Search results often mix boilers and water heaters, but they solve different problems. This guide helps you identify your system, understand common symptoms, and schedule the right service in the Bay Area.
Boiler vs Water Heater (the simplest explanation)
- **Boiler:** heats your home using hot water (hydronic heat) that circulates through radiators, baseboards, or radiant floors. Some boilers also help with domestic hot water depending on the system setup.
- **Water heater:** heats domestic hot water for sinks, showers, dishwashers, and laundry.
How to tell what you have in 60 seconds
1. **Do you have radiators/baseboards/radiant floors?** That points to a boiler for home heating.
2. **Do you have a tank in a closet/garage?** That is usually a water heater.
3. **Do you only have “no hot water,” but your home heat is fine?** Often a water heater issue, not a boiler.
Common symptoms and what they usually mean
Boiler symptoms
- No heat in radiators/baseboards
- Boiler pressure dropping repeatedly
- Short cycling (turning on/off rapidly)
- Leaks near the boiler, relief valve, or expansion tank
Water heater symptoms
- Lukewarm or inconsistent shower temperature
- No hot water at all
- Water around the tank or at fittings
- Pilot light issues (gas) or tripped breaker (electric)
Typical Bay Area cost ranges (what affects price)
Costs depend on access, parts availability, and how urgent the situation is. As a starting point:
- **Water heater repair:** often $200–$800 depending on the failure
- **Water heater replacement:** varies widely based on tank size, venting, and code upgrades
- **Heating diagnostics/repair:** depends on whether it is a boiler, furnace, or heat pump and what parts are required
What to book (so the right tech shows up)
- If you have **no hot water at sinks/showers**, start with /services/plumbing/water-heater/water-heater-repair.
- If you have **no heat** from radiators/baseboards, start with /services/heating-repair.
- If you have **leaking water** or a suspected burst pipe, use /services/plumbing/emergency-plumbing.
Next step
If you are still unsure, call (650) 618-9680 and describe the symptom and what equipment you see (tank, radiators, or a wall unit). We will help you schedule the right visit and reduce delays.