Your water heater works fine — until it doesn’t. And when hot water disappears, it affects everything from your morning routine to your dishwasher. The good news: not every water heater problem means a full replacement. Many common issues are repairable quickly at a fraction of replacement cost — if you call a plumber who knows what to look for.
SOS Plumbing provides water heater repair throughout Myrtle Beach, Conway, and all of Horry County. Here are the problems we diagnose and repair most often — and what they mean for your unit.
No Hot Water at All
Complete loss of hot water is alarming but often fixable. For gas water heaters, the pilot light may have gone out — check whether it’s lit and follow the relight instructions on the unit. If the pilot won’t stay lit, the thermocouple may have failed and needs replacement. For electric units, the problem is often a tripped breaker or a burned-out heating element — both repairable without replacing the heater.
Not Enough Hot Water
Running out faster than normal usually points to a failing heating element, sediment buildup insulating the burner, or a thermostat set too low. We diagnose which factor is at play and repair accordingly. If the unit is aging and the repair cost doesn’t justify the remaining lifespan, we’ll tell you that honestly and walk you through replacement options.
Water That’s Too Hot or Fluctuating
Scalding water or wild temperature swings often point to a faulty thermostat. When it fails, the heater can run continuously and drive water temperature dangerously high. This is a quick, safe repair we handle on the same service call.
Discolored or Smelly Hot Water
Rusty or brown hot water typically means the anode rod — the sacrificial metal rod that attracts corrosion away from the tank walls — has been depleted. Replacing it can significantly extend tank life if caught early. A sulfur or rotten egg smell in hot water is bacteria reacting with a failing anode rod. We flush the tank and replace the rod to eliminate it.
Rumbling, Popping, or Knocking Sounds
These noises indicate sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. Flushing the tank removes it and restores efficiency. If buildup is severe it may have already damaged the tank lining — we assess during the service call and give you a straight answer on the unit’s remaining viable life.
Leaks Around the Tank or Connections
Small leaks from the pressure relief valve or pipe fittings can often be repaired by tightening or replacing the affected component. A leak from the tank itself signals internal corrosion and means replacement. We’ll tell you which situation you’re in before recommending anything.
Repair or Replace? We Give You a Straight Answer.
We assess your heater’s age, condition, repair history, and the current problem — then give you an honest recommendation. If repair makes sense, we say so. If the unit is aging and the repair cost doesn’t justify the remaining lifespan, we’ll tell you that too. SOS Plumbing serves Myrtle Beach, Conway, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, and all of Horry County. Call us or visit sosplumbingsc.com to schedule water heater repair today.