Water Heater Service – Installation & Repair

If you’ve ever hopped into the shower expecting steamy relief, only to be blasted with icy sheets of water that have you questioning everything that’s happened in your life, you know the pain of water heater problems. And since then, you’ve probably stayed on top of maintenance and repairs to avoid another arctic experience. At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re the ones to call when your water heater needs care of any kind – from minor tweaks to replacement installations, we’ll have your home comfortable again in no time.

Water Heater Repair Service

A problem with your system doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to toss it and have a brand-new water heater brought in. We’ll thoroughly inspect the heater to determine the source of the issue and offer you solution options that fit within your timeline and needs.

Signs of a Failing Water Heater

More often than not, you’ll notice specific indicators that it’s time to bring in the professionals.

Some of the common warning signs to look for include:

• Less Hot Water Than Normal
• Water Leaking from the Hot Water Heater
• Smell Coming from Water Heater
• A Noisy Water Tank
• Rust or Corrosion on the Tank
• Delayed Arrival of Hot Water

Once you have confirmation that something is wrong, let us know when and where to arrive, and we’ll help you uncover the problem.

Reasons Why Your Water Heater Isn’t Working Properly

Think back to that frigid shower – why wasn’t the heater functioning the way it should?

Some of the common reasons that water heaters eventually stop working are:

No Power or Gas

We love simple problems because they make your life less stressful! Many times, with electric heaters, the issue is a tripped circuit breaker or unplugged power cord. With gas heaters, your system could simply be out of gas.

Thermostat Issues

Depending on the type of water heater you have, there may be one or more thermostats that could stop working. Though it’s trickier to diagnose, our team can help determine whether that’s the underlying issue.

Pilot Light Issues

There are several reasons your pilot light is giving you a headache. It could be defective, there may be a thermocouple failure or a temporary disruption in gas service caused a pause.

Temperature and Pressure-Relief Valve

Also known as TPR, the Temperature and Pressure-Relief Valve releases pressure if the water temperature inside the tank gets too high. This is a critical component of your water heater that must be working properly to prevent a pressurized explosion.

Loss of Water Pressure

Some causes of water pressure loss include:

• Loose heating element bolts
• Poor connections and fittings
• Worn gaskets or water tank

Electronic Ignition

It’s becoming more popular for gas water heaters to have an electronic ignition for safe flame control rather than using a thermocouple to produce a flame. This ignition uses a sensor to measure voltage, and the sensor can occasionally become clogged. A professional cleaning can often get the ignition back to proper condition.

Loose Parts

If you find water seeping anywhere from your water heater, it’s a strong indicator of a leak. Leaks can come from loose nuts and bolts, bad gaskets, or the tank itself, and need to be quickly addressed to stop water damage from occurring.

Call One Hour at (512) 359-5843 to Repair Your Water Heater Today!

Should I Repair or Replace my Water Heater?

When it comes to expensive appliances, we invest in them, so they’ll last as long as possible. Naturally, you’re not going to want to pump a bunch of money back into that investment. So, if you’re facing the decision of whether to repair or replace, here are factors to consider:

• The age of your water heater
• Your heating bills are increasing without using more water
• You keep needing to schedule repair services

A simple rule of thumb is to consider whether the repair cost is more or less than 50% of what you’d pay for a new installation.

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

Gas water heaters tend to last around 10 years, while tankless heaters can run for more than 20 years. Their lifespan depends on which type of system you have, how well you’ve maintained it, and the severity of any issues you’re having.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Water Heater?

There aren’t too many moving components within a water heater that can have problems, which is a good thing. You may need repairs for the pilot light, circuit breaker, heating element, or thermostat, all of which are relatively inexpensive. Unless something is severely wrong (like a tank leak) or you have several repair needs, you can generally expect the cost to be around a few hundred dollars.

Water Heater Repair Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding your water heater can help you make more informed decisions and prevent problems from worsening or even becoming deadly. Here are some questions we often receive:

Should I Shower or Use Hot Water if My Water Heater is Leaking?

You can – it depends on the size of the leak that your heater has sprung. In some cases, you might not notice a leak until you use the hot water. Otherwise, if you have a minor leak with a repair service on the schedule, you should be in the clear to use the shower.

How Can I Detect if my Water Heater is Leaking?

Since there is the potential that the leak is coming from your furnace drain line or another nearby source, you can detect a leak by turning the water supply and power source to the heater off, then draining the tank. Then you can inspect for corrosion or any loose connections. We’re happy to help you determine the source if you would feel more comfortable having experts take a look.

Can a Water Heater Explode?

YES. Water heaters can explode, and the explosion can be very powerful. This is due to the pressure on your system, whether from a poor anode rod, sediment buildup, or a failing TPR. Gas leaks may also cause an explosion. All of these issues can become fatal, which is why it’s so important to have knowledgeable technicians on the job. Our team knows how to carefully handle water heaters, and we carry the licensing and insurance to give you peace of mind.

Can Water Heaters Catch Fire?

Another unfortunate yes. But there’s a difference depending on the type of water heater you have. Though gas and electric water heaters have similar ways of functioning internally and can both catch fire, gas heaters are much more likely to cause a fire.

• Gas Water Heaters – when flammable vapors leak from a gas heater, they can build up near the unit over time, triggering an explosion if the vapor contacts the ignition flame.
• Electric Water Heaters – there’s no ignition flame on electric systems, and since they don’t use combustible gas to function, the chance of catching fire is much lower.
• Tankless Water Heaters – by far the safest system when it comes to fire safety, tankless units run on demand which means less built-up pressure. Plus, they have physical and audible safety features in place to notify you of issues.

The age of your system can play a major role in fire hazards too. Older gas heaters, for example, don’t have a bottom seal to protect the ignition flame from gas.

Are Water Heater Repairs Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?

As much as we wish there was a straightforward answer to this one, there isn’t. Homeowners insurance policies may cover portions of your cost but not everything. While general wear and tear of the unit through years of use typically won’t fall into a protection category for you, some policies offer coverage for water damage caused by the water heater breaking down, such as your furniture and flooring. Be sure to carefully read your insurance policy to understand coverage.

Find a Water Heater Technician Near Me

Water Heater Installation Service

While water heater installations are not simple processes, they don’t have to become frustrating situations, either. With One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, you can expect dependable professionals, careful installation, and lasting results that keep your showers warm every day.

Signs You Need a Water Heater Replacement

There are clear indicators that a repair will not be worth your time or money when it comes to your water heater. Some issues, such as a tank leak, cannot be fixed. We’ll help you understand any issues your system is having and whether it’s repairable.

You should schedule services if you notice:

Water Pooling or Wet Carpet

Minor leaks might not seem like much of a hassle, but they’ll quickly become one if left alone. Don’t ignore any water seepage around your water heater – shut off the water supply and the power source for the heater, and call a professional for an inspection.

High Water Bills

No one wants to pay needless money, and that certainly includes your monthly water bills. If your family hasn’t changed the amount of water usage but your bills are climbing steadily, there’s an underlying issue at hand.

Takes a Long Time to Get Hot Water

Do you have the time to stand at the sink forever waiting for the water to warm up? We didn’t think so. If it’s taking way too long for you to receive hot water, something is amiss with your heater. But don’t panic! We’ll be there ASAP to help.

Gas Unit Constantly Needs Relighting

There are a couple of factors that lead to your pilot light continuing to go out. Either the thermocouple is having issues sensing the pilot light and therefore is stopping the gas supply to the heater, or there’s not enough combustible air to keep the flame burning.

Popular Water Heater Options Include

Having some initial knowledge of your options can make a big impact on the decision you make. We’re happy to answer any questions and provide recommendations based on your unique needs, but some of the water heater options in high demand include:

• Conventional Tank
• Solar Water Heaters
• Tankless Water Heaters

How Much Does It Cost to Replace and Install a New Water Heater?

When your water heater comes to the end of its life, it’s time to invest in a replacement. Fortunately, advances in technology have led to improvements that mean your replacement unit should far outlast the old one. Plus, newer systems are much more energy-efficient, which will be great for your monthly bills.

Factors that influence water heater cost include:

• Upgrading the water heater mount
• The size or type of venting system used
• Installing a new drain pan underneath the heater
• The state of your supply pipes

You could be looking at anywhere from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on the upgrades you choose. At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide pricing upfront before beginning our work, so that you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Benefits of Getting a New Water Heater

Though the prospect of installing a new heater might not be the most exciting thing, we look for the silver lining. And in this case, there are many:

• Efficiency and Money Savings
• Hot Water Recovery Rate
• Save Space
• Produces Less Waste

Water Heater Replacement Frequently Asked Questions

If your system has run its course and you’re due for a water heater upgrade, here are some of the common questions we receive:

Can I Install a Water Heater Myself or Should I Hire a Professional?

To this question, we say "just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should." Unless you have the certifications, training, and equipment to ensure your installation is safe. Plus, you will need to follow local codes and install the unit in a good location.

Are Water Heater Replacements Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?

Typically, no, replacements will not be protected by homeowners insurance. Exceptions may include peril such as house fires, tornadoes, or hurricanes. It’s best to speak with your insurance representative to understand your coverage.

Do I Need a Permit for a New Water Heater?

Depending on your location, you might not be required to obtain a permit for maintenance and repairs, but removing and replacing the current unit will require one. Work that’s complete without a permit when one is necessary subjects you to legal problems and can void insurance coverage.

Does a New Water Heater Require an Inspection?

It’s common to require an inspection after installation is complete, although this regulation may vary by location. Also, local building codes may require certain upgrades, like the ones we listed above for factors of water heater costs, and these will be included in the inspection process.

Call One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning to Install Your New Water Heater Today!

Whether you know what you want to replace your current system with or you need help understanding your options, don’t hesitate to dial (512) 359-5843 with any questions.

Our Water Heater Professionals Are Ready to Solve Your Water Heater Problems! Contact Us Today!

Water Heater Maintenance Can Also Go a Long Way

It’s easy to forget about your water heater since they tend to seem like they’re working fine for years. But taking a few minutes once per year will pay off. Besides helping to prevent any unexpected hassles, maintaining your water heater offers you the benefits of:

Improved Performance

A little TLC makes all the difference when it comes to the function of your water heater. Bring in the pros once a year to handle removing any buildup, checking for corrosion, and ensuring nothing is coming loose.

Increased Efficiency

When your water heater is running at peak performance, it’s using less energy to run. You’ll be saving money in the long run!

Longevity

It’s easily achievable to add another five years onto the lifespan of your water heater by taking care of it.

Saved Money

Putting some money towards a maintenance service every so often will cost you a lot less than ignoring your water heater until it dies out several years early.

Contact our water heater experts today at (512) 359-5843 to schedule an appointment. We are available to assist you 24/7!

Water Heater Experts You Can Trust

Homeowners call us because we provide:

Highly Trained and Reliable Water Heater Technicians

There are intricate nuances to be aware of with water heater services. Not knowing these details can easily lead to major problems, which is why each of our technicians receives rigorous training. Plus, we stay up-to-date on any advances in the industry to help customers make the most of their services.

Emergency and Same Day Water Heater Repair or Install Service

With round-the-clock availability to help in emergencies, just call us 24-Hour Heating and Air Conditioning. Kidding, sort of.

Either way, give us a ring! (512) 359-5843. And don’t worry, a human will answer, not a robot.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Sure, you hear that companies say they have guarantees. Until you go to take them up on it, and there are all these fine print loopholes you weren’t aware of. Well, not here! We have two guarantees that you can hold us to:

• On-Time Guarantee: You have better things to do than watch out the window for our truck. If we’re late, you don’t pay for the service.
• UWIN® Guarantee: In partnership with UWIN®, a customer service resource for our customers only, we ensure accountability in our work and stellar results.

*Check with your local franchise, services may vary by location.

Get your water heater repaired by professionals today. Call (512) 359-5843 for an estimate! We are available to help you 24/7!