Wauwatosa's classic bungalows and mid-century homes give this Milwaukee suburb its distinctive character — and they give Burkhardt Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric a consistent stream of water heater service calls. The tank water heaters in these homes range from aging original installations to replacement units that are now themselves approaching failure. When a water heater fails in Wauwatosa, we respond quickly with the parts and experience to repair or replace any type of unit.
Most of Wauwatosa's residential housing was built between 1915 and 1955, a period when natural gas service was standard and 30- to 40-gallon tank water heaters were the universal installation. Many of these homes have had their water heaters replaced once or twice over the decades, but the current units — often installed in the late 1990s or 2000s — are now well into their service life and showing their age. Thermocouple and pilot assembly failures are among the most common service calls from older gas units. Sediment accumulation from Milwaukee's water supply contributes to efficiency loss and the characteristic rumbling that signals a tank nearing the end of its life.
Wauwatosa's compact housing footprint — basement spaces, utility closets, and mechanical rooms sized for the 1920s to 1940s era — means water heater installations sometimes require creative solutions. Our licensed plumbers are experienced in working within these confined spaces and in ensuring proper venting, combustion air, and code compliance for every installation.
When a water heater in Wauwatosa fails completely, Burkhardt provides same-day replacement in most cases. GreenSky financing is available.
Call 414-206-3049. Burkhardt serves all of Wauwatosa — from the oldest homes near the Village to mid-century neighborhoods throughout the city — with expert water heater repair and replacement. Our licensed plumbers carry common parts for gas and electric units and stock replacement tanks for same-day installation. GreenSky financing is available. Call 414-206-3049.
Schedule your service today — call us or use our online booking form.
No Hot Water? Common Causes
Waking up to no hot water is one of the most common emergency calls we receive. The cause could be a failed pilot light or ignitor, a tripped reset button, a faulty thermocouple, sediment buildup in the tank, or a broken dip tube. In Southeastern Wisconsin, hard water accelerates sediment buildup — especially in Waukesha County homes on well water. Our technicians diagnose the problem fast and carry common replacement parts on every truck so most repairs are completed in a single visit.
We service all major water heater brands: Rheem, AO Smith, Bradford White, Navien, Rinnai, State, Noritz, and Takagi.
How do I know if my Wauwatosa bungalow water heater needs replacement?
If your gas water heater is more than 12 years old, is requiring repeat repairs, producing inadequate hot water despite correct thermostat settings, making rumbling or popping sounds, or showing signs of corrosion around the base, replacement is likely more economical than continued repair.
Are there venting issues when replacing a water heater in an older Wauwatosa home?
Yes. Older homes in Wauwatosa may have original atmospheric venting configurations that need updating when installing a high-efficiency condensing water heater. Our plumbers assess the venting situation as part of every installation to ensure safe, code-compliant operation.
Can Burkhardt install a water heater in a tight Wauwatosa basement?
Yes. Our plumbers are experienced in the compact utility configurations common in Wauwatosa's older homes. We bring appropriately sized equipment and have handled installations in some of the most space-constrained basements in the Milwaukee metro.
Related Services
- All Services in Wauwatosa
- Water Heater Installation in Wauwatosa
- Water Heater Replacement in Wauwatosa
Learn more about our plumbing services across southeastern Wisconsin.

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