Water Heater Repair & Installation in Vancouver WA
No hot water, a leaking tank or a pilot that won't stay lit? Tri-Tech Heating, Inc. repairs and replaces gas water heaters, installs Rinnai tankless water heaters and installs heat pump water heaters across Vancouver, Camas, Salmon Creek and Clark and Cowlitz Counties.
Short answer: We repair and install gas tank and gas tankless water heaters, and we install heat pump water heaters, which can qualify for a $1,500 Clark Public Utilities rebate when they replace an electric tank. Call (360) 891-2002 to schedule service.
Smell gas? Leave first
If you smell gas (a rotten-egg or sulfur odor) near your water heater, don't try to relight it or flip any switches. Leave the house right away, then call 911 and NW Natural's 24-hour emergency line at 800-882-3377. If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call 911.
Water heater repair
Common problems we fix on gas water heaters:
- No hot water, or it runs out fast. Often a pilot, thermocouple, gas valve or burner problem on a tank, or an ignition or flow issue on a tankless unit.
- Pilot won't light or stay lit. Usually a dirty or failing thermocouple or a clogged pilot assembly.
- Water too hot or not hot enough. A thermostat or gas control valve that needs adjusting or replacing.
- Popping, rumbling or banging. Sediment built up in the bottom of the tank.
- Rusty or smelly hot water. Often a worn anode rod, the part that protects the tank from corrosion.
- Leaks. A leaking valve or fitting can often be repaired. A leak from the tank itself can't, and the water heater needs replacing.
- Tankless error codes. Scale buildup, venting or ignition problems on Rinnai and other tankless models.
Repair or replace?
Most tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years. Replacement usually makes more sense than repair when:
- The tank itself is leaking
- The water heater is 10 years old or more and needs a major repair
- You're seeing rust in the hot water or repeated breakdowns
- You want more hot water, lower bills or a smaller footprint
We'll tell you honestly whether a repair will hold up or whether replacing it is the better value.
Water heater replacement and installation
We install three types, and we'll help you choose the one that fits your home, your hot water use and your budget.
Gas tank water heaters
A dependable, lower-cost replacement for the tank you have now. Replacement is usually quick, and we haul away the old unit.
Rinnai tankless water heaters
A tankless water heater heats water only when you turn on the tap, so you don't run out during back-to-back showers. Rinnai rates its tankless units for up to 20 years of life, about twice a typical tank, and they mount on the wall to free up floor space. According to ENERGY STAR, a certified gas tankless water heater can save a family of four about $95 a year compared with a standard gas tank. Tankless units need a yearly flush to clear mineral buildup, and we can take care of that for you.
Heat pump water heaters
A heat pump water heater pulls heat from the surrounding air instead of making it with electric elements. ENERGY STAR estimates a family of four can save about $550 a year on electricity compared with a standard electric water heater.
Clark Public Utilities rebate: $1,500. When a qualifying heat pump water heater replaces an electric tank water heater in an existing home, Clark Public Utilities offers a $1,500 rebate. Tri-Tech Heating, Inc. is a Clark Public Utilities participating contractor for heat pump water heaters. See our Active Rebate Programs page for current rebates and financing.
Have an electric tank water heater? We don't repair standard electric tank models; a licensed plumber or electrician handles those. If yours is ready for replacement, a heat pump water heater is a good upgrade, and it may qualify for the $1,500 rebate.
Heat your home and your water with one system
Some systems handle both jobs. A high-efficiency combi boiler heats your home through radiant floors or baseboards and supplies your hot water, and a geothermal heat pump can help heat your water, too. See Geothermal & Hydronics.
Why Tri-Tech Heating, Inc.
- Gas water heater repair and replacement, tank and tankless
- Rinnai tankless installation and yearly flushing
- Clark Public Utilities participating contractor for heat pump water heaters
- 2-year labor warranty on new installations, and 1-year labor warranty on repairs
- We register your new equipment for the full manufacturer warranty
- Financing through Synchrony for qualified buyers (apply online)
- Family-owned, serving Vancouver, Camas, Salmon Creek and Clark and Cowlitz Counties
Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, and a call to (360) 891-2002 during those hours reaches a person. After hours, call the same number and a live person from our answering service will take your information. They'll text our on-call technician right away, or, if you'd rather wait, pass your request to our office and we'll respond by 9:00am the next business day. Licensed HVAC #TRITEHI952LL, CCB #161426.
“Josh & Braden did a fantastic job installing our new heat pump water heater and Heat pump. They even painted the walls where the old equipment was located. I highly recommend Tri-Tech.”
Lauren W.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a water heater last?
Most tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years. Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years with a yearly flush. Water quality, usage and maintenance all affect how long yours lasts.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
If the tank itself is leaking, it needs replacing. If the water heater is 10 years old or more and needs a major repair, replacement is usually the better value. Problems like a pilot that won't stay lit, a bad thermocouple or a faulty gas valve can usually be repaired.
Is a tankless water heater worth it?
For many homes, yes. A tankless water heater doesn't run out of hot water during back-to-back showers, lasts longer than a tank and takes up less space. ENERGY STAR estimates a certified gas tankless model saves a family of four about $95 a year compared with a standard gas tank. It costs more to install, so we'll compare the options for your home.
Do you work on electric water heaters?
We repair and install gas water heaters, and we install heat pump water heaters. For repairs on a standard electric tank model, call a licensed plumber or electrician. If you're replacing an electric tank, a heat pump water heater may qualify for a $1,500 Clark Public Utilities rebate.
Is there a rebate for a heat pump water heater?
Yes. Clark Public Utilities offers a $1,500 rebate when a qualifying heat pump water heater replaces an electric tank water heater in an existing home. Tri-Tech Heating, Inc. is a participating contractor. See our Active Rebate Programs page for details.