Licensed master plumber since 2002

Water Heater Repair in Fort Smith & Van Buren, AR

Water heater repair gets your hot water back, whether you have a tank or tankless unit, gas or electric. Glenn is a licensed master plumber (#5822) who has repaired and replaced water heaters in Fort Smith, Van Buren, and the Arkansas River Valley since 2002. We will tell you honestly whether yours is worth fixing or ready to replace.

Last updated November 5, 2026

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Licensed Master Plumber #5822
Certified Backflow Tester #ATT-1102
Insured & Bonded
Serving the River Valley Since 2002

Navien tankless water heater with a digital display and copper gas connections — Tankless water heater installation

What Is Included in Water Heater Service

Tank water heater repair: thermostats, heating elements on electric units, gas valves, pilot and ignition problems, and leaking valves or fittings.
Tankless water heater repair: error codes, ignition problems, and units that cannot keep up with demand. We have installed and serviced Navien tankless units, among others.
Water heater replacement: tank or tankless, gas or electric, sized for your household.
Replacing temperature and pressure relief valves, shutoff valves, and water connections.
Gas connections and venting checked so the new heater runs safely.
A clean work area when we are done.

Thinking about switching from a tank to tankless? We will talk through whether it makes sense for your home and what would need to change. Our tankless vs. tank guide covers the basics.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

Many water heater problems are worth fixing. A bad thermostat, a burned-out element, or a pilot that will not stay lit is usually a reasonable repair on a heater that is otherwise in good shape.

Replacement is the better call when the tank itself is leaking, because a leaking tank cannot be patched. Age matters too. Tank water heaters often last around 8 to 12 years, depending on the water and how they were maintained. If yours is in that range and needs a major part, we will lay out both options so you can decide.

Signs You Need Water Heater Repair

No hot water, or hot water that runs out much faster than it used to.
Water pooling around the base of the tank.
Rusty or discolored hot water.
Rumbling, popping, or banging from the tank.
The pilot light will not stay lit on a gas heater.
Your tankless unit shows an error code or shuts off in the middle of a shower.
The relief valve is dripping or discharging water.

Water Heater Service for Homes and Businesses

At home, we work on the water heaters you will find in River Valley garages, closets, and attics: standard gas and electric tanks from brands like A.O. Smith and Bradford White, plus tankless units.

For businesses, hot water is not optional. Restaurants, churches, offices, and retail restrooms all depend on it. We repair and replace commercial-use water heaters and recirculation setups, and we will work with you to keep downtime short.

Why Choose Arkansas Backflow & Plumbing

When you call about water heater repair, you talk with Glenn, the licensed master plumber who will do the work. He has served Fort Smith, Van Buren, and the River Valley since 2002, and he follows through from the first call to the cleanup.

Licensed master plumber with more than 20 years of experience.
Certified for both backflow testing and backflow repair, so one call covers both.
Licensed, insured, and bonded.
Locally owned and based in Van Buren since 2002.
We clean up when we are done.

Water Heater Repair Photos from Recent Jobs

Real photos from our own jobs. See more in the project gallery.

Gas water heater installation
Tankless water heater service
Water heater and furnace utility setup

What Customers Say About Glenn

Glenn offered prompt service and fixed my plumbing issue quickly.
from a Google review
I've used Glenn multiple times over the years for all my service plumbing needs.
from a Google review
Glen is thorough in his communication, easy to work with and talk to!
from a Google review

Read customer reviews

Areas We Serve for Water Heater Repair

We are based in Van Buren and serve homes and businesses across the Arkansas River Valley. We also travel to Northwest Arkansas, including Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville, for plumbing and backflow work.

See every area we serve in the River Valley

Water Heater Repair Questions

Do you work on tankless water heaters?

Yes. We repair and replace tankless water heaters, gas and electric, along with standard tank models. We have installed and serviced Navien tankless units, among others. If your tankless heater shows an error code, runs out of hot water, or is not keeping up with your household, call or text and we will help you figure out the next step.

My water heater is leaking. What should I do?

Turn off the cold water supply valve on top of the heater. For a gas heater, turn the gas control to off or pilot. For an electric heater, switch off its breaker. Then call or text us. If the tank itself is leaking, it will need to be replaced. If a valve or fitting is leaking, it can often be repaired.

How long does a water heater last?

Tank water heaters often last around 8 to 12 years, and tankless units usually last longer with proper care. Hard water, sediment, and skipped maintenance shorten that. If your heater is getting older and starting to act up, we will check it and tell you honestly whether a repair is worth it.

Should I choose a gas or electric water heater?

Most people stay with what the house already has, because switching means running new gas lines, venting, or electrical circuits. Gas heaters usually recover faster. Electric heaters are simpler to install where there is no gas service. We will look at your setup and help you pick what fits.

Talk to the plumber, not a call center

Call or Text Glenn at (479) 719-1263

Tell us what is going on, and we will help you figure out the next step. You will talk with Glenn, the licensed master plumber who does the work.