Common Water Heater Problems in Macomb County Homes
Most water heater calls across Warren, Sterling Heights, and Clinton Township trace back to the same handful of failures — and in this county, hard water and cold winters make several of them worse. A lot of the housing stock still runs 15–20+ year-old tanks, so age is usually a factor too.
- • No hot water at all — pilot out, dead thermocouple, tripped breaker, or a failed gas valve
- • Runs out fast / slow recovery — failed lower element or sediment-choked tank; worse in January–February when inlet water is near freezing
- • Popping, rumbling, or banging — hardened calcium sediment on the tank floor, very common on GLWA water
- • Rusty or discolored hot water — the anode rod is spent and the tank is corroding from the inside
- • Water pooling at the base — if it's the tank body (not a fitting), that's a replacement, not a repair — call same day
- • Pilot won't stay lit — thermocouple, gas valve, or a dirty flame sensor
- • Rotten-egg / sulfur smell — bacteria reacting with the anode rod; usually a rod swap and sanitize
- • Higher bills, same usage — scale is insulating the burner or element, so the unit runs longer
Why Macomb County is harder on heaters: the 120–175 ppm GLWA hard water lays down scale on elements and tank floors faster than almost anywhere in Metro Detroit, and cold-month inlet temperatures force longer recovery cycles. Add the many original 1960s–1990s tanks still in service across Warren and Sterling Heights, and most symptoms above show up years earlier than the manufacturer averages suggest.
Why Macomb County Kills Water Heaters Faster: GLWA Hard Water
The root cause isn't the brand or the unit — it's the water itself.
GLWA Lake Huron Water: 120–175 ppm (Very Hard)
Macomb County receives its municipal water from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), which draws from Lake Huron and distributes through the Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant in Port Huron and related infrastructure. Lake Huron water is naturally high in calcium carbonate and magnesium — the GLWA system delivers water testing in the 120–175 ppm range in Macomb County distribution zones, classified as "Very Hard" by EPA and WQA standards (anything above 121 ppm). This is significantly harder than, for example, Ann Arbor (well water blends, 150–200 ppm but softened at the municipal level) and harder than most of Oakland County's served areas. The practical result: scale forms faster, anode rods deplete faster, and heating elements corrode earlier than the national averages manufacturers publish.
At 120–175 ppm, calcium carbonate precipitates out of solution when water is heated above 140°F — exactly what happens inside your water heater every day. The scale coats electric heating elements (which are submerged directly in the water), builds up on the bottom of gas tank burner surfaces, and progressively insulates the heat source from the water. The heater runs longer, draws more energy, and the tank walls and elements experience accelerated thermal stress. Warren, Sterling Heights, and Clinton Township homeowners consistently report replacing water heaters every 6–8 years — often years before the warranty expires on paper.
For electric units, this is particularly destructive. The lower element — submerged at the very bottom of the tank where sediment accumulates — burns out first in hard water environments. If you're in a Macomb County home and your electric heater suddenly delivers only a small amount of hot water before going cold, the lower element has likely failed due to scale encasement. It's repairable, but if the tank is over 7 years old, the upper element and thermostat are usually close behind.
Macomb County Sediment Flushing: Every 6 Months, Not 12
Most water heater manufacturers and national plumbing guides recommend flushing your tank annually. That schedule was written for average water hardness (roughly 60–80 ppm). In Macomb County's 120–175 ppm environment, the calcium carbonate accumulation rate is roughly double. Licensed plumbers working in Warren, Sterling Heights, and Clinton Township consistently recommend a 6-month flush cycle to prevent hardened scale from forming on tank bottoms and elements.
What a 6-Month Flush Catches
- • Loose calcium carbonate sediment before it hardens
- • Early-stage scale on lower heating element (electric)
- • Sediment layer on tank bottom (gas) causing "popping"
- • Anode rod condition — visually inspect during flush
- • T&P valve function — test while access is easy
Signs You Are Overdue for a Flush
- • Popping, rumbling, or banging during heating cycle
- • Longer recovery time after heavy hot water use
- • White mineral crust visible around fittings or drain valve
- • Higher gas or electric bills with no lifestyle change
- • Rust-tinted water at hot taps (early tank corrosion)
Anode Rod Note for Macomb County: Magnesium anode rods — the standard in most tanks — deplete faster in hard water because they are actively "sacrificed" to protect the steel tank from corrosion. In Macomb County's hard water, expect anode rod replacement every 2–3 years rather than the 4–5 year national guideline. Ask your plumber to pull and inspect the rod during any flush service. A fully depleted anode rod with months or years left on the tank is a leading cause of premature tank failure in Macomb County. If your basement floods during a flush service, you may also need an emergency plumber or sump pump inspection.
Tank vs. Tankless in Hard Water: What Macomb County Homeowners Need to Know
The tank vs. tankless debate looks different in Macomb County than in the generic manufacturer brochures. The 120–175 ppm water hardness fundamentally changes the calculus — particularly for tankless units.
Tank Water Heater in Macomb County
- Pro: Lower upfront cost ($900–$1,800 installed)
- Pro: Familiar — every plumber in Macomb County services these
- Pro: No flow-rate limitation regardless of simultaneous demand
- Pro: Sediment settles to bottom — less damage to heating element
- Con: Lifespan cut to 6–9 years by scale (vs. 10–12 nationally)
- Con: Standby heat loss — pays to heat water even when idle
- Con: Flush every 6 months, anode rod every 2–3 years
Best for: most Macomb County homeowners replacing on budget
Tankless in Macomb County Hard Water
- Pro: 15–20 year lifespan (with proper maintenance)
- Pro: Unlimited hot water on demand
- Pro: No standby heat loss — more efficient overall
- Con: Heat exchanger is highly vulnerable to scale at 120–175 ppm
- Con: Annual descaling required (vinegar flush or pro service)
- Con: Water softener strongly recommended — adds $800–$2,500
- Con: $2,500–$5,000 installed — significantly higher upfront cost
Best for: homeowners who also install a water softener
The Tankless + Water Softener Combination
In Macomb County, the combination of a whole-house water softener ($800–$2,500 installed) plus a high-efficiency tankless unit ($2,500–$5,000) is the gold standard for long-term cost of ownership. The softener removes hardness ions before they ever reach the heat exchanger, bringing the effective water hardness to under 1 gpg — which is where tankless units deliver their full 20-year lifespan. Without the softener, most Macomb County homeowners with tankless units report heat exchanger problems at the 7–10 year mark. A Navien, Rinnai, or Noritz unit with a good water softener and annual service will outlast two tank replacements and pay for itself.
Right-Sizing for Macomb County's Housing Stock
Macomb County's housing stock is dominated by ranch and colonial-style homes built between 1960 and 1990, typically ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 square feet with 3–4 bedrooms and 1.5–2.5 bathrooms. These homes were almost universally built with 40-gallon gas tank water heaters. Many are still running the original undersized unit. Here is how to size correctly for the most common Macomb County home types.
| Home Type | Occupants | Recommended Tank | Tankless GPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small ranch (1,000–1,400 sqft) | 1–2 people | 40-gallon gas or electric | 5–6 GPM |
| Ranch / colonial (1,500–2,000 sqft) | 3–4 people | 50-gallon gas (most common) | 7–8 GPM |
| Colonial (2,000–2,600 sqft, 2+ baths) | 4–5 people | 50–75-gallon gas | 8–10 GPM |
| Larger colonial / new build (2,600+ sqft) | 5+ people | 75-gallon or dual-unit | 10–12 GPM |
First-Hour Rating (FHR) — The Number That Actually Matters
Tank size alone does not tell the full story. The first-hour rating (FHR) tells you how many gallons of hot water a tank can deliver in the first hour of heavy use, starting from a full hot tank. In a Macomb County home where everyone showers in the morning, FHR is the critical spec. A 50-gallon Bradford White Defender with a high-BTU burner may have a 93-gallon FHR — far outperforming a 50-gallon off-brand unit with a 62-gallon FHR. Ask your plumber for the FHR spec sheet on any replacement unit, not just the tank size label.
Repair vs. Replace: How to Decide in Macomb County
Usually Repairable
- • No hot water — pilot light out or faulty thermocouple
- • Lukewarm water only — bad heating element or thermostat
- • Popping or rumbling sounds — sediment flush needed
- • Unit is under 6 years old
- • Small drip from pressure relief valve (valve replacement)
Replace Immediately
- • Leaking from the tank body (not fittings)
- • Rust-colored water at hot taps
- • Unit is 8+ years old in Macomb County (hard water)
- • Heavy hardened scale after flushing — calcite deposits
- • Repeated element or thermostat failures within 12 months
Note the Macomb County-specific threshold: nationally, "10+ years" is the common replace guideline. In Macomb County's hard water, apply that same logic at 8+ years. A 9-year-old tank in Warren or Clinton Township with any recurring issues has exceeded its statistically likely service life for this market.
Water Heater Brands Available Through Michigan Supply Houses
Big-box stores (Home Depot, Lowe's) stock a limited range of brands — primarily Rheem (Home Depot) and AO Smith (Lowe's) — at consumer-grade specifications. Licensed Macomb County plumbers typically source from Michigan plumbing supply houses: Etna Supply, Pontiac Plumbing Supply, and Ferguson Enterprises (Troy branch). These distributors carry commercial-grade product lines not available at retail. Here is what experienced Macomb County plumbers typically spec:
Bradford White
Gas & Electric Tank — Top Pick for Hard Water▾
Bradford White is the most consistently recommended brand among licensed Macomb County plumbers and is widely available through Etna Supply and Pontiac Plumbing Supply. Their Defender Safety System gas units and Vitraglas-lined tanks are engineered for longevity in hard water. The magnesium anode rod and Vitraglas enamel coating provide superior corrosion resistance compared to retail-grade competitors. Bradford White units are not sold at Home Depot or Lowe's — they are only available through licensed contractors, which means the installed unit is a trade-grade product, not a builder-grade box store special.
Available at: Etna Supply, Pontiac Plumbing Supply
A.O. Smith (ProLine Commercial)
Gas & Electric Tank — Strong Parts Availability▾
A.O. Smith's commercial ProLine series (available through Ferguson, Troy) represents a significant step up from the retail Signature series sold at Lowe's. The commercial units feature thicker glass lining, higher BTU options for faster recovery, and better anode rod specs. A.O. Smith has one of the widest parts and warranty service networks in Michigan, making them a solid choice when Bradford White availability is limited. Do not confuse the Lowe's retail line (Signature) with the commercial line a plumber would source.
Available at: Ferguson (Troy), Etna Supply
Navien NPE Series
Tankless Gas — Best for Macomb County (with softener)▾
Navien's NPE-A2 and NPE-S2 series are the most commonly installed tankless units by Macomb County plumbers for high-demand households. The stainless steel heat exchanger resists scale better than copper heat exchangers in hard water environments. Still requires annual descaling and a water softener in Macomb County water. Available through Ferguson Troy and Etna Supply. Navien also manufactures combination boiler/water heater units for homes with hot water baseboard heat — common in Macomb County colonials built in the 1970s.
Available at: Ferguson (Troy), Etna Supply
Rinnai RL / RU Series
Tankless Gas — High-Output, Contractor Preferred▾
Rinnai's RL and RU condensing series are popular among Macomb County plumbers for their high GPM output (up to 11 GPM) and long track record. The RU series is condensing, which increases efficiency but requires a condensate drain. Rinnai maintains strong local distributor relationships in Michigan and has authorized service technicians in Macomb County. Like all tankless, requires water softener in Macomb County hard water for full lifespan achievement.
Available at: Ferguson (Troy), Pontiac Plumbing Supply
Rheem ProTerra (Heat Pump)
Heat Pump Electric — Best for Energy Rebates▾
The Rheem ProTerra Hybrid is the most frequently installed heat pump water heater in Macomb County due to its Consumers Energy rebate eligibility and broad contractor familiarity. The 65-gallon ProTerra qualifies for the full $350 Consumers Energy rebate and the 30% federal tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Installation requires a minimum 700–1,000 cubic feet of conditioned space — works well in finished Macomb County basements (most colonials have these). Does not perform efficiently in an unheated garage or Michigan crawl space.
Available at: Ferguson (Troy), Etna Supply, Pontiac Plumbing Supply
Why supply house matters: Units sourced from Etna Supply or Ferguson carry full manufacturer warranties and are registered under the installing contractor's license. Retail units from Home Depot or Lowe's carry the same brand name but are often manufactured to different specifications (thinner glass liners, lower-grade anode rods, reduced BTU) and may have separate — often shorter — warranty terms for contractor-installed work.
Macomb County Water Heater Pricing
All prices include unit, installation labor, and permit (required in Michigan). Prices sourced from homeowner reviews submitted to RateYourPlumber from Macomb County. For a national breakdown by tank size and fuel type, see our water heater cost guide, or see our plumbing services in Macomb County.
| Type | Macomb County Cost | Rebates Available | Lifespan in Hard Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Tank (40–50 gal) | $900 – $1,800 | DTE up to $100 | 6–9 years |
| Electric Tank (40–50 gal) | $800 – $1,600 | DTE up to $75 | 6–9 years |
| Tankless Gas (Navien, Rinnai) | $2,500 – $5,000 | Federal tax credit available | 12–18 yrs (with annual descaling + softener) |
| Heat Pump Electric (Rheem ProTerra) | $1,800 – $3,500 | Consumers up to $350 + 30% IRA tax credit | 10–15 years |
| Whole-house Water Softener (add-on) | $800 – $2,500 | — | Extends all heater types by 3–5 years |
| Repair Only (avg) | $150 – $600 | — | Depends on unit age |
Permit cost ($75–$150) included in ranges above. Prices reflect Macomb County market 2025–2026.
Michigan Uniform Plumbing Code: What Macomb County Homeowners Must Know
Michigan is one of the stricter states for water heater permitting requirements. Under Act 230 of 1972 (the State Construction Code Act) and the Michigan Uniform Plumbing Code (MUPC), water heater replacement is a permitted activity in all municipalities. Here is what that means for Macomb County homeowners:
Only a Licensed Michigan Plumber Can Pull the Permit
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Michigan law prohibits homeowners from self-permitting water heater replacement. The work must be performed by a licensed plumbing contractor holding a valid Michigan Plumbing Contractor license issued by the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC). Ask for the license number and verify at michigan.gov/lara. Handyman services and unlicensed contractors cannot legally do this work in Macomb County.
Expansion Tanks Are Legally Required on Closed Systems
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Macomb County municipalities with backflow preventers on city water meter connections create a closed plumbing system. Michigan code requires an expansion tank when replacing a water heater on a closed system. This is extremely common in Warren, Sterling Heights, and Clinton Township — virtually all homes connected to municipal water after the mid-1990s have backflow preventers. An expansion tank adds $100–$200 to the job but is not optional. Any licensed plumber doing the job correctly will check for this.
T&P Relief Valve Discharge Must Terminate Correctly
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The temperature and pressure relief valve discharge pipe must terminate to within 6 inches of the floor, or be piped to an appropriate drain — never capped, never directed upward, never reduced in pipe size. This is a life-safety requirement under MUPC. Many homeowner-attempted or unpermitted installations get this wrong. It is one of the first things an inspector checks.
Unpermitted Work Has Real Consequences in Michigan
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Unpermitted water heater work in Macomb County must be disclosed under the Michigan Seller Disclosure Act (MCL 565.957) when you sell your home. It can result in insurance claim denial if the unpermitted unit causes a water damage or fire event. It can trigger a stop-work order and fine if discovered during other permitted work. The permit fee ($75–$150) is negligible against these risks — any plumber who suggests skipping the permit is a liability, not a value.
Gas Line and Flue Requirements
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Switching from a 40-gallon to a 50-gallon or higher-BTU unit may require gas line upsizing. Macomb County inspectors check that the gas supply line diameter is appropriately sized for the BTU input of the new unit. Condensing tankless units require a Category IV stainless steel flue — not compatible with standard B-vent. Direct-vent water heaters (common in Michigan basement installs) must have unobstructed exterior termination per manufacturer specs.
DTE & Consumers Energy Rebates — Use Them
Macomb County is served by both DTE Energy (gas and electric, most of the county) and Consumers Energy (electric, portions of northern and eastern Macomb). Confirm your utility provider on your bill before purchase — rebate programs and amounts differ significantly between the two.
DTE Energy Customers
- • High-efficiency gas water heater: up to $100
- • High-efficiency electric model: up to $75
- • Must be Energy Star certified
- • Must be installed by a licensed contractor
- • Submit rebate at newlook.dteenergy.com/rebates within 90 days of installation
Consumers Energy Customers
- • Heat pump water heater (e.g., Rheem ProTerra): up to $350
- • High-efficiency electric tank: up to $100
- • IRA federal tax credit (30%, up to $600) stacks on top
- • Submit at consumersenergy.com/rebates
- • Rebate amounts subject to change — verify before purchase
IRA Federal Tax Credit: The Inflation Reduction Act provides a 30% federal tax credit (up to $600 per year) for qualified heat pump water heaters installed in your primary residence. This is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit, not a deduction. Consult a tax professional to confirm eligibility. Keep the manufacturer certification statement and your installation receipt.
5 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Macomb Township Plumber
1. Are you licensed in Michigan?
Water heater installation requires a licensed Michigan plumber — specifically a Michigan Plumbing Contractor license. Ask for the license number and verify it at michigan.gov/lara. A Michigan Mechanical license is not sufficient for plumbing work.
2. Will you pull the permit?
All Macomb County municipalities require a permit for water heater replacement under the Michigan Uniform Plumbing Code. A contractor who skips the permit puts you at risk during home sale under Michigan's Seller Disclosure Act and can affect insurance claims. Permit cost should already be included in any legitimate quote.
3. What brand do you typically install, and where do you source it?
Bradford White and commercial-grade A.O. Smith units sourced from Etna Supply, Pontiac Plumbing Supply, or Ferguson (Troy) are what licensed Macomb County plumbers typically specify. A plumber sourcing from Home Depot or Lowe's is installing a retail-grade unit with a different warranty structure than trade-sourced equipment.
4. Will you check and replace the anode rod and expansion tank?
In Macomb County hard water, the anode rod may already be depleted if the tank is 3+ years old. An expansion tank is legally required on closed systems (most Macomb County homes have backflow preventers). If a plumber is not bringing these up, ask directly — these are not optional extras.
5. Do you service what you install?
A local licensed plumber who installs and services is far preferable to a contractor who subcontracts or a big-box store installer who disappears after installation. Warranty claims, annual flush service, and anode rod inspections should all be doable with one call to the same company.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does water heater replacement cost in Macomb County, MI?
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Water heater replacement in Macomb County runs $900–$1,800 for a standard 40–50 gallon gas tank, $800–$1,600 for electric, $2,500–$5,000 for tankless gas, and $1,800–$3,500 for a heat pump unit. Labor averages $300–$600 depending on access and permit requirements. Macomb County (Macomb Township) requires permits for water heater replacement — most licensed plumbers pull these as part of the job.
Does Michigan require a permit for water heater replacement in Macomb County?
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Yes. Under the Michigan Uniform Plumbing Code (Act 230 of 1972, administered by the Bureau of Construction Codes), a plumbing permit is required for water heater replacement in all Michigan municipalities. In Macomb County this applies to Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Macomb Township, and every other municipality. The permit must be pulled by a licensed Michigan plumber — homeowners cannot self-permit water heater work in Michigan. Unpermitted water heater work must be disclosed at resale under the Michigan Seller Disclosure Act and can void homeowner insurance claims.
Why do water heaters fail faster in Macomb County than elsewhere in Michigan?
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Macomb County water hardness runs 120–175 ppm — among the highest in Metro Detroit. The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) delivers Lake Huron water that is naturally high in calcium and magnesium carbonate. Mineral scale coats heating elements and accumulates on tank bottoms, forcing heaters to work harder and fail sooner. Homeowners in Warren, Sterling Heights, and Clinton Township frequently replace water heaters at 6–8 years, compared to the national average of 10–12 years. A whole-house water softener ($800–$2,500 installed) is one of the highest-ROI upgrades for Macomb County homeowners.
Is a heat pump water heater worth it in Macomb County?
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Yes, especially with available rebates. Heat pump water heaters use 3–4x less electricity than standard electric tanks and qualify for Consumers Energy rebates up to $350 plus a 30% federal tax credit (up to $600). At Michigan's electricity rates, most Macomb County homeowners see ROI in 4–6 years. They do require a large space (at least 700–1,000 cubic feet) and don't perform optimally in unheated spaces during Michigan winters — install in a conditioned basement.
What DTE and Consumers Energy rebates are available for Macomb County water heaters?
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DTE Energy offers rebates up to $100 for qualifying high-efficiency gas tank replacements and up to $75 for efficient electric models in their service territory (most of Macomb County). Consumers Energy serves portions of eastern and northern Macomb County and offers up to $350 for heat pump water heaters and up to $100 for high-efficiency electric models. Both programs stack with the 30% federal tax credit on qualified heat pump units under the Inflation Reduction Act. Confirm your utility provider and current program limits before purchase — rebate amounts are updated periodically.
How long do water heaters last in Macomb County with hard water?
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Most Macomb County homeowners get 6–9 years from tank water heaters due to the area's 120–175 ppm water hardness from GLWA Lake Huron supply. Without a water softener, scale accumulates on heating elements, accelerating corrosion. Flushing every 6 months (vs. the standard annual recommendation for softer markets), anode rod inspection every 2–3 years, and a water softener can extend heater life to 10–12 years. Tankless units last 15–20 years but also require periodic descaling — annual in Macomb County's hard water environment.
Tank vs. tankless water heater — which is better for Macomb County?
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For most Warren, Sterling Heights, and Clinton Township homes, a high-efficiency gas tank (50 gallon, Energy Star) offers the best value: lower upfront cost ($900–$1,800 installed), familiar maintenance, and no flow-rate limitations. Tankless units ($2,500–$5,000) make sense for larger families or homes with high simultaneous demand, but the heat exchanger is highly vulnerable to scale buildup in Macomb County's 120–175 ppm hard water — a water softener is strongly recommended before installing tankless. Heat pump units are the best long-term choice for all-electric homes with adequate space and available rebates.
What size water heater do I need for a Macomb County home?
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Macomb County's housing stock is dominated by 1,800–2,400 sq ft ranches and colonials built between 1960 and 1990, typically housing 3–4 people. A 50-gallon gas tank covers most families of 3–5 comfortably. For homes with 5+ occupants or high simultaneous demand (multiple showers, dishwasher, laundry running at once), a 75-gallon tank or a high-output tankless unit rated at 8–10 GPM is appropriate. Smaller 1,200–1,500 sq ft ranches with 2 occupants can use a 40-gallon unit. For tankless, first-hour rating (FHR) matters more than tank size.
What are the Michigan Uniform Plumbing Code requirements for water heater installation?
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Under Michigan's Uniform Plumbing Code (Act 230 of 1972), water heater installation in Macomb County must meet the following: (1) Only a licensed Michigan plumber may pull the plumbing permit. (2) The unit must be installed per manufacturer specs and local amendments. (3) Gas water heaters require a properly sized flue and combustion air supply. (4) A temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve must be installed and discharged to within 6 inches of the floor or to an appropriate drain. (5) Expansion tanks are required on closed-loop systems — extremely common in Macomb County due to backflow preventers on city water lines. (6) All work requires a final inspection by the local building department.
How often should I flush my water heater in Macomb County?
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Given Macomb County's 120–175 ppm hard water from the GLWA Lake Huron system, plumbers in the area recommend flushing every 6 months — twice as often as the 12-month standard for softer markets. Flushing removes calcium carbonate sediment before it hardens into scale on the tank bottom and heating elements. Signs you're overdue: popping or rumbling sounds during heating, longer recovery times, or visible white mineral deposits at fittings. A licensed plumber can perform a flush and anode rod inspection in under an hour.
Sources & References
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What to Check Before Calling a Plumber
A few of these you can safely check yourself in two minutes — and they sometimes save a service call. If none of them fix it, or you see water at the base of the tank, stop and get a licensed plumber out.
Check the breaker or the gas valve
Electric unit: confirm the double-pole breaker for the water heater hasn’t tripped. Gas unit: make sure the gas valve is in the ON position.
Confirm the thermostat setting
It should be set around 120°F. If someone bumped it down, you’ll get lukewarm water that feels like a failure but isn’t.
Look for water around the base of the tank
Any standing water at the bottom is a same-day call — don’t wait it out. A leaking tank body only gets worse, and a basement flood can point to a sump pump issue too.
Gas units: check the pilot light
If it’s out, try relighting it per the instructions printed on the tank label. If it won’t stay lit, that’s a thermocouple or gas-valve job for a pro.
Tankless: write down the error code
Note any code on the display before you call. It tells the plumber whether it’s ignition, scale, venting, or gas supply — and speeds up the fix.
Cities We Cover in Macomb County
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Find a Licensed Water Heater Plumber in Macomb County
Warren · Sterling Heights · Clinton Township · Shelby Township · Macomb Township · Roseville · St. Clair Shores