Water Heaters Archives - Kokesh Plumbing

How Do I Know When It’s Time to Replace My Water Heater?

Jan 29, 2026

No one enjoys replacing their home appliances, but in many cases it’s best to do so before you have an emergency situation on your hands. Water heaters are integral to a functioning home, but are often out of sight and out of mind until there’s a problem. So, how do you know whether your water heater is ready for retirement or just in need of a repair? Let’s go through some things to look out for:

Age of the Water Heater

To start, most water heaters last for about 10 years or so. How long your water heater lasts depends on a few factors, including frequency of use, the quality of your home’s water supply, and whether it was installed properly. It’s important to have an idea of how old your water heater is so you can prepare for replacement or repairs. If you’re getting close to, or are past, the ten-year mark, the odds are higher that any issues may be a sign your water heater needs to be replaced.

If you inherited your current water heater and aren’t sure how old it is, you should be able to find out from the manufacturer’s label on the unit, or even your property’s inspection documents. Hopefully, you’ll find an installation date somewhere near the label; if not, you should be able to simply type the serial number into Google and find a pretty close estimate of your water heater’s age.

Need help deciphering the info on your water heater? Give us a call, and we can help figure it out. It may be best to set up a free consultation so we can help diagnose any problems with your water heater!

Water Heating Issues

The most obvious sign that something may be wrong with your water heater? You guessed it! Your water isn’t hot. Or maybe it’s only hot for a short while, then back to ice cold? Or does the water only ever get lukewarm? Issues with water temperature can sometimes be an easy fix, but these issues can also point to something more serious. Causes can include something as simple as an incorrect temperature setting, or something a bit more complicated like a faulty heating element or a corroded anode. The size of your tank and its energy source (electric vs. gas) both make a huge difference on how quickly your hot water replenishes as well, so it’s important you have the correct equipment for your household water needs. A 40-gallon electric water heater may serve a 1-2 person home just fine, but may not be the best option for a family of 5!

Leaking

One of the more concerning issues you can face with your water heater is leaking. Because these appliances are often in basements or in closets, you may not notice leaking for as soon as it starts, so it’s important to keep an eye out, especially if you have an older water heater. Leaking is usually a sign that the water heater will need to be replaced, especially if the tank itself is cracked. You will want to call a plumbing professional as soon as possible after you’ve discovered leaking. The first thing you should do if you notice water around your water heater is to shut off the valve that provides cold water to the tank, and either the gas valve or the electricity source, depending on your unit. Draining the tank is your best next step, or at least catching as much water as possible. Calling a certified plumber quickly is very important to prevent further damage to your home and to get hot water restored as fast as possible.

Found your water heater leaking after hours, or on the weekend? We’ve got you covered! Kokesh Plumbing offers around-the-clock emergency services. Just give us a call at 636-391-1233.

Improper Installation

If you are experiencing issues with your water heater, especially if it’s a newer unit, there’s a chance some of it could be due to improper installation. Many property owners and homeowners want to save money by installing their water heater themselves, but improper installation can lead to costly repairs down the line (pun intended.) Some visual signs of an improperly installed water heater include things like a missing T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve, kinked gas lines, no drain pan installed under the unit, and discolored water. You might also notice performance issues like inconsistent hot water, low water pressure, leaks around connections or the tank, or even strange noises (popping, rumbling) and soot/exhaust smells. If you suspect that your water heater may have been installed incorrectly, we’re happy to provide a water heater consultation free of charge to identify any performance issues and find their root cause.

Next Steps

There can be many issues affecting your water heater’s performance, and we weren’t even able to cover them all in this one article! It may not be time yet for you to replace your water heater, but if you are concerned with your unit’s performance, we would be more than happy to set up a free consultation to find the solution that is best for you. If you are in the market for a new water heater, Kokesh Plumbing specializes in gas water heaters, electric water heaters, tankless water heaters, hybrid/heat pump water heaters, and propane water heaters. We provide your brand new water heater, and our comprehensive installation services also includes obtaining the permit and hauling away your old water heater at no additional cost.

Interested in a consult or an estimate? Give us a call at 636-391-1233, or email us at contact@kokeshplumbing.com.

Click Here to Learn More About Our Water Heater Services

Water Heater Pilot Light Out? How to Relight It | Kokesh

Sep 22, 2025

Have you ever suddenly noticed that you don’t have cold water throughout your home, only to find that your water heater pilot light has gone out? Kokesh Plumbing understands how that feels and would like to offer some steps that you can take to see if you can get your pilot light back up and running.

If your gas pilot light goes out, here’s what to do, starting with making sure that you put safety first:

1. Detect Gas Leaks:

Smell for gas: Natural gas has a distinct “rotten egg” odor. If you smell gas, do not attempt to relight the pilot light.

Turn off the gas supply to the appliance.
Leave the house immediately.
Do not turn on or off any electrical switches, lights, or appliances, as this could create a spark.
Once you are in a safe place, call Spire to get them out to check the gas out in your home.

No gas smell: If you don’t smell gas, you can proceed to try and relight it.

2. Wait 5-10 Minutes:

Even if you don’t smell gas, it’s a good practice to turn the gas control valve to the “OFF” position (if applicable) and wait at least 5 to 10 minutes for any residual gas to dissipate.

3. Locate the Pilot Light and Instructions:

Consult your appliance’s manual: This is the best source for specific instructions on how to relight your particular water heater, or other gas appliance. The instructions are often also affixed to the inside of the burner compartment door.
Find the pilot light: It’s usually a small tube or opening near the main burner.

4. Relighting the Pilot Light (General Steps):

Turn the gas control knob to “PILOT”: This allows a small amount of gas to flow to the pilot light.
Press and hold the reset button (if present): This manually opens the gas valve to the pilot.
Ignite the pilot light: While holding the reset button, use a long lighter or a long match to ignite the pilot. Hold the flame to the pilot opening until you see a steady blue flame.
Continue holding the reset button: Once the pilot is lit, continue to hold the reset button down for 20-60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple (a safety device that senses the pilot flame) to heat up and generate enough electrical current to keep the gas valve open.
Release the reset button: Slowly release the reset button. The pilot light should remain lit. If it goes out, repeat the process.
Turn the gas control knob to “ON”: Once the pilot light is burning steadily, turn the gas control knob to the “ON” position. Your appliance should now be ready to operate normally.
Replace access panels: Secure any panels you removed.

Why Pilot Lights Go Out (and When to Call Kokesh Plumbing):

If your pilot light keeps going out, or you’re unable to relight it, there’s likely an underlying issue that requires professional attention. Common reasons include:

Faulty or dirty thermocouple: This is the most common culprit. A dirty or malfunctioning thermocouple won’t sense the flame, causing the gas valve to close as a safety measure. Kokesh Plumbing can clean or replace it.
Clogged pilot gas tube/orifice: Dirt or debris can restrict the gas flow to the pilot, causing a weak flame that easily extinguishes.
Drafts: Strong air currents or drafts around the appliance can blow out the pilot light. Check for open windows, doors, or issues with your venting.
Faulty gas valve/pilot control: The valve that controls gas flow to the pilot can malfunction.
Gas supply issues: There might be an issue with the gas pressure to your home or appliance. If multiple gas appliances are affected, call Spire.
Condensation: In some cases, water dripping from condensation can extinguish the pilot light.
Air in the gas line: This is less common but can prevent the pilot from staying lit.

When to Call a Kokesh Plumbing:

You smell gas. (Always the top priority!)
The pilot light won’t relight after several attempts.
The pilot light lights but keeps going out.
The flame is weak, flickering, or yellow/orange (a healthy pilot flame should be blue). This can indicate incomplete combustion and potentially carbon monoxide.
You’re unsure or uncomfortable with any step of the relighting process.
Your appliance is old and you suspect a faulty component.

Always prioritize your safety when dealing with gas appliances. If you have any doubts, please give us a call at 636-391-1233, so that one of our licensed plumbers can come out and help you with any gas or pilot issues you may be having!

Schedule Your Plumbing Services Now

Available Federal Tax Credits for 2023

Aug 31, 2023

Everyone here at Kokesh Plumbing loves to save money and we know our customers do as well. That’s why we wanted to highlight the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (25C). Recently expanded under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, this water heater incentive will provide up to $2,000 in tax credits for qualified water heaters as well as credit for electrical upgrades.

Unlike the existing program, the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit has generous annual limits, not lifetime limits, so a homeowner could receive the credit for qualified energy efficient upgrades annually. The expansion will extend the program but now is a great time to upgrade your old water heaters and have Kokesh Plumbing install a more energy efficient product.

Click Here To Learn More About Our Water Heater Services

What will the new water heater guidelines mean for you?

Mar 5, 2015

Effective April 16^th, 2015 the requirements for water heaters are changing. The Department of Energy has updated the energy factor requirements (EF) for all gas, electric, oil, and tankless water heaters making them much more energy efficient. These new requirements could change the price, size, and exhaust systems of all new water heaters.

Tankless water heaters new minimum energy factors (EF) will be set at .82. Luckily most of the newer tankless water heaters already have an energy factor rating of .82 or better. Switching from a tank style water heater to tankless oftentimes requires increased voltage, or new gas piping, and relocation for venting purposes.

For electric water heaters under 50 gallons, which are already very efficient, the most noticeable change will be to the amount of insulation. The added insulation could increase both the height and diameter of the water heaters. For electric water heaters over 55 gallons the only currently viable technology are electric heater pump water heaters. This could mean relocation for height and diameter requirements.

Oil and Gas model water heaters under 50 gallons will now require additional insulation, electric ignition, and/or new flue baffling technology. The overall impact will be seem in larger sizing. Oil and Gas water heaters over 55 gallons will now require high efficiency, fully condensing combustion technology along with additional insulation. This will require increased line voltage, along with possible relocation of water heaters for venting and height requirements.

The biggest impact on consumers will be pricing. While the new water heaters will have a lower operating cost due to increased efficiency. Current projections place a 40% increase on water heater installation as of April 16^th. This price increase is due to many different factors. The price of the water heater itself is going up in some cases over 30%. Many installations that were once a one man job will need two men as water heaters become larger and heavier. Depending on the design many of the new water heaters will now require electricity and condensing water heaters require 120 VAC. Many of the new installations will now require drains in the vicinity and/or condensate pumps. The new water heaters could also require exhaust systems, which will need to be vented through the side wall of the home or through the roof. If a heat pump water heater is installed they generally require a 10’ x 10’ room or ducting to an adjoining room to operate properly. The relocation of new water heaters may need to be done for anyone of these reason but also due to increased noise associated with the blowers, fans, condensers, ect.

Here at J.J. Kokesh and Son we are already working on training our plumbers on the new standards and acquiring all of the new technology needed to install and repair the new water heaters. For further information on the April 16^th changes or to schedule a water heater installation, give us a call at 636-391-1233.

Source: Plumbing Standards Magazine | January/2015

– Megan Kokesh