Water Heater: Plumber or Electrician For Service?

Water heaters have both plumbing and electrical components. Since they deal with water and pipes, you might assume it is entirely a plumbing area of work, but when you take into consideration the element of heating, it is reasonable to consider that an electrician might be the better person to call whenever hot water heater problems occur. A licensed plumber works with water and pipe-related appliances, and electricians work with heating and cooling appliances. So who should you contact when you need water heater repairs? Are there areas where both plumbers and HVAC techs can assist? And what water heater repair problems can you take care of yourself?

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Plumbing for Water Heater Repairs

In general, a licensed plumber is the better person to call when you experience initial hot water heater troubles. However, there are plumbing-specific situations in particular that indicate that it is better to call a plumber than an electrician. Those situations include:

• Strange noises coming from the water heater
• Rusty water
• No hot water, or low hot water pressure
• Water leaks
• Pilot light (gas water heaters only) won&#;t stay lit

These are plumbing-specific tasks because they relate to the water and tank elements of hot water heaters. Plumbers have the tools, experience, and knowledge to be able to fix these types of water heater issues. Licensed plumbers typically have training with aspects of a water heater, such as the pipes and wires, gas lines, anode rods, and heating elements that make up the crucial system of water heaters.

Plumbers fix water heaters by first doing a general check on all of the components before identifying the specific area causing problems. They will then describe to you what the problem is and recommend either repair or replacement as a solution, depending on what will be most cost-effective in the long run. It can be as simple as replacing the heating element, but the better option can sometimes be to get a new water heater installed.

Electrician Water Heater Services

An HVAC technician works with things like furnaces and air conditioning, so you may be wondering how they can apply their heating and cooling-related skills to hot water heater units. While water heater repair is primarily in the realm of a plumber, electric water heaters in particular can require the work of an electrician rather than a plumber. Water heater issues that are specifically electric include:

• Tripping circuit breaker
• Fuse box overheats
• Loose wiring can cause the reset button to trip

Though related to your water heater, these are electrical problems that a plumber won&#;t be able to help with. If you have an electric water heater, it is likely you will encounter electrical issues within the system. It is best to call an electrician if you are experiencing problems with your electric water heater that do not include leaks, rusty water coming from the unit, or weird noises.

DIY Hot Water Heater Repair

There are various maintenance tasks you can perform on your own to help extend the life of your hot water heater, as well as troubleshoot any minor repairs. You can check a circuit breaker, adjust or test thermostats, flush out the tank, and even relight the pilot light on your own, so long as you know all of the correct steps to take. Even things like pressing the reset button to reset the water heater can be the solution to a problem that you notice is occurring. However, major problems that need careful repair should always be handled by a licensed professional. There are elements such as gas lines, exhaust vents, and electrical pieces that can be more safely handled by professionals. Things such as strange noises, gas leaks, or an electrical problem are better handled by a licensed plumber or licensed electrician.

Tank water heaters will typically last around 10 years, while tankless water heaters can last around 20 years. If you are finding that problems and repairs are becoming more and more frequent, this is a sign it is time for a replacement. As far as water heater installation, you should always call a plumber for assistance with this job.

The Final Verdict

Both plumbers and heater/air conditioning technicians can work on a water heater, depending on the situation. In most cases, you will want to call a plumber to handle water heater problems, but if there is an electrical problem related to your water heater, then a professional electrician would be the better person to call. If you are not sure exactly what water heater issue you are experiencing, it is best to make your first call to a plumber all the same, and if the plumber finds no plumbing-related reason for the issue, it is possible the problem might be related to the power supply or loose wiring. In this case, electricians will obviously be your better bet to fix the problem.

A properly working water heater is important, and finding the right person who fixes water heaters is equally vital in making sure you don&#;t have to take cold showers when something goes wrong. If you are looking for a contractor who fixes water heaters with expertise, John Owens Services offers both plumbing and HVAC services for the job. We have the resources to fix any of your water heater problems, whether they are plumbing- or electrical-related. The next time you have trouble with your water heater, we are the plumber/HVAC technician who can provide the water heater service you need, no matter the issue.

October 29,

Who Works on Water Heaters?

Water heaters are a necessity in a modern home, so what are you to do when yours begins to have problems? It's easy to forget about your water heater until it's malfunctioning.

For more information, please visit Split System Water Heater Supplier.

When a problem does arise, you may be left wondering who to call for help. It may seem the obvious call would be to a plumber, but your local HVAC service provider can also handle your water heater service issues.

Many modern water heaters are hybrid units with mechanisms similar to heat pumps. These innovative hybrid models use refrigerant gas, and sometimes they cannot be serviced by plumbing or electrical companies. But, even if you have a traditional system, HVAC service providers are equipped with the technical skills and expertise to handle all of your water heater needs.

If you think your water heater needs repair or servicing, calling an HVAC technician may seem wrong.

Still, much of the experience gained from maintaining an HVAC system can be applied to the:

• Repair
• Maintenance
• And installation of water heaters

HVAC service skills like wiring, electrical, and plumbing can easily be transferred to the care of water heater systems. HVAC service providers with NATE-certified technicians on staff are equipped to handle many of the issues common with water heaters.

How to Spot Water Heater Problems

If you aren't sure whether or not your system needs repairs, you can review this list of common signs that can mean possible water heater issues.

Signs it may be time to replace your water heater include:

• Your hot water is running out faster than usual
• Your water heater has needed regular repair
• Your water heater is an older system
• Your water heater is corroded and rusty
• Discolored water comes from your tap
• There are water leaks around your water heater
• Noisy sounds are coming from your system

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

The average water heater lasts for about ten years, and when they operate past that mark, they can lose their efficiency. You can check the age of your system by locating the manufacture date using the serial number on the unit.

When water heaters get older, they can also become noisy and provide inconsistent output. Older water heaters also make it easier for sediment to pile at the bottom. As your system gets older, the hot water output may suffer.

Sediment build-up can reduce the capacity of your water heater and impact output. Fractures can develop over time in an aging water heater. The storage tank can weaken from contracting from temperature changes while heating water.

What Are the Differences Between Tankless and Hybrid Water Heaters?

• Tankless Water Heaters: These systems are designed to heat only a few gallons per minute on-demand, typically between two to five gallons. With the average home using 84 gallons per day, a tankless system can provide adequate hot water when needed, which is an energy cost savings.

• Hybrid Water Heaters: These systems are like traditional water heaters. They have a storage tank, but instead of creating heat to warm the water, it converts heat from the surrounding air, much like how an HVAC system works.

If you've noticed problems with your water heater, now may be the time to upgrade to a new or different system. All water heaters are not the same. Hybrids and tankless systems provide many benefits. They are cheaper to operate and have a longer lifespan.

These newer systems are quite different from traditional storage tank models, which store water in quantities of 20 to 50 gallons on average. The costs associated with newer models can deter many homeowners, but the savings over the appliance's life more than make up for upfront spending.

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