Hot Water Only diagnoses and repairs residential tank water heaters throughout Chicago’s suburbs. We work on gas and electric units—including atmospheric, power-vent and direct-vent systems—and explain whether repair or replacement makes practical sense before work proceeds.
Service is scheduled seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Same-day availability depends on location, workload and the required parts.
Request Water Heater Service →
Water heater problems we diagnose
Request service when you notice:
- No hot water or water that does not stay hot
- A pilot that will not remain lit
- Burner or ignition problems
- An electric unit that is not heating
- Water around the tank, valve or connections
- A leaking temperature-and-pressure relief valve
- Unusual popping, rumbling or combustion sounds
- Rusty or discolored hot water
- Water that is dangerously hot or inconsistent
- Repeated shutdowns or recurring repairs
Turn off the water or energy source when conditions make it unsafe to leave the unit operating. Active leaks near electrical components, gas odor and combustion or venting concerns require immediate attention.
Repair-first diagnosis
The visible symptom does not always identify the failed component. Diagnosis considers the heater’s age, tank condition, fuel, venting, controls, installation, repair history and the cost of the proposed work.
Repairable failures can include:
- Thermostats and electric heating elements
- Thermocouples and ignition components
- Gas-control and burner problems
- Certain valves and connections
- Some venting or power-vent components
- Leaks outside the storage tank
The problem and options should be explained before parts are replaced.
When replacement is the better decision
Compare the tank water heater replacement service with the diagnosis before authorizing work. Ask which finding supports the recommendation, what the proposed scope includes, and whether the existing fuel and venting arrangement will change.
A leaking storage tank cannot be repaired reliably. Replacement may also be the more responsible choice when the unit has advanced corrosion, repeated failures, unsafe venting or a repair cost that is difficult to justify on an aging heater.
The recommendation should consider more than age alone. A sound tank with a contained failure may still be worth repairing, while a younger unit with tank leakage or serious installation problems may not be.
Gas and electric tank water heaters
Choose the service information that matches the existing heater: gas water heater service, electric water heater service, power-vent systems or direct-vent systems. If the system type is unclear, describe the heater and its symptoms in your request rather than choosing a replacement in advance.
Hot Water Only services residential gas and electric tank systems. The diagnosis may involve burner and ignition components, gas controls, venting, thermostats, heating elements, wiring, valves and the tank itself.
For brand-specific information, review the Rheem, Bradford White and A. O. Smith repair resources.
What to expect when requesting service
- Provide the service address, ZIP code, heater type and main symptom.
- Share photographs of the heater label and affected area when requested.
- Coverage and scheduling are confirmed for the address.
- The technician diagnoses the system and explains repair-versus-replacement options.
- Approved work is documented and completed according to the agreed scope.
Water heater repair across Chicago’s suburbs
Hot Water Only serves defined areas across Chicago’s suburbs, including communities in Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry and Kane counties. Coverage is confirmed by ZIP before scheduling.
Priority service areas include Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Glenview, Rolling Meadows and Naperville.
Frequently asked questions
Can a leaking water heater be repaired?
Leaks from valves, fittings or nearby piping may be repairable. Water leaking from the storage tank itself generally means the tank must be replaced.
Is a lack of hot water always a bad heating element?
No. The cause depends on whether the heater is gas or electric and may involve controls, power, ignition, thermostats, elements, burners or other components.
How quickly can service be scheduled?
Scheduling depends on the location, time, workload and required parts. Hot Water Only schedules seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; same-day service is offered when available.
Should I repair or replace an older water heater?
Age is one factor. Tank condition, failure type, safety, repair history, efficiency and repair cost should all be considered before deciding.
For urgent conditions, review emergency water heater repair.