True Plumbing provides licensed and insured plumbing services in Vancouver, WA, specializing in repairs, replacements, leak repairs, and home repiping.
In Short
If your water heater is not delivering hot water, the cause may be straightforward to check, but some problems need a technician. A gas leak, persistent tank leak or repeated electrical fault is best left to a certified technician. True Plumbing (Vancouver) offers water heater repair and replacement in Vancouver, WA. Call us to discuss what is happening with your heater.
Signs of Water Heater Trouble
Lukewarm water, rumbling noises, rusty water and an unexplained increase in your energy bill can signal a problem. If there is no hot water, possible causes include a tripped breaker, an extinguished pilot light or a failed heating element. Sediment buildup can cause unusual noises. Check your product manual before trying basic troubleshooting, and call a professional if you are not comfortable doing it.
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Look around the heater for drips, moisture or pooling water. Small amounts of condensation can be normal, while pooling water indicates a problem. A leak at the bottom often signals tank corrosion; a loose connection can also leak. When deciding whether to repair or replace a heater, consider its age, the repair cost and whether problems keep returning. Before contacting a plumber, photograph visible leaks, rust or unusual condensation, find the model number on the manufacturer's label and locate any warranty paperwork.
For more, see Water Line Repair and Replacement.
Safety Before Inspecting a Water Heater
For an electric water heater, turn off power at the breaker labeled for the heater before opening a panel or touching components. For a gas unit, turn the gas valve to the "pilot" or "off" position before inspecting it. If you smell gas, stop and leave the house immediately. Call the gas company from outside; do not flip switches, use your phone inside or re-enter until the home has been cleared. If a breaker trips again immediately after being reset, stop and contact a licensed technician.
When a Tankless Water Heater Has Trouble
A tankless heater heats water as it flows. Trouble may appear as no hot water or hot water that cannot keep up with demand. Mineral buildup, ignition failure and a unit too small for the household's demand are common causes. The unit's age, repair cost and seriousness of the problem affect a repair-or-replace decision. Most repairs belong with a licensed plumber because the work can involve gas lines, electrical connections and pressurized water.
One customer needed service on a tankless water heater. One of our technicians serviced it, explained the work clearly and completed the job quickly.
Choosing a Plumbing Contractor in Washington
When hiring a contractor in Washington, verify the contractor's registration and get 3 written bids. The state's Verify tool lets you look up a contractor, and its hiring worksheet outlines questions to ask before hiring. Do not pay in full until the job is done. For water heater installation, replacement or service, hire a licensed plumbing contractor that employs certified plumbers.
How We Help With Water Heaters
We provide licensed and insured plumbing services in Vancouver, WA, including water heater repair and replacement. In one case, a customer with a water heater at least 17 years old wanted advice about replacement options because it might fail soon. We discussed tankless and heat pump water heaters and recommended a standard tank for that customer. If you need water heater service, contact us to talk about your heater.
What Customers Are Saying
"Nick came out to repair my hot water heater after hours. To work around my schedule. He had to replace the whole water heater. He worked fast and was very kind and professional. He even showed me how to work the new water heater. He was great and very appreciated. Thank you Nick!"
chelsea adair, Google review
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Water Heater Need Earthquake Strapping in Washington?
Washington requires water heaters to be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal movement during an earthquake. Strapping must be within the upper one-third and lower one-third of the heater's height. At the lower point, it must be at least four inches from the controls.
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What Should I Check About the T & P Valve?
Check that a T & P valve is in place, and inspect it periodically to make sure it operates. Some valves have a test lever that allows water to discharge when lifted. If water continues to leak after the valve closes, the valve may need replacement. Contact a licensed plumber if you are unsure.
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