Hot Water Heater Repair Specialist
issues with your water heater can cause major setbacks to your daily routine. Apart from being inconvenient, a malfunctioning water heater can make life uncomfortable. More importantly, depending on the nature of the malfunction, a damaged water heater can pose a threat to your home. This is why you need a trustworthy plumbing company that can respond to your call right away.
Water Heater Repair Crew in Athens and Oconee
At Summers Plumbing, we understand that plumbing issues need to be resolved quickly. We all have busy schedules, and issues with your water heater can cause major setbacks to your daily routine. Apart from being inconvenient, a malfunctioning water heater can make life uncomfortable. More importantly, depending on the nature of the malfunction, a damaged water heater can pose a threat to your home. This is why you need a trustworthy plumbing company that can respond to your call right away.
We have a team of water heater experts in Athens and Oconee, Georgia prepared to address your gas water heater’ issues and repair or replace the unit as needed. Call us to get started.
Common Water Heater Problems
Your water heater is one of the most important systems in your entire home. It’s what provides you with the hot water you need to shower comfortably, wash dishes, and do your laundry. If you’re experiencing issues with hot water or temperature, there might be something wrong with your water heater. Our technicians can quickly identify these issues and come up with a solution that works with your budget.
- Low water temperature
- Leaking
- Water flow changes
- A foul smell (like rotten eggs)
- Noises from inside the heater
- Sediment buildup
Hot Water Heater Replacement
Or Repair?
When servicing your hot water heater, you have two major options: repair or replacement. We will happily repair your unit, but we recommend water heater replacement if any of the following apply:
Your water heater is old
How long your water heater will last depends on use, environment, maintenance, and the type of water heater. Tank water heaters usually last 8-12 years, while a tankless water heater can last for 20 years. A unit or gas water heater may become costly to repair if it’s older. Therefore, it’s more cost-effective to replace some water heaters rather than repair them in the long run.
Your water heater has had multiple repairs
You may be spending too much money on costly repairs and replacement parts if your water heater needs repairs multiple times a year. Consult our Athens water heater repairs and replacement specialists for advice. They can help you determine if your unit is dying and needs replacement. It could save you time, money, and headache to simply replace the old water heater.
There is corrosion on the pipes inside of the unit
If your hot water has a reddish brown discoloration, there may be corrosion inside your hot water heater itself. First check your anode rod. It’s possible that only the inexpensive part of your anode rod is rusty and it hasn’t spread to your hot water faucet itself yet. If your whole unit is corroded, it may be time for a replacement.
You have a leaking tank
The type of leak will determine if you need a water heater installation or replacement. If you have a line that’s leaking, you could just replace the line. The water supply tank may also be leaking, which could warrant a replacement. Then, our Athens water heater installation and replacement experts can help install a new unit.
There’s not enough hot water
No amount of water heater repair is going to enlarge your tank and give you more hot water. If you have installed a tank water heater that keeps running out of hot water, you should consider replacing it or getting a bigger tank. You could also consider a tankless water heater, as they don’t run out of hot water.
Tankless Water Heaters
While traditional tank-type water heaters are initially more affordable to install, tankless water heaters offer far more personal and financial benefits in the long run. Unlike a tank-type water heater that requires the system to heat water in a massive unit before sending it to your desired faucets, a tankless gas water heater heats water on demand while it’s traveling through your pipes.
Gas-powered tankless water heaters offer several key benefits, including:
Increased Safety
Because tankless systems do not store large volumes of water and are installed with modern safety features, they reduce risks associated with traditional water heaters. Routine maintenance keeps the system running safely and smoothly.
Increased Efficiency
Tankless systems are more efficient. You will notice a significant difference on your utility bill and can enjoy those savings for years to come.
Increased Reliability
Gas tankless water heaters are long-lasting and dependable. Your unit will require less maintenance and fewer repairs than a tank-type water heater.
Electric Water Heaters
Summers Plumbing offers complete electric water heater services—from installation to repair. We know how essential hot water is, so we deliver prompt, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to keep your system running at full temperature.
For new installations, we assess your household size and usage to recommend the right model and ensure a seamless fit into your plumbing. Our experienced team handles everything with precision.
Need a repair? Whether it’s a faulty thermostat or a leaking tank, we’ve got it covered. We use high-quality parts and follow all safety standards to ensure long-lasting results.
Why Choose Summers Plumbing?
We stand behind our work, which is why we offer our customers a 100% full-service satisfaction guarantee. If you’re searching for a plumbing company that cares enough to offer their customers personal service and 24/7 availability, you’ve found it.
Our experienced plumbers in Athens and Oconee are here to help you make the best decision for your family and your home. If your water heater constantly needs repairs, it may be time to replace it. No matter what your situation may be, you can count on us to help you determine the most reliable and cost-effective water heater service solution.
Water Heater Repair Frequently
Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with water heaters?
One of the most common problems with water heaters is insufficient hot water or water that is not hot enough. This issue can be caused by several factors, such as an undersized water heater not being able to meet the demand, thermostat issues, or problems with the heating element in electric models or burner units in gas models.
Another common issue is a leaking tank, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, wear and tear, or excessive pressure build-up in the tank. Over time, these leaks can lead to significant water damage if not addressed promptly.
Sediment buildup in the tank is also a frequent issue, especially in areas with hard water. Sediment can decrease the efficiency of the water heater, cause strange noises, and eventually lead to the tank or heating elements.
Finally, issues with the pressure relief valve, which is designed to release excess pressure in the tank, are quite common. A malfunctioning pressure relief valve can lead to an increased risk of a leak or even an explosion.
These problems illustrate the importance of regular maintenance for water heaters, which can help catch and correct minor issues before they become major problems. As with any appliance, a well-maintained water heater is more likely to operate efficiently and have a longer lifespan.
Is it worth it to repair a hot water heater?
Whether or not it’s worth it to repair a hot water heater depends on several factors, including the age of the water heater, the nature and extent of the problem, and the cost of repair compared to replacement.
Age
The lifespan of a water heater typically ranges from 8 to 12 years for traditional tank models, with tankless models lasting closer to 20 years. If your water heater is nearing or has surpassed this age range and is having significant issues, it may be more cost-effective to replace it. Newer models are often more energy-efficient and may provide savings in the long run.
Nature of the problem
Some problems are relatively easy and inexpensive to fix, such as replacing a faulty thermostat or heating element. However, issues like a leaking tank often indicate a more serious problem that might not be worth fixing, especially in an older unit.
Cost of Repair vs Replacement
If the cost of repair is close to or exceeds half the cost of a new water heater, it may be more financially sensible to replace the unit rather than repair it.
At Summers Plumbing, we will professionally diagnose the problem accurately and provide advice on the best course of action.
Why is my hot water heater not heating up?
Several issues could cause your hot water heater to stop producing hot water:
1. Tripped Circuit Breaker:
If you have an electric water heater and it’s not heating up at all, a tripped circuit breaker could be the cause. Check your home’s electrical panel to see if the breaker has tripped, and reset it if necessary.
2. Faulty Thermostat:
If the thermostat on the water heater is malfunctioning, it might not signal the unit to heat the water adequately. A professional can check the thermostat and replace it if necessary.
3. Heating Element Failure:
In electric water heaters, one or both of the heating elements may have failed. If one fails, you may get lukewarm water. If both fail, you’ll likely have cold water only.
4. Gas Supply Problem:
For gas water heaters, there might be a problem with the gas supply. If the gas for the heat setting isn’t reaching the burner, the water won’t heat. This could be due to a problem with the gas valve or a blockage in the gas supply line.
5. Pilot Light Out:
In gas water heaters, if the pilot light goes out, the burner won’t ignite, and the water won’t heat. You can usually relight this yourself following the instructions on your water heater, but if it keeps going out, you may have a larger issue that needs professional attention.
6. Sediment Buildup:
Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, which can prevent the heat from the gas burner or electric heating elements from reaching the water. This sediment can be flushed out during regular maintenance.
If you’re unsure why your water heater isn’t heating water, it’s best to contact a professional plumber or technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
How often should a gas water heater be serviced?
At Summers Plumbing, we often get asked, “How often should a gas water heater be serviced?” We recommend having your gas water heater professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure your water heater’s efficient operation and to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
During these annual maintenance services, our trained technicians will check the pressure relief valve, inspect the anode rod, drain the tank to remove any sediment buildup, and make sure the venting system is functioning properly. We’ll also inspect the gas burner and the pilot light to ensure they’re functioning correctly and safely. If your unit is older or has shown signs of problems, we might recommend more frequent check-ups.
By having regular service on your gas water heater, you can prolong its lifespan, improve its efficiency, and maintain the safety of your home. If you have more questions or if you would like to schedule a service, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Your satisfaction is our priority.
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