No hot water at all
Check the breaker. Then the red high-limit reset button behind the upper panel. If it trips again, the plumber needs to find out why.
Electric water heater repair and replacement
Electric Water Heater San Antonio
Electric tank not heating, tripping the breaker or leaking? An experienced local plumber can repair it or replace it with the right size.
Call (726) 268-4856- 40 to 80 gallon tanks
- Element and thermostat repair
- No obligation to hire
Last updated November 8, 2026
Popular size
50 Gallon Electric Water Heater
At a glance
- A 50 gallon electric water heater suits most 3 to 4 person households.
- Electric tanks use two heating elements, each with its own thermostat.
- No venting or gas line is needed, only a correctly sized 240-volt circuit.
- Call (726) 268-4856 to be connected with an independent local plumber.
A 50 gallon electric water heater is the most common electric size for families in San Antonio. Electric tanks reheat more slowly than gas, so households usually choose one size larger than they would with gas.
An electric water heater heats water with an upper and a lower element, controlled by two thermostats. There is no flame or vent, which makes electric tanks simple to install in closets and garages.
We connect you with an independent plumber who repairs and replaces electric water heaters in your area.
Other sizes
40 Gallon Electric Water Heater and 30 Gallon Electric Water Heater Sizes
Smaller households and tight spaces often use a smaller tank.
| Size | Typical household | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30 gallon electric | 1 person, or a casita | Short and tall versions available |
| 40 gallon electric | 1 to 2 people | Fits most closets |
| 50 gallon electric | 3 to 4 people | The most common family size |
| 65 to 80 gallon electric | 5 or more people | Check floor space and circuit size |
Troubleshooting
Electric Water Heater Not Heating?
An electric water heater not heating usually comes down to power, the reset button, an element or a thermostat.
Lukewarm water that runs out fast
Usually a failed lower element or its thermostat. Sediment around the lower element speeds up failure in hard water.
Water too hot
A stuck thermostat. This is a safety issue; turn the power off and call a plumber.
Repairs
Electric Water Heater Repair
Electric water heater repair most often means element replacement or thermostat replacement. Both are common, low-part repairs once a plumber confirms which part failed with a meter. A leaking tank, however, needs replacement. See the repair page for other symptoms.
Electric tank not heating? Call a local plumber.
Call (726) 268-4856Brands
Rheem Electric Water Heater and GE Models
Rheem electric water heater
Widely stocked, with standard and high-efficiency electric tanks and hybrid models.
GE electric water heater
Common in home-center installs; parts are generally available.
A.O. Smith, State and Bradford White
Plumber-supply brands with standard electric and heat pump lines.
Quotes
What Affects Electric Water Heater Price?
Electric water heater price depends on capacity, efficiency rating, brand and installation work, such as a new drain pan, expansion tank, circuit upgrade or attic access. Each contractor quotes their own work. A heat pump water heater costs more upfront but uses much less electricity.
Homeowner questions
Electric Water Heater FAQs
How long does an electric water heater last?
Commonly about 10 to 15 years. Element failures are common in hard water but are repairable.
Why does my electric water heater keep tripping the breaker?
A shorted element, damaged wiring or a failing thermostat. Do not keep resetting it; have a plumber test the unit.
Should I replace an electric water heater with a heat pump model?
If you have the space and a warm garage, a heat pump water heater can cut electric use substantially. It needs airflow and a condensate drain.
Do you install electric water heaters?
We are a free referral service. We connect you with an independent local plumber who supplies and installs the unit.
Get Connected With a Local Plumber
Tell us the size and age of your electric water heater and what it is doing. We will connect you with an independent local plumber. No obligation to hire.