WATER HEATER SERVICES
Water Heater Repair in Portland & Southern Maine
Tank & Tankless Service · Fast Diagnostics · All Fuel Types
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- Licensed & insured
- Since 2019
Efficiency Maine Registered Vendor- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
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Our Approach to Water Heater Repair
How a Tank Water Heater Works
- Cold inlet — the dip tube carries it to the tank bottom
- Burner — heats water at the bottom of the tank
- Anode rod — sacrificial rod that fights corrosion
- T&P valve — releases pressure if it builds too high
- Hot outlet — draws the hottest water from the top
No hot water is never convenient. Aces Highlands diagnoses and repairs water heater issues quickly and accurately — getting your hot water back on as fast as possible.
Common water heater problems include no hot water, inconsistent temperatures, strange noises, leaking, pilot light issues, and error codes on tankless units. Our technicians can quickly identify the problem and recommend the most cost-effective solution. If your water heater is leaking, our leak repair specialists can address any water damage at the same time.
We repair both tank and tankless water heaters from all major manufacturers. Common repairs include thermocouple replacement, heating element replacement, thermostat repair, anode rod replacement, and descaling for tankless units.
If your water heater is leaking from the tank or the cost of repair exceeds half the price of replacement, we will be honest about recommending a new unit — whether that is a traditional tank or a tankless system. We help you weigh the options without pressure.
No Hot Water? Check These Things First
Before you call anyone, a two-minute check can save you a service visit. Electric heater: look for a tripped breaker in your panel, and check the high-limit reset button under the upper access panel. Gas or propane heater: confirm the gas valve is on and the pilot or ignition status light is behaving normally. Tankless unit: note any error code on the display — it tells us exactly where to start. If hot water is merely lukewarm or runs out fast, a failed heating element, a stuck dip tube, or heavy sediment are the usual suspects.
If those checks do not bring the hot water back, call us at (207) 670-8616. We arrive with the common failure parts for major brands on the truck, so most repairs are finished in a single visit.
Repair or Replace? How We Make the Call
The decision comes down to three things: where the leak or failure is, the age of the unit, and the repair cost. Water coming from the tank body itself means internal corrosion — no repair fixes that, and replacement is the only honest recommendation. Water at a fitting, valve, or element gasket is usually a simple, inexpensive repair. On age: a $300 repair on a 4-year-old heater is obviously worth it; the same repair on an 11-year-old tank is money spent on borrowed time, and we will say so.
Because Aces Highlands is a locally owned company — not a franchise with replacement quotas — our technicians have zero incentive to condemn a repairable unit. We show you what failed, price both paths when both are viable, and let you choose. That is how we turn a one-time repair call into a customer for life.
Efficiency Maine
Rebates & Guidance
- Recommendation
A failing tank is worth comparing against a heat pump water heater
If your tank is old enough that repair is a stopgap, ask us to price a heat pump water heater alongside a straight replacement — the $1,150 Efficiency Maine discount narrows the gap more than most homeowners expect.
Source: Efficiency Maine
Program details as of Sep 26, 2026. Rebate amounts and eligibility change; confirm current terms at efficiencymaine.com.
Homeowner Guide
No Hot Water? Here's What We Check, in Order
"No hot water" and "not enough hot water" point at different problems, and knowing which one you have helps narrow it down before we even arrive.
No Hot Water at All
On a gas or oil unit, this usually means a pilot or ignition failure, or a thermocouple that's stopped signaling the gas valve to stay open. On an electric unit, it's most often a tripped high-limit switch or a failed heating element — electric tanks have two elements, so one failing can sometimes still leave lukewarm rather than fully cold water, depending on which one goes.
Hot Water Runs Out Faster Than It Used To
This is frequently sediment buildup on the tank bottom, which reduces the effective heating capacity and insulates the burner or lower element from the water above it. It can also mean a failing lower heating element on an electric tank, or simply a household's hot water demand has grown past what the tank was ever sized for.
Rumbling, Rust-Colored Water, or a Rotten-Egg Smell
- Rumbling or popping — sediment hardening on the tank bottom, worth flushing before it gets worse.
- Rust-colored hot water — often a sign of internal tank corrosion once the anode rod is consumed.
- Rotten-egg smell from hot water only — a reaction between the anode rod and sulfur bacteria in the water supply, usually solvable without full tank replacement.
Rheem and Ruud — Robertshaw Gas Control
Rheem and its sibling brand Ruud both use a Robertshaw gas control on their Guardian PowerVent water heaters, which reports status through two flashing LEDs — a primary and a secondary pattern.
| Primary / secondary flash | Condition | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Slow blink / none | Stand-by | Normal — water is hot and the unit is waiting |
| Fast blink / none | Call for heat | Normal — the blower should be running |
| Solid ON / none | Internal control failure or miswiring | A fault in the valve's electronics, or a disconnected thermistor/ECO |
| 1 flash / 1 flash | Ignition failure | No flame detected after three attempts — check gas supply, gas pressure, and spark at the igniter |
| 2 flashes / 1 flash | Flammable vapors detected | The vapor sensor tripped — needs a professional, never bypass this sensor |
| 3 flashes / 1 flash | Vacuum switch fails to open | A venting-related safety switch is stuck closed |
| 3 flashes / 3 flashes | Vacuum switch fails to close | Often blocked or restricted venting |
| 4 flashes / 1 flash | Line/neutral polarity failure | Reversed polarity at the outlet or power connection |
| 4 flashes / 2 flashes | ECO (over-temperature) failure | Water exceeded the safety limit and the one-time cutoff tripped |
| 4 flashes / 3 flashes | False flame detected | The control senses flame with the gas valve off |
| 5 flashes | Vacation mode | Not a fault — the thermostat dial is at its lowest setting |
Rheem and Ruud — White Rodgers Intelli-Vent
Some Guardian PowerVent units use a White Rodgers Intelli-Vent control instead, which reports a numbered error rather than a flash-pattern pair.
| Error | Condition | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Error 1 | Open earth ground | The water heater's grounding connection is open or disconnected |
| Error 2 | Wiring fault | Self-diagnostic found a wiring error or high resistance to ground |
| Error 3 | Pressure switch stuck closed | Didn't open within 5 seconds of a call for heat |
| Error 4 | Pressure switch stuck open | Often disconnected tubing or blocked venting |
| Error 5 | Igniter circuit fault | Igniter resistance out of range, or a loose wiring harness |
| Error 6 | Ignition lockout | Maximum retries reached with no flame confirmed — gas supply, flame sensor position, and combustion air are the usual causes |
| Error 7 | Gas valve driver fault | Internal self-diagnostic failure in the gas valve circuit |
| Error 10 | Flame signal out of sequence | Flame was sensed when it should not have been |
| Error 11 | High-temperature cutoff (ECO) tripped | Water exceeded roughly 195°F; a one-time-use safety device |
| Error 14 | Water temperature sensor fault | Sensor circuit is open or shorted |
| Error 15 | Flammable vapors detected | Permanent lockout from the vapor sensor; needs a professional reset |
Bradford White — Electronic Gas Control (FVIR Models)
Bradford White's flammable-vapor-resistant (FVIR) models run a White Rodgers electronic gas control with its own LED flash pattern.
| LED pattern | Control status | Probable cause |
|---|---|---|
| LED off | Control is off, burner off | Gas valve isn't powered — light the pilot |
| 1 flash every 4 seconds | Pilot lit, main burner off | Normal — waiting for a call for heat, or the thermostat is satisfied |
| 1 flash every second | Main burner lit | Normal operating heat cycle |
| Solid ON | Control in shutdown | Setpoint knob was recently turned off; wait for the LED to go out before relighting |
| 2 flashes, 3-second pause | Low thermopile voltage | Loose thermopile connection or a weak pilot flame |
| 4 flashes, 3-second pause | Temperature cutout reached | Water got too hot; verify control operation and reduce the setpoint |
| 5 flashes, 3-second pause | Electronics, sensor, or valve fault | Check that all connections are tight; the control needs replacement if it persists |
Bradford White — ICON System
Bradford White's ICON System V1 gas control uses a longer flash sequence with more distinct fault states.
| LED pattern | Control status | Probable cause |
|---|---|---|
| LED off | Pilot not lit | Gas control isn't powered — light the pilot |
| 1 flash, 3-second pause | Normal operation | Waiting for the setpoint knob, or the water heater is satisfied |
| Solid ON | Control in shutdown | Setpoint knob was recently turned off; wait for the LED to go out |
| 2 flashes, 3-second pause | Weak pilot signal | Thermopile failure, unstable pilot, or a blocked pilot tube |
| 3 flashes, 3-second pause | Insufficient water heating | Thermal sensor out of calibration, or a faulty gas control |
| 4 flashes, 3-second pause | Excessive tank temperature | Temperature sensor out of calibration, or a faulty gas control |
| 5 flashes, 3-second pause | Temperature sensor fault | Sensor damaged, out of range, or unplugged |
| 6 flashes, 3-second pause | Water leak detected | The accessory leak-detection module found water in the drain pan; check the T&P valve and all fittings |
| 7 flashes, 3-second pause | Gas control electronic fault | Reset the control; replace it if the fault persists |
| 8 flashes, 3-second pause | Standing pilot remains on with setpoint at OFF | Pilot valve stuck open — the gas control needs replacement |
A.O. Smith and State
No printed status-light chart exists for A.O. Smith or its sibling brand State — instead, a QR code on the rating plate pulls up whatever documentation actually matches that unit's model and serial number, manual included. It's slower than flipping to a page in a manual, but it also means we're never troubleshooting off a generic table that might not apply to the specific control revision sitting in front of us. We scan the plate first, every time, on either brand.
Sources: ENERGY STAR — When Should You Replace Your Water Heater · Bradford White — Homeowner FAQs · Rheem/Ruud Technical Service Bulletin 1619 — Guardian PowerVent Flash Codes for Robertshaw Controls · Rheem/Ruud Technical Service Bulletin 1621 — White Rodgers Intelli-Vent Guardian PowerVent Control · A.O. Smith (hotwater.com) — Product Documentation Library
Brand names and logos are trademarks of their respective owners, shown only to identify the equipment discussed. Aces Highlands is an independent contractor and is not affiliated with or endorsed by these manufacturers.
Local & Independent — Not a Franchise
Aces Highlands is a locally owned Portland, Maine company — not a national franchise. Our technicians are not commissioned salespeople and nobody here is required to upsell you anything. We do the work you called us for, do it right, and earn the next call. That is the whole business model.
More Water Heaters Services
What does Water Heater Repair cost in Maine?
$150–$700
A thermocouple, element, thermostat, or T&P valve sits at the low end; gas valves, power-vent blowers, and anode replacement run higher, and on a tank past ten years we will tell you when replacement is the better spend.
Every job starts with a free, no-obligation estimate — you get the exact price before any work begins.
Why homeowners choose Aces Highlands
We show up when we say
We show up on time, as promised, and complete the work with clean professionalism.
Pricing upfront, before work starts
Honest diagnostics and a clear price before any work begins — no surprises on the invoice.
Done right the first time
HVAC, plumbing and electrical done right the first time — backed by our workmanship guarantee and 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Locally owned in Portland, Maine · Serving Greater Portland and Southern Maine since 2019
Google reviews
What Water Heaters customers say
Nichole A
a year ago
Highly recommend! Cannot thank them enough for fixing my water heater. Elijah is very reliable and communicative. No hassle, no phone tag, transparent with cost and quick to repair the issue. I know who to call if I need help again!
Ruth Kirkwood
3 months ago
This company is excellent. They quickly and efficiently repaired the kitchen faucet that was loose.
Ryan Eling
3 months ago
This team was called in by my property management company for where I rent. Elijah and his team were professional, clear speaking. Good communicators gave me the real deal. Didn't give any runaround. I trust them and want to use them for my own projects.
Christian van Loenen
4 months ago
Beyond impressed with Elijah and his team. Professional, communicative, and do great work. HIGHLY recommend. Thank you, Elijah!
John Walton
5 months ago
I've had three HVAC issues over the past two years. Each time I call, Elija or the office picks up the phone, and my problem is fixed in 24 hrs. Their solutions always feel correct and honest. I cannot recommend them more.
Adam Ayan
10 months ago
Elijah and Highlands Heating & AC were super helpful! Boiler failed over the weekend and Elijah was very responsive and helpful, getting us up and running right away. I would recommend him at HH&AC highly!
Water Heater Repair FAQs
Why do I suddenly have no hot water?
On electric units it is most often a tripped breaker, failed heating element, or the high-limit switch; on gas units, a pilot or ignition problem or a failed thermocouple; on tankless units, an error code from scale buildup or a flow sensor. Most of these are quick, affordable repairs.
My water heater is leaking — can it be fixed?
It depends where the water is coming from. Leaks at valves, fittings, or element gaskets are usually repairable. Water seeping from the tank body itself means the inner tank has corroded through, and replacement is the only fix. We will show you exactly which one you have.
Why does my pilot light keep going out?
The most common cause is a worn thermocouple — the safety sensor that holds the gas valve open — which is an inexpensive replacement. Draft problems, a dirty pilot orifice, or a failing gas control valve can also be responsible. It is a fast diagnosis for our technicians.
Why is my hot water rusty or smelly?
Rusty hot water usually means the anode rod is spent and the tank has begun corroding inside; a rotten-egg smell is typically bacteria reacting with the anode rod. An anode replacement and flush often solves it — but rust from an older tank can signal it is nearing the end.
Do you service tankless water heaters too?
Yes — we diagnose error codes, descale heat exchangers, replace flow sensors and igniters, and service all major tankless brands, whether or not we installed the unit.
Water Heater Repair Near You
Aces Highlands provides water heater repair across Greater Portland and Southern Maine. Find your community below.
Water Heater Repair in PortlandWater Heater Repair in South PortlandWater Heater Repair in ScarboroughWater Heater Repair in WestbrookWater Heater Repair in GorhamWater Heater Repair in FalmouthWater Heater Repair in Cape ElizabethWater Heater Repair in CumberlandWater Heater Repair in WindhamWater Heater Repair in StandishWater Heater Repair in GrayWater Heater Repair in New GloucesterWater Heater Repair in RaymondWater Heater Repair in North YarmouthWater Heater Repair in YarmouthWater Heater Repair in FreeportWater Heater Repair in PownalWater Heater Repair in BridgtonWater Heater Repair in BrunswickWater Heater Repair in HarpswellWater Heater Repair in AugustaWater Heater Repair in WinthropWater Heater Repair in GardinerWater Heater Repair in HallowellWater Heater Repair in TopshamWater Heater Repair in BathWater Heater Repair in LewistonWater Heater Repair in AuburnWater Heater Repair in LisbonWater Heater Repair in PolandWater Heater Repair in TurnerWater Heater Repair in SabattusWater Heater Repair in BiddefordWater Heater Repair in SacoWater Heater Repair in Old Orchard BeachWater Heater Repair in KennebunkWater Heater Repair in KennebunkportWater Heater Repair in WellsWater Heater Repair in KitteryWater Heater Repair in YorkWater Heater Repair in BuxtonWater Heater Repair in WaterboroWater Heater Repair in BerwickWater Heater Repair in South BerwickWater Heater Repair in EliotWater Heater Repair in North BerwickWater Heater Repair in LebanonWater Heater Repair in Sanford
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48We also serve homeowners in…
Portland, MaineSouth Portland, MaineScarborough, MaineWestbrook, MaineGorham, MaineFalmouth, MaineCape Elizabeth, MaineCumberland, MaineWindham, MaineStandish, MaineGray, MaineNew Gloucester, MaineRaymond, MaineNorth Yarmouth, MaineYarmouth, MaineFreeport, MainePownal, MaineBridgton, MaineBrunswick, MaineHarpswell, MaineAugusta, MaineWinthrop, MaineGardiner, MaineHallowell, MaineTopsham, MaineBath, MaineLewiston, MaineAuburn, MaineLisbon, MainePoland, MaineTurner, MaineSabattus, MaineBiddeford, MaineSaco, MaineOld Orchard Beach, MaineKennebunk, MaineKennebunkport, MaineWells, MaineKittery, MaineYork, MaineBuxton, MaineWaterboro, MaineBerwick, MaineSouth Berwick, MaineEliot, MaineNorth Berwick, MaineLebanon, MaineSanford, Maine
Guides & Tips
8For more background, read our guides, including…
HVAC & Plumbing BlogWhat to Do When Your Heat Goes Out in WinterWhy Your Heat Pump Is Freezing Up — and How to Fix ItTankless vs. Tank Water Heater: Which Is Best for Your Maine Home?How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost in Maine? (Plus Efficiency Maine Rebates)Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Which Is Right for Your Maine Home?5 Signs Your Boiler Needs ReplacementSigns Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade
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38Homeowners often pair this with our other offerings, including…
All ServicesHeat Pumps & Mini-SplitsHVAC ServicesBoilers & Hydronic HeatingFurnace Repair & InstallationResidential PlumbingWater HeatersElectrical ServicesHeat Pump InstallationHeat Pump RepairHeat Pump MaintenanceDuctless Mini-SplitsAC InstallationAC RepairBoiler InstallationBoiler RepairBoiler MaintenanceRadiant Floor HeatingFurnace InstallationFurnace RepairFurnace MaintenanceLeak Detection & RepairFixture InstallationDrain CleaningSewer Line Repair & ReplacementTank Water HeatersTankless Water HeatersPanel UpgradesWiring & RewiringOutlet & Switch InstallationLighting InstallationEV Charger InstallationGenerator InstallationElectrical Repair & TroubleshootingEmergency ServicesEmergency Heating RepairEmergency PlumberEmergency Electrician
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