Hear from Our Customers
When your water heater fails, your morning routine stops. Your dishes pile up. Your family’s comfort disappears.
We get your hot water flowing again—usually the same day you call. No more waiting around for lukewarm water or wondering if that leak will flood your basement. Our trucks carry the parts most repairs need, so you’re back to normal fast.
Twenty-plus years in San Rafael means we’ve seen every water heater problem twice. Tank systems, tankless units, gas, electric—we fix them all. More importantly, we fix them right the first time.
Sugar Bear Home Services has been solving San Rafael’s water heater problems since 2001. We’re not the newest company in town, but that’s exactly why you want us.
Three generations of experience means we’ve learned what works—and what doesn’t. We show up on time, wear shoe covers in your home, and clean up when we’re done. Basic respect that shouldn’t be rare, but somehow is.
We’re Better Business Bureau accredited with full licensing and insurance. We’re the local company that acts professional because we are professional.
First, we actually diagnose the problem. Not the symptom—the real cause. Too many companies guess, patch, and hope. We take time to understand what’s wrong and why.
Next, we explain your options in plain English. Repair versus replace. Different quality levels. What each choice costs and what it gets you. No pressure, no games—just information so you can decide.
Then we do the work right. Our trucks stock common parts for same-day fixes. If we need to order something, we tell you upfront. Most repairs finish the same day we start them.
Finally, we test everything and clean up. Your water heater works, your space is clean, and you know exactly what we did and why.
Ready to get started?
San Rafael’s water quality creates specific challenges. Sediment builds up faster here, especially in older tank systems. That mineral buildup kills efficiency and shortens lifespan if you don’t address it.
Tankless systems are popular in our area—and for good reason. They save space, use less energy, and provide unlimited hot water. But they need different expertise when they break down. We service all major brands: Navien, Rinnai, Rheem, AO Smith, and more.
Whether you’re dealing with a leaking tank, failed heating elements, or error codes on your tankless unit, we have the tools and knowledge to fix it properly. Most San Rafael water heater repairs stem from five core issues: age, water pressure, mineral buildup, poor installation, or lack of maintenance. We address the root cause, not just the visible problem.
Most water heater repairs in San Rafael range from $128 to $400, depending on the problem and parts needed. Simple fixes like replacing a thermostat or heating element typically cost less. More complex issues like tank leaks or gas valve problems cost more.
We provide upfront pricing before starting any work. Our trucks stock common repair parts, so many jobs finish the same day without markup delays. If your water heater is over 8-10 years old and needs expensive repairs, replacement might make more financial sense.
Age matters because newer, energy-efficient models often pay for themselves through lower utility bills. We’ll explain your options honestly—repair or replace—and let you decide what makes sense for your situation and budget.
The most obvious sign is no hot water or water that doesn’t get hot enough. But other warning signs appear first: strange noises, rusty or discolored water, water pooling around the unit, or higher than normal utility bills.
In San Rafael, sediment buildup happens faster due to our local water quality. You’ll hear popping or rumbling sounds as your system works harder to heat through mineral deposits. This reduces efficiency and can cause premature failure if ignored.
Leaks start small but get worse. Even minor dripping can indicate failing internal components or loose connections. Don’t wait for a major leak—it’s easier and cheaper to fix problems early than deal with water damage later.
Yes, we specialize in tankless water heater repair for all major brands including Navien, Rinnai, Noritz, and Rheem. Tankless systems are popular in San Rafael but require different diagnostic skills than traditional tank units.
Common tankless problems include error codes, mineral buildup in heat exchangers, venting issues, and sensor failures. These units are more complex than tank systems, so proper diagnosis matters more. We use manufacturer-specific tools and procedures to identify problems accurately.
Many tankless repairs involve flushing mineral deposits or replacing sensors. Our technicians carry common tankless parts and have the training to service these systems correctly. We also provide annual maintenance to prevent problems and keep your warranty valid.
Most water heater repairs finish the same day you call, often within a few hours. Our trucks stock common parts for both tank and tankless systems, so we don’t need to make multiple trips for typical problems.
Emergency situations get priority scheduling. If you have no hot water, we understand that’s not something you can wait days to fix. We offer same-day service for urgent repairs and typically arrive within our scheduled window.
Some repairs require special-order parts, especially for older or uncommon models. In those cases, we’ll explain the timeline upfront and can often provide temporary solutions while parts arrive. We don’t leave you without hot water if there’s any reasonable way to avoid it.
Age is the biggest factor in this decision. If your water heater is over 8-10 years old and needs significant repairs, replacement often makes more financial sense. Newer models are more energy-efficient and reliable than older units.
Consider the repair cost versus replacement cost. If repairs exceed half the price of a new unit, replacement usually wins. But don’t forget efficiency improvements—newer water heaters can cut your utility bills significantly over time.
Location matters too. If your current unit is hard to access or doesn’t meet current codes, replacement might be required anyway. We’ll assess your specific situation and give you honest recommendations based on your needs, not our profit margins.
We repair and service all major water heater brands including Rheem, AO Smith, Bradford White, State, Ruud, Navien, Rinnai, and many others. Our technicians carry diagnostic tools and common parts for most manufacturers.
Twenty-plus years in business means we’ve worked on virtually every brand and model available in San Rafael. Older or discontinued models sometimes require special-order parts, but we can usually find what’s needed.
For warranty work, we follow manufacturer procedures exactly. We’re certified with several major brands, which means we can perform warranty repairs without voiding your coverage. Whether it’s a basic tank system or advanced tankless unit, we have the expertise to service it properly.
Local Resources
Useful Links
Other Services we provide in San Rafael
