Strange Noises? Chilly Showers?

Water heaters are durable and long-lasting appliances. It's not uncommon for older water heaters to start showing signs of wear and tear, and even newer water heaters need routine maintenance to prevent problems like scale buildup and leaks. Whether your water heater is not hot enough, leaking, or making strange noises, we are here to help.

Person using wrench to tighten pipe connection on water heater.

Water Heater Services We Perform

Every comfortable home has hot water on tap, which means a functioning water heater. If your water heater isn't working the way it should, we should talk.

Water Heater Repair

Lockmer water heater repair services begin with an inspection to diagnose the problem. Once the problem is found, we will provide advice on the best solution whether that is cleaning, part replacement, and setting adjustments to get your water heater back to ship-shape and heating water the way it should.

Water Heater Maintenance

Good maintenance means fewer repairs and a longer lifespan for your water heater. Lockmer Plumbing provides routine water heater cleaning and tune-ups throughout the Butte, MT area.

Empty laundry or utility room with white walls, a water heater, and white cabinetry.

Water Heater Replacement/Installation

If your water heater has reached its lifespan and/or is critically damaged, we will help you select a new water heater to meet your home's needs, remove the old unit, and provide fast, expert installation of your new water heater. Our goal is to restore your home's hot water capabilities as quickly as possible.

The Lockmer Difference

Experience & Expertise

With decades of hands-on plumbing and utility experience, our team brings the knowledge and skill needed to tackle any project with confidence and precision.

Quality Materials & Workmanship

We use only proven, high-quality materials and stand behind our workmanship to ensure every job is built to last.

Care & Consideration

From start to finish, we treat your property with respect and prioritize your safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

Adjustable wrench and open-end wrench on a wooden surface, with a yellow level tool partially visible at the top left corner.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

Does your water heater need to be repaired or replaced? That's a good question. Most of the time, cleaning and repair are all you'll need. But the older the unit, the more likely a replacement is in the cards.

Signs You Need Water Heater Repair

  • Leaking water heater

  • The water isn't hot enough after adjusting the temperature setting

  • Rusty or dirty hot water

  • Hot water tastes bad

  • Hot water is really slow

  • Creaking and cracking noises

  • The water heater feels excessively hot to the touch

  • The pilot light keeps going out

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Replacement

  • Frequent need for water heater repairs

  • The water heater is over 15 years old

  • Steady increase in water heater electricity use

  • Severe damage to essential parts

Why Choose Lockmer Plumbing, Heating & Utilities for Your Next Project?

Decades of Experience & Reputation for Quality Work
With a team that brings over 20 years of hands-on plumbing and mechanical experience, Lockmer stands apart for dependable service and lasting results. We understand the unique demands of Montana’s climate, local infrastructure, and building systems, whether we’re working on a home, commercial property, or industrial facility. Our customers trust us because we do the job right the first time, with a focus on quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Types of Water Heaters

If you need to replace an old water heater, you have more options than you might realize. While most residential water heaters are conventional tank heaters, several different types exist and now might be a good time to consider an upgrade or retrofit.

  • Conventional tank water heaters are the norm. The tank fills up and stays hot.

    Pros

    • Lots of hot water all at once

    • Can support multiple taps and appliances

    Cons

    • Runs out of hot water

    • Not energy efficient (heating the tank all the time)

  • Tankless or on-demand water heaters have a coil around a pipe that heats water quickly as it flows through.

    Pros

    • Rarely run out of hot water

    • Can be installed for specific areas and taps for instant hot water – Point of Use

    Cons

    • Limited flow capacity

    • High maintenance

  • Heat pump water heaters create hot water by transferring heat, the same way an AC or heat pump HVAC does.

    Pros

    • Turns your AC into a water heater

    • Can transfer heat without running the AC

    • Energy efficient

    Cons

    • Higher initial cost

    • Doesn’t work as well in cold climates

  • Solar water heaters heat your water using electricity from solar panels to heat a water tank.

    Pros

    • Free hot water during the day

    • Energy-efficient and eco-friendly

    Cons

    • High installation cost

    • Need batteries or grid electricity to work at night

Our Promise to You

We have dedicated service staff, project staff, and office staff. When you call our office, you can speak to a person. We know how to work on projects and all the processes that go with those projects. If you call, we'll call you back. We show up when we say we are going to and finish your project in a timely manner.

Schedule a Plumbing or Heating Service

Our regular customers particularly value our honest, courteous, and thorough service work. If you need a heating and plumbing repair, call to schedule your appointment.

Call Today: (406) 782-2224