. We test to find which one.
On a tank under about 8 years old with a single failed part, usually yes. If the tank itself leaks, or the unit is past 10 to 12 years and needing repairs, replacement is often the better spend. We give you both prices.
Sediment has built up in the bottom of the tank. Flushing often fixes it. If it has gone on for years, the tank may already be damaged.
It can mean the valve is worn, or that pressure or temperature is too high. Do not plug it. We check the pressure, the temperature setting and whether you need an expansion tank.
Often, yes. Many common parts can be picked up the same day. Some model-specific parts need to be ordered.
Get In Touch
Pick your own appointment time online in about a minute — or call for emergencies, or send a few details with the form and we'll get right back to you.