Water Heater Repair in Knoxville, TN
Fast and Reliable Water Heater Repair
There’s no need to suffer with cold showers because your water heater has quit! Pipe Wrench is here for you! Nobody thinks about hot water until it’s gone, and a broken water heater can disrupt your bathing routine, prevent you from washing dishes, and makes cleaning clothes difficult. Wear and tear happens to all plumbing systems and fixtures, so if your water heater is no longer delivering the hot water you depend on, our skilled technicians are ready to provide fast and reliable water heater repair services.
If your water heater breaks down at the worst possible time or you notice recurring problems, you can count on the plumbing experts at Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for effective repairs in no time. We proudly offer a same-day service guaranteed, or the visit is FREE so don’t wait! Call us today for emergency water heater repairs, because putting off the problem could lead to expensive long-term damage to your home.
Regardless of whether you have a water heater leak, inconsistent water temperature and water pressure, or damaged valves and components, we can diagnose even the most complex problems and will provide expert solutions you can trust for years to come. We repair all types of water heaters, ranging from gas or electric to conventional “tank style” and tankless models, so contact Pipe Wrench today for fast and reliable water heater repair in the greater Knoxville, TN area.
Get fast and reliable water heater repair you need without any headaches. Contact Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today by booking online.
Signs You Need Professional Water Heater Repair
You often know the performance of your home plumbing fixtures and appliances better than anyone, and you can normally tell when something is off. We encourage our customers to pay close attention to unusual performance and signs their water heater may need repairs and to call us at the first sign of a problem. You should pay close attention to signs that your water heater has issues, especially if it is approaching the end of its lifespan, usually 8 to 12 years, depending on the model type and water quality.
Here are some signs that your water heater may be struggling and requires immediate repairs:
- Inconsistent Water Temperature: If you have lukewarm or cold water when you are expecting hot water, this problem requires a professional assessment. Often, a buildup of mineral deposits and sediment from hard water disrupts water heater temperatures. Our technicians will remove the sediment or limescale by flushing your water heater and return your water to piping hot in no time.
- Lack of Hot Water: If your water heater is not delivering enough hot water, you can be confident that your water heater has a problem that requires professional repair. There could be different factors contributing to hot water failure, and it’s recommended having an expert provide an assessment.
- Decreased Water Pressure: While water temperature problems are more common, issues with your water heater can also affect water pressure, particularly in shared water lines or components. Water pressure can be affected for different reasons including hard water buildup, malfunctioning valves or water line connections, so be sure to call a plumbing professional to assess and solve the issue the first time.
- Leaking and Pooling Around The Water Heater: Leaks can occur when there is a loose connection, if mineral deposits build up over time, or if your water heater has other corrosive hard-water issues. Small holes can develop at the water heater’s base and if these holes are allowed to grow, the entire system can fail leading to expensive water damage.
- Rust in Water or Discoloration: If you have rust colored or cloudy water, find stains on clothing after washing, or have recurring buildup on taps and showerheads, your water heater may be to blame. Our certified plumbers will immediately assess the source of the rust or sediment in your water heater or pipes and provide reliable professional solutions.
- Smelly Hot Water Odor: A buildup of bacteria in your water tank can generate hydrogen sulfide, resulting in a foul, rotten smell. Smells can also be caused by chemical reactions with the magnesium anode rod, that helps prevent tank erosion. Flushing the system should help resolve this issue temporarily but additional repairs or replacements may be needed long term.
- Noisy During Operation: A well-functioning water heater should operate quietly. If you hear strange noises such as banging or popping sounds while it’s running, this could indicate a buildup of scale or sediment that may lead to long term damage. Click here to learn more about strange water heater noises and what to do.
- Increased Energy Bills: When your water heater starts to fail, your utility bills are likely to increase. Your water heater may be working harder than necessary, and a sudden spike in your energy bills is a key sign you may need repairs or even a replacement.
Common Water Heater Problems
- Inconsistent Water Temperature: This may be a gradual loss of heat or a dramatic drop. Often, these issues occur due to corrosion or sediment buildup around the heating element, a faulty thermostat or other failing components. Water heaters that fail to deliver consistently hot water need immediate professional attention from a water heater repair specialist.
- Leaking Tank and Waterline Connections
- Unusual sounds: Older water heaters often produce unusual sounds, such as banging or knocking noises, coming from the tank. Knocking or banging noises signal excessive sediment buildup and if it is not flushed, the sediment and other minerals can cause the tank to corrode and leak. Strange sounds can also result from high-water pressure, and a pressure reducing valve or expansion tank may be needed.
- Water Pressure – Since water heaters are connected to your entire home’s plumbing system, water pressure can be affected by water heater problems that can include but not limited to issues with the pressure relief valve, sediment and mineral buildup in the tank, clogged pipes from mineral buildup, tank corrosion, improperly sized pipes, and issues expansion tank (if applicable). A plumbing professional should be able to diagnose.
- Old Age: Unfortunately, there is no cure for old age. As your water heater reaches the end of its lifespan, multiple components will often need replacement, reducing performance to the point of failure. When you’re ready for a new water heater, turn to Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for expert advice and installation.
- Installation Issues: If your conventional “tank style” or tankless water heater is relatively new, potential installation problems to look out for include issues with venting, leaks, or inconsistent water pressure.
To reduce the risk of water heater problems, and to extend the life of your tank style or tankless water heater, be sure to schedule annual water heater maintenance with Pipe Wrench that includes a water heater flush and full inspection of your plumbing system.
Flexible Payment Options Available Including 0% Financing, with Approved Credit
Types of Water Heaters We Service and Repair
Our team of experienced technicians are expertly trained in the various technologies related to your water heater system. We service all makes and models from the industry-leading brands you know and trust, including A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Kenmore, Nortiz, Navien, Rheem, Ruud, Whirlpool and more!
Some of the most common types of water heaters we service include:
- Storage tank conventional “tank style” water heaters (gas and electric)
- Tankless water heaters
- High efficiency condensing water heaters
- Hybrid & commercial water heaters
Why choose Pipe Wrench for Water Heater Repairs?
Don’t trust just anyone with your water heater repair needs. At Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we offer safe, reliable plumbing solutions for any problem you may face. We will pinpoint the source of the issue, walk you through the various repair options, and then quickly address the problem to prevent future complications. We also offer FREE second opinions for repairs if you want to ensure you are getting the best quote around for your water heater repair needs.
Our experienced team has the right tools and years of industry knowledge to ensure a seamless repair process. We also maintain numerous certification titles for plumbing and water heaters, including but not limited to Navien, Noritz, Rinnai, State Water Heaters, and more! Our aim is to keep your water heater in top condition and extend its lifespan, helping you save on energy costs over time.
Additionally, we provide expert advice on maximizing your water heater’s efficiency. As Knoxville’s first green plumbers, we’re dedicated to helping our customers lower their energy bills while minimizing their carbon footprint.
Have you been looking everywhere for the right Knoxville water heater repair expert? Look no further. Pipe Wrench Plumbing provides immediate service and guaranteed quality workmanship. Contact us today to book your water heater service.
Water Heater Repair FAQs
Is it worth repairing a water heater?
When you decide on whether to repair or replace your water heater you should consider several factors including the age of the water heater, the type and extent of the repair, and the cost of repairs versus replacement.
Repairing a water heater can usually be a good solution for minor problems and newer systems. However, you should consider replacing your water heater if it’s more than 10 years old, is leaking, has frequent problems requiring repairs, if your water bills have significantly increased, or if the repair cost is more than 50% of the replacement cost. Regardless of your problem or repair needs, you can count on the experts at Pipe Wrench to provide honest recommendations for your water heater repair or replacement needs.
What is the life expectancy of a water heater?
A water heater’s lifespan can depend on several factors, including the type of water heater, the energy source, the type of local water supply you have, and how often the unit is serviced with regular maintenance. On average, most conventional “tank style” water heaters last between 8 and 12 years but some can last up to 20 years with regular maintenance, particularly tankless models.
What is the most common problem with water heaters?
Sediment buildup is the most common problem affecting water heaters. Over time, minerals and sediment accumulate at the bottom of the tank, which can decrease heating efficiency, cause clogs and corrosion, and potentially lead to leaks. To keep your water heater running efficiently, it’s important to flush the tank at least once a year. Other water heater problems include inconsistent water temperature, leaks from the tank or water lines, low water pressure, and discolored water, to name a few.
What can I do when my water heater is not working?
If your water heater isn’t working properly, start by checking the thermostat settings, the circuit breaker (for electric models), or the pilot light (for gas models). If those components are in working order, look for signs of leaks, examine the pressure and temperature relief valve, and consider flushing the tank. Persistent or frequent issues may indicate a more serious problem, such as a malfunctioning heating element or the need to replace the unit entirely. Regardless of your problem, you should always contact a certified plumbing professional, like the experts at Pipe Wrench, to schedule an inspection for water heater repairs.
How often does my water heater need to be serviced?
We recommend scheduling annual maintenance for your water heater to keep it in top condition and running smoothly. Regular maintenance, flushes and system checks help to improve your water heater’s energy efficiency, ensures warranty compliance, and prolong its lifespan.
Why does my hot water have a foul odor?
There are multiple reasons you might need professional assistance to resolve a sulfur or “rotten egg” smell coming from a home’s water source or water heater.
- Sulfur or sulfate-reducing bacteria can form when your water heater is unused or turned off for a long period of time, or if the temperature is set too low. These bacteria aren’t unsafe, but the smell and taste can be unpleasant.
- Chemical reactions with sulfate in the water and the water heater magnesium anode rod, that is used to help prevent tank corrosion, can also cause your water to smell.
- If you have a water softener system, it can sometimes create smelly water in your water heater.
Contact a professional plumber to identify the source of bad smelling water and to resolve the issue that could include a water heater flush, replacement of the anode rod or further repairs.
