Reliable Hot Water Heater Repair and Replacement Experts Near Champaign, IL
Is your water heater leaving you with cold showers or running out of hot water too quickly? Whether you need a fast repair, a full replacement, or are considering upgrading to a tankless system, Lanz Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here to help. Since 2002, we’ve been the trusted choice for homeowners in Champaign, Urbana, Mahomet, and surrounding communities.
Our licensed plumbers service and install all major makes and models of water heaters, from traditional tank units to high-efficiency tankless systems. With 24/7 emergency availability and over 2,500 5-star reviews, you can count on us to restore comfort to your home quickly and professionally.
Call us today at 217-394-1380 or contact us online to schedule your water heater service.
Water Heater FAQs
The typical lifespan of a tanked water heater is around 8 to 12 years, depending on factors such as maintenance, water quality, and usage. Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, generally have a longer lifespan, averaging 15 to 20 years. Regular maintenance, including flushing the tank or system, checking and replacing the anode rod in tanked heaters, and ensuring the heating elements are in good condition, can help extend the lifespan of both types of water heaters. Proper care and timely repairs are key to maximizing their longevity.
You should flush your water heater at least once a year to remove sediment buildup and maintain efficiency. In areas with hard water, more frequent flushing, such as every six months, may be necessary. Regular flushing helps prevent sediment from insulating the heating elements, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. It also extends the lifespan of your water heater and ensures a consistent supply of hot water. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for specific maintenance guidelines.
The installation of a new water heater typically takes 2 to 4 hours. The duration can vary based on several factors:
- Type: Tankless water heaters may take longer to install than tank models.
- Complexity: If additional plumbing or electrical work is needed, the time may increase.
- Location: The accessibility of the installation site can impact the time required.
- Preparation: Proper site preparation and removal of the old unit can also affect the installation duration.
When choosing a new water heater for installation, consider the following factors:
- Type: Decide between tankless or tank models based on your needs.
- Size and Capacity: Ensure the capacity matches your household's hot water demands.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for models with high energy efficiency ratings to reduce utility bills.
- Fuel Source: Choose between electric, gas, or solar based on availability and cost.
- Installation Space: Measure the available space to ensure a proper fit.
If your unit is under 10 years old and the problem is minor (like a faulty thermostat or valve), repair may be the best choice. Older units with major leaks or corrosion are usually better replaced.
Yes. We take care of all necessary permits and inspections in Champaign and surrounding municipalities, so you don’t have to worry about paperwork or compliance.
Annual maintenance is the key. Flushing the tank, checking the anode rod, and inspecting connections help extend your unit’s life. Joining our Lanz Comfort Family membership ensures these maintenance items are done on schedule.
Emergency Water Heater Repair in Champaign, IL
When your water heater fails, you don’t have time to wait. At Lanz, we offer 24/7 emergency service to restore hot water fast.
Our technicians respond quickly to handle urgent issues like:
- Complete loss of hot water
- Leaks causing flooding or water damage
- Unusual banging or popping sounds from sediment buildup
- Gas or electrical malfunctions that create safety hazards
With fully stocked service vehicles and years of experience, we can often repair your system on-site. If replacement is the safer or more cost-effective solution, we’ll walk you through your options and install a new unit right away so your home isn’t left without hot water.
Common Water Heater Issues in Champaign Homes
Water heaters in Central Illinois face challenges that can shorten their lifespan or cause sudden breakdowns. Our team often sees:
- Sediment buildup from hard water – Champaign and Urbana homes frequently deal with mineral deposits that collect in the bottom of tanks, reducing efficiency and causing noisy operation.
- Leaking tanks or connections – Aging tanks and corroded fittings are a common problem in older neighborhoods.
- Rust-colored or foul-smelling water – Often caused by a deteriorating anode rod or internal tank corrosion.
- Inconsistent water temperature – Families often notice fluctuating hot water during high demand, especially in multi-bathroom homes.
- Systems past their lifespan – Traditional water heaters typically last 8–12 years, and many Champaign homeowners are now upgrading to tankless for longer-term reliability.
If you notice any of these warning signs, call our experts before a small issue turns into a major water damage problem.
Water Heater Installation and Replacement
A new water heater is a big investment in your home, and we’re here to help you understand your options and make an informed decision. In general, your options are tankless water heaters and traditional water heaters. The advantage of a tankless system is that it provides “on-demand” heating, whereas a traditional system with a tank needs to burn fuel to provide “standby” heat and keep the water in the tank warm.
If you use a lot of hot water, the efficiency of a tankless system can save you money in the long term. However, traditional water heaters with efficient, insulated tanks can mitigate much of the energy loss. Our expert plumbers will assess your home's needs, help you find the right fit, and get it installed with expert care.
Water Heater Service and Repair
Few things are more frustrating than suddenly being without hot water for washing, bathing, and cleaning. At the first sign of trouble with your water heater, you need to get it fixed to avoid a larger future problem. Our plumbing repair technicians will carefully inspect your system, get to the root of the issue, and give you a clear estimate and explanation of what’s required. Our goal is to get the job done correctly the first time, even if it takes longer.
We work this way because we’re absolutely committed to our customers’ comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. The water heater is an essential part of your home, and we take our work seriously so that you can enjoy the comfort of your home without any further issues.
Water Heater Maintenance & the Lanz Comfort Family
Routine maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your water heater and avoid surprise breakdowns. Our annual maintenance services include:
- Flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup
- Inspecting and replacing the anode rod if necessary
- Checking valves, connections, and thermostat function
- Testing safety controls and overall system performance
Want even greater peace of mind? Join the Lanz Comfort Family. Membership includes:
- Twice a year, plumbing and HVAC maintenance visits
- Priority scheduling for emergency repairs
- Discounts on parts and labor
- Added protection for your water heater and home comfort systems
By keeping up with regular maintenance — and taking advantage of our membership program — you’ll enjoy more reliable hot water, lower energy bills, and fewer emergency calls.
Schedule Your Water Heater Service Today
Taking your needs, budget, and hot water usage into account, we’ll help you find the right system for your home. As a Trane Comfort Specialist, we’re handpicked by the manufacturer to sell and install Trane water heaters, and we’ve earned numerous recognitions for our high-quality work.
We’ve been servicing water heaters in Champaign-Urbana and throughout the surrounding communities since 2002, and we’re proud to say that many of our neighbors are enjoying hot water from systems we installed or maintained. At the first sign of an issue with your water heater, contact us online or give us a call at 217-394-1380 or contact us online today.
