Hot water is a necessity for showers, dishwashers, and laundry machines. If you find that you are running out of hot water earlier than expected, or your water heater is making strange noises, it might be time for a repair or replacement. At Tru Plumbing and Gas, we are licensed, insured, and experienced in repairing installing water heaters–whether they're electric, gas, or tankless.
Why choose us for your water heater needs?
Our professional plumbing technicians have years of experience and embody our mission of putting customers first. Our work vans are fully stocked so that our technicians can serve you on the same day. We present all pricing upfront so that you won't be caught by surprise. We've also partnered with financing providers to make your water heater replacement convenient and budget friendly.
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Common water heater problems
Water heater is not producing hot water
There are a few potential reasons why you may not be getting hot water.
Electric breaker tripped
If your water heater is electric, it's possible your breaker has tripped unexpectedly. Look for the breaker switch on your water heater. If it has tripped, switch it to the off position and then back to the on position. This should resolve your issue. If there was no power outage, it's possible there's a problem with the heating element. Our professional plumbing team examine your heating element and repair or replace it if needed.
Heating element failure
Over time, sediment can build up in your water heater, causing the heating elements to fail prematurely. We can help you replace the heating element to get your hot water flowing again. We recommend flushing your water heater yearly to prevent future sediment buildup. Ask us about our convenient memberships, which include complimentary flushes for tanked water heaters, and 50% off yearly tankless water heater flushes.
Broken thermostat
If your water heater's elements are working but you're still not getting hot water, it's possible there is a problem with either the thermostat or the cutoff switch. We can help you determine if your thermostat needs to be replaced.
Gas valve failure
Do you have a gas water heater that's not producing hot water? One possible reason may be a gas valve failure. This issue can be hard to diagnose, but it's a common reason for gas water heaters to stop working. To determine if your heater has this issue, check the gas supply tube and the inlet valve. If there's no gas leaking, inspect the valve itself and make sure that the gas is turned on. If the gas valve is working properly, try checking the pilot light and relighting it if it's out. If your pilot light doesn't stay lit, contact a professional plumber for more help diagnosing and solving your problem.
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Pilot light is out
In gas water heaters, the pilot light provides a flame to light the gas coming out of the main burner. When your water heater activates, a valve releases gas into the burner that is ignited by the pilot light. If your pilot light is out, your water heater won't be able to heat the water that flows through it. The easiest way to tell if your pilot light is working is to look at it.
Inspecting your pilot light
Your pilot light should be blue when you look at it. If it is blue, that means that it's burning at a high temperature as it should. The pilot light should not have a yellow or red flame.
If your pilot light is flickering or waving, this means it's not burning at the right temperature. Two common reasons why your gas water heater's pilot light may be flickering are dirt or an air draft.
If the flame is yellow, this could also indicate a lack of airflow, incomplete combustion, or a dirty tube to the pilot light.
If dirt is present in the tube, it may cause the pilot flame to split.
Relighting your pilot light
If your pilot light is out, you can try relighting it yourself. Be sure to follow instructions in your water heater's manual to ensure your safety. You will need to turn the pilot knob to the off position and then wait 5-10 minutes for the gas to clear the area before continuing.
Pilot light keeps going out
If your pilot light doesn't stay lit, there could be a lack of airflow around the water heater. Ensure it is not surrounded by lint, debris, or other clutter to ensure a steady flow of combustible air.
Another potential reason the pilot light keeps going out could be a problem with the thermocouple. If the thermocouple doesn't recognize the pilot light's flame, it will shut off the gas supply, which means the flame won't stay lit. Thermocouples can malfunction over time or accumulate a buildup of dust. Our experienced plumbing and gas technicians can help you determine whether the thermocouple is causing your water heater's issues, and replace or repair it if necessary.
Not enough hot water
When your hot water runs out early, the cause is usually thermostat settings or tank size inadequacies. We can help you determine the reason for insufficient hot water and repair or replace your water heater for you.
Leaks in or around water heater
The most common reasons for a leaking water include:
- Age or corrosion: Your water heater's tank may be corroding from the inside. The biggest sign of corrosion in your water heater is discoloration. If you notice that the hot water coming from your sink, shower, or tub has a yellow, red, or orange hue, it's probably time to check your water heater. This discoloration is caused by rust inside your water heater's tank.
- Loose connections: the connections to and from your water heater, also known as the inlets and outlets, may be loose, causing water to leak. Luckily, this is a simple fix – the connections just need to be tightened. If you need help with properly tightening your water heater's connections, we're here for you.
- Loosened drain valve: If you notice a leak near the drain valve of your water heater, it could indicate that the valve is loose. The best way to fix this is to replace the water heater's drain valve.
We can help you find and fix any leaks to prevent water damage and get your hot water working again.
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Hot water has a foul order
Does your hot water have a bad smell? If you haven't run your hot water in a long time, we recommend letting it run for a while to see if the smell goes away. If the smell lingers, it may be due to bacteria growing in your water heater's tank. A proper water heater flush will resolve this issue, and our experienced technicians are happy to help.
If your cold water also has a foul smell, consider testing your water. A water filtration system can help you improve the water quality throughout your house.
Hot water has a rusty color
You may notice a rusty color in your hot water. This could be a result of buildup of limescale or other minerals inside your water heater. This buildup can also cause banging or crackling sounds coming from your water heater. A water heater flush will resolve this issue. Our qualified plumbing technicians are here to help you with your water heater maintenance.
Water heater installation
Our friendly, qualified team of expert plumbers can help you with installing a water heater. If you aren't sure what kind of water heater you need, our technicians can assess your needs and figure out the best options for you. We can sell and install a new water to you or install one you have already purchased.
Tanked water heaters
When most people think of a water heater, they picture one with a tank. Tanked water heaters are the most common kind and they are available in electric and gas versions. When selecting a tanked water heater, it's important to think about the size of the tank. It needs to fit in your existing space, and the tank needs to have enough capacity to meet the demand for hot water in your home. If you need a new water heater, we can help. First, we'll assess your needs and evaluate your options. Next, we'll work with you to select and sell you a new gas or electric water heater. Finally, we'll schedule a date for one of our trustworthy plumbing technicians to come to your home and install your new water heater.
Tankless water heaters
Tankless water heaters are popular with homeowners because they can deliver hot water in seconds. Since they deliver hot water on demand, they are more energy efficient. Although tankless water heaters cost more upfront, in the long run they can save you money due to increased efficiency. You can count on our Niceville plumbing team to install your tankless water heater, whether it's gas or electric.
When is it time to replace my water heater?
The majority of water heaters with tanks last 8-10 years, while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years. If your water heater is approaching a decade of service, it's a good time to consider replacing it. Modern water heaters have new technology that allows them to provide more faster hot water and better energy efficiency. You can also get peace of mind knowing that your water heater won't fail when you least expect it.
Our service areas
Our friendly and experienced plumbers are ready to help you get your hot water flowing again by repairing or replacing your water heater. We serve all of Okaloosa and Walton counties, including Niceville, Destin, Freeport, DeFuniak Springs, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and more. Learn more on our service areas page, or text or call us at (850) 533-1252.
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