Water Heaters
Mountain homes demand more from water heaters — altitude, cold inlet temperatures, and seasonal use all affect performance and longevity. We service, repair, and replace both tank and tankless systems with an emphasis on efficiency, reliability, and protecting your home.
Your water heater is one of the hardest-working systems in a mountain home. Whether you rely on a traditional tank or a high-efficiency tankless unit, altitude and cold inlet water temperatures place unique demands on performance and longevity.
We help homeowners and property managers across Truckee and North Lake Tahoe keep hot water reliable — from routine maintenance and repairs to full system replacements and tankless conversions. Every recommendation starts with a careful diagnosis, and every job ends with verified performance.
Tank Water Heaters
Standard tank water heaters remain the most common choice for mountain homes. We handle installation, repair, and replacement for all major brands, with proper sizing for altitude and household demand.
Annual maintenance — including anode rod inspection, sediment flushing, and safety valve testing — extends tank life and prevents unexpected failures, especially in homes that sit empty between seasons.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless systems offer continuous hot water and improved energy efficiency, but they require proper installation and regular descaling in hard-water areas. We install, service, and repair all major tankless brands, and we can assess whether a conversion makes sense for your home.
For seasonal-use homes, tankless units offer the added benefit of easier winterization and reduced standby energy loss.
Annual Maintenance
A yearly water heater checkup is one of the simplest ways to prevent costly failures. Our maintenance visits include a full inspection, sediment flush, anode rod check, and safety valve test — giving you confidence that the system is ready for another season.
Common issues we resolve
No Hot Water or Inconsistent Temperature
Thermostat failures, sediment buildup, or burner issues can leave you without reliable hot water — especially after a home sits unused for weeks.
Tank Leaks and Corrosion
Mineral-rich mountain water accelerates anode rod wear and tank corrosion. Catching early signs prevents water damage to floors and finishes.
Pilot Light or Ignition Failures
High-altitude conditions and seasonal shutdowns can cause ignition components to fail. We diagnose and resolve these reliably.
Sediment Buildup and Efficiency Loss
Hard water deposits reduce heating efficiency and shorten tank life. Annual flushing keeps systems running at peak performance.
Tankless Error Codes and Flow Issues
Tankless units are sensitive to water quality and flow rates. We troubleshoot error codes and restore consistent output.
Our process
Diagnose
We inspect the unit, test components, and identify the root cause before recommending anything.
Present Options
You'll see clear repair vs. replace recommendations with transparent pricing — no pressure.
Execute Cleanly
We protect floors and finishes, work efficiently, and keep you informed throughout.
Verify & Close
We confirm proper operation, check for leaks, and leave the area spotless.
Why Brimer
Clean work. We protect floors, cabinetry, and finishes while we work — and leave the area spotless when we're done.
Clear communication. You'll understand the issue, your options, and the cost before any work begins.
Mountain-home experience. We understand altitude, seasonal use, hard water, and the unique demands of Tahoe/Truckee homes.
Serving since 1997. Nearly three decades of trusted plumbing service in Truckee and North Lake Tahoe.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Tank water heaters typically last 8–12 years, though hard water and altitude can shorten that. Tankless units often last 15–20 years with proper maintenance. Annual inspections help catch issues early.
It depends on your usage patterns, home size, and whether the home is used seasonally. We'll assess your situation and give you honest pros and cons for both options.
Yes. We service and install all major brands including Rinnai, Navien, Bradford White, Rheem, and A.O. Smith.
Need water heaters service?
Tell us what's happening and we'll get back to you with clear next steps.
Request received
We'll review your request and get back to you as soon as possible. If this is an emergency, please call 530-587-0733 for the fastest response.