Water Heater Repair

Fix my cold shower without the huge markup.

You deserve a hot shower without feeling like you have been taken advantage of by a high-pressure sales tactic. While some franchises in the metro area push for total replacements at the first sign of trouble, we focus on honest diagnostics that prioritize your budget. Industry data shows that a well-maintained water heater can last up to 15 years, yet many are discarded years early due to aggressive sales quotas. Whether you are in a historic home near Drake University or a newer build in Waukee, we provide transparent pricing to restore your comfort. Most common repairs, like replacing a heating element or a thermocouple, are significantly more affordable than a full water heater replacement. We believe in keeping your current system running safely as long as it is cost-effective for you as part of our complete hot water system services.

No more sediment popping sounds in the tank.

That annoying popping or knocking sound is actually steam bubbles trapped under layers of mineral buildup at the bottom of your tank. Because Des Moines Water Works reports that our local water is moderately hard, limestone sediment is a common culprit that forces your heater to work much harder. This buildup acts as an insulator, making your unit less efficient and potentially shortening its lifespan from 12 years down to just 6 or 7. We perform deep-system flushes to clear out that “crust” and protect your heating elements from burning out. Taking care of this now ensures your system runs quietly through the long Iowa winters. It also prevents your utility bills from spiking, as the Department of Energy notes that sediment-heavy tanks can use up to 15% more energy.

I need a local plumber who actually shows up.

There is nothing more frustrating than taking time off work only to have a technician ghost you. Being a local fixture for 40 years means we treat our neighbors in Ankeny, Urbandale, and West Des Moines with the respect they deserve. We take pride in our punctuality and our “Red Carpet” policy, ensuring we arrive on time and leave your home spotless. We have built our reputation on being the team that picks up the phone and follows through on every promise. When you book with us, you are getting a dedicated professional who knows the local plumbing codes and actually values your time as much as you do. Whether you are near Gray’s Lake or out in the suburbs, you can count on us to show up and get the job done right.

Schedule Service

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Urgency

*Expect a call within an hour during business hours or before 10:00 AM the next business day.

Hours

 Day Hours
Monday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday Emergency Services Available
Sunday Emergency Services Available

Excellence You Can Count On

We are incredibly proud of the reputation we’ve earned, and we let the honest feedback from our valued local clients speak for the quality of our work.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Suzy Collings profile picture 
 
 
 Suzy Collings 
 
 
 
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After reaching out to several large name companies and getting large name prices, my Mom recommended Richardson Plumbing and I am so thankful for that! He talked me through several “at home solutions “ on the phone to avoid having to pay a service fee and has even checked back in with me to make sure my plumbing situation is still going well. He is the true definition of small business. Definitely recommend!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 AJ Dedic 
 
 
 
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The most honest, ethical, and genuine person I have ever met. Highly recommend!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 pete slusinski 
 
 
 
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I have used Richardson plumbing for a number of things over the years.   New water heater, replacement of a spigot on the back of the house, also replacement of some shower plumbing and faucet in a bathroom.   John continues to be awesome.   He is always tranparent with what the work entails and what it will cost.   And he always leaves the work area clean when he leaves.   Richardson is my go to.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Cole Klever 
 
 
 
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John is very experienced and took the time to show and explain to me how to maintenance my water heater to extend its life. He was able to show up the next day and did an amazing job. If you are looking for a plumber please consider Richardson Plumbing. Of the 10 other plumbers I've called for quotes or worked with in the past, John is by far the most knowledgeable, friendly, efficient and transparent about pricing. You can tell he cares about his work and that's important.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Justin Krogman 
 
 
 
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John cares about his craft and the work he does is proof.  Highly recommend.  John will be my go-to for all my plumbing needs in the future.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Kasim Husejnovic 
 
 
 
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Water heater issue. John discovered that there was a venting problem. Got it fixed. Finally we have a hot water again! Highly recommended!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Randy Ward 
 
 
 
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Fast and. Efficient
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Brian Martin 
 
 
 
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Was at our home promptly on a Saturday - Christmas Eve, even. He was professional and courteous even as our reported "burst pipe" slowly revealed itself to be 4 burst pipes.  Even stuck around to help thaw the other pipes nearby to make sure we wouldn't need them fixed, too!  His price was extremely fair.  Highly, highly recommended!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Google rating score: 4.7 of 5, based on 58 reviews

FAQ : Water Heater Repair

Quick answers to common questions about our services in Des Moines.

Why does every company quote $3,000 for a simple repair?

It feels like a shock when a small leak turns into a massive quote, but this usually happens because some franchises prioritize high-volume replacements over skilled troubleshooting.

While a full installation in the Des Moines metro can certainly reach those numbers, many common issues like a faulty pressure relief valve or a bad heating element should only cost a fraction of that. We focus on honest diagnostics that respect your budget, often saving our neighbors in West Des Moines hundreds by simply fixing what is actually broken rather than trying to sell you a whole new system.

Can you fix my pilot light without a total replacement?

In most cases, yes, a pilot light that will not stay lit is a simple fix rather than a reason to scrap your entire unit. This is often caused by a worn-out thermocouple or a dirty pilot orifice, which are inexpensive parts to replace.

We see this frequently in older homes near Drake University or the East Village where systems have plenty of life left but just need a professional tune-up. Our technicians lead with repairs first, ensuring your gas system is safe and reliable without pushing for an unneeded $1,500 upgrade.

Do I need a sump pump in my Des Moines home?

Many homes in Des Moines benefit from having a sump pump, especially properties with basements or areas that experience heavy rain and snowmelt.

A sump pump helps remove groundwater that collects around the foundation and directs it safely away from the home.

This system plays an important role in preventing basement flooding and protecting the home from water damage during storms.

Is it just a bad thermostat or a cracked tank?

Determining if you need a quick part swap or a new tank depends entirely on where the water is coming from. If you have lukewarm water but a bone-dry floor, you likely just have a bad thermostat or heating element, which is a straightforward, affordable fix.

However, if you see water pooling around the base or leaking from the tank body, the internal lining has likely failed. While we love a good repair, once a tank is structurally compromised, a replacement is the only way to protect your Waukee or Urbandale home from a major flood.

How much will a service call actually cost today?

We believe in transparent pricing that does not leave you guessing when the bill arrives. A standard professional service call in the Greater Des Moines area typically ranges from $75 to $150, which covers the expert diagnostic time to find the root of your hot water trouble.

We always provide a clear, upfront quote for the actual repair before we start any work, so there are no surprises. Whether you are out by Jordan Creek or right in the heart of the city, you get dependable service and fair rates from a team that has been part of this community for 40 years.