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Hot Water Heater Repair Specialist

Hot Water Heater Repair Specialist

Water heater repair and replacement.

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.

Athens: 706-548-5800

Oconee: 706-769-7171

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 to a solution that works with your budget.

Be sure to contact your local trusted plumber if you notice:

  • Low water temperature
  • Leaking
  • Water flow changes
  • A foul smell (like rotten eggs)
  • Noises coming from inside the water heater
  • Sediment buildup

It is also very important to call a plumber if your pilot light switch won't light or stay lit. This can signify a problem with your front gas line switch or power on switch and control valve.

Summers Plumbing can help fix any of these issues. Our water heater professionals in Athens and Oconee can be reached 24/7 and are always responsive. We'll let you know what can be done to resolve or fix your situation and repair or replace your water heater.

water heater repair options

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

tankless water heater

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 gas to heat water in a massive unit before sending it to your desired faucets, a tankless water heater uses heat and electricity to heat water while it's traveling through your pipes.

This type of electric power unit offers many benefits to power alone, including:

  • Increased Safety: Because a tankless system does not run on gas, there is less threat of a gas-related issue. Simple maintenance from time to time can ensure the safety of your family.
  • Increased Efficiency: Tankless systems are more efficientYou will notice a significant difference on your utility bill and can enjoy those savings for years to come.
  • Increased Reliability: In addition to receiving virtually unlimited amounts of hot water at any given time, your unit will require less maintenance and fewer repairs than a tank-type water heater.

Electric Water Heaters

Summers Plumbing also provides customers with comprehensive solutions for the installation and repair of electric water heaters. We understand the critical role these appliances play in everyday living, offering prompt, reliable, and cost efficient service to ensure they operate optimally at full temperature at all times.

When it comes to installing a new electric water heater, we take a consultative approach. Our experienced technicians work closely with clients to determine their specific needs, including assessing the size of the property, the number of occupants, and their average new water heater usage. This information helps us to determine the most suitable electric water heater model and size. Once this is established, our skilled team completes the new electric water heater installation with meticulous attention to detail, guaranteeing a seamless integration into the home's existing plumbing system.

Our expertise isn't limited to installation; we also excel in repairing electric water heaters. Whether it's a minor issue like a broken thermostat or a more significant problem such as a leaking tank, Summers Plumbing is equipped to address any challenge with gas or electric water heaters. All repairs are performed using high-quality parts to ensure durability and longevity, and work is conducted following all safety standards and regulations.

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' damage.

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 to 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.

water heater repairs athens ga

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 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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