Do you have a faulty water heater? If so, it’s important to get it serviced as soon as possible. Leaving it can lead to plumbing issues and even water damage if the tank floods.
But who services water heaters? Fixing a water heater by yourself is not always an option, especially if you’re not comfortable. But should you call an electrician or a plumber? Keep reading to find out.
Key Takeaways
- Common water heater problems include leaks, temperature issues, and odd noises.
- Call a plumber for leaks, low water pressure, and issues with gas heaters.
- Contact an electrician for electrical problems, such as loose wires or overheating circuit breakers.
- Average water heater repair cost is $506, while replacement ranges from $811 to $1,566.
Common Problems with Water Heaters
Before revealing who fixes water heaters, let’s look at some of the most common problems and if you could fix them yourself.
Leaks
Leaks are caused by so many different reasons. You could be dealing with leaking hot water tanks, improper water pressure, a damaged gasket, loose heating element bolts, or a stuck valve.
If you have any visibly loose plumbing connections, just tighten them, and see if that solves the problem. If the leaks are concealed, it’s best to call in a professional plumber.
Temperature Issues
Another recurring problem with water heaters is that the water is either too hot or cold.
When the water is too cold, one of the heating elements could be faulty. But it could also be that the thermostat is not working properly, or there isn’t any power. The correct approach is to eliminate the potential causes one by one.
Should the water be too hot, it could mean that the thermostat is set too high. Thankfully, you can adjust the temperature by consulting the manual for your water heater.
If the issue isn’t the thermostat setting, it might be an electrical problem. In which case, it’s best to consult an electrician.
Noises
If your water heater is making odd noises, it could be due to sediment build-up. Flushing the water heater might solve this problem, but it’s also time to call a professional if it doesn’t.
Who Services Water Heaters?
In certain situations, you will have to hire a professional, but who fixes hot water heaters? Sometimes, it might be a plumber, but other times, it might be an electrician. How do you tell who services water heaters based on the problem you’re facing?
When to Call a Plumber
You should call a plumber when you hear weird noises coming from inside the water heater. If you have very low to no water pressure at all, it’s another sign that you need to call expert plumbers.
Call in a specialist if:
- The water heater is leaking.
- Your gas heater pilot light won’t stay on.
- You notice rusty water coming from the water heater.
When to Call an Electrician
Electricians are usually required when there might be a bigger problem related to your home’s electrical system. For instance, if you notice the water heater fuse box overheating or if the heater keeps tripping the circuit breaker, you need an electrician.
It’s also wise to call such a specialist if there are any loose wires in the heating system.
Average Water Heater Repair Cost
Repairing a water heater has an average estimate of $506. But, the repair service cost is determined by the issue at hand and the type of water heater involved.
Average Water Heater Replacement Cost
Installing a new water heater can cost anywhere between $811 and $1,566, with the national average costing $1,176. But there are so many things that go into this varying cost.
For instance, carpentry work and permit fees are considerations that might affect the entire cost of a water heater replacement. These costs can range from $50 to $1,500 or more, depending on the scope of the project.
And, naturally, prices are also affected by the type of water heater. Whether it’s Rheem or Bradford White, or another brand will influence the cost..
You also have to consider its position within the home, its size, what ventilation system you’re using, and the materials used to construct the water heater.
As a result of the temperature and fuel prices in a particular area, a property’s geographic location can also influence the cost of water heater replacement.
FAQs
Still unsure? These extra Q&As should help.
Can You Fix a Water Heater Yourself?
You can do certain tasks by yourself when it comes to simple water heater repairs, but others are better left to professionals. It’s best not to mess with complicated plumbing and electric parts. However, with the right tutorials and tips, you should be able to perform basic repairs.
Safety Tip
If you have zero experience or just aren’t comfortable, it’s best left to professionals to avoid further damage or injury.
How Often Should a Water Heater Be Serviced?
The experts recommend flushing your water heater at least once every 12 months when it comes to repairs and upkeep. For the most part, this means that your tank will be flushed out and then filled back up with fresh water via a hose.
How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
Tank water heaters have an average lifespan of eight to 12 years, whereas tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years and are more energy-efficient. There are both gas and electric water heaters, and their lifespans can vary based on maintenance and construction.
Bottom Line
If you were wondering who services water heaters, know that it could either be a technician plumber or an electrician. It’s important to identify the source of the problem, so you know which of these two specialists to call.
