Water Heater Repair for Austin, TX Residents: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to water heater repair in Austin, Texas, residents and businesses in 78734 need the expertise of experienced, certified plumbers. Abacus Residential and Commercial Plumbing are the trusted name in water heater repair and installation for homeowners and businesses in the Austin, TX area. Our fully licensed and insured team of experienced plumbers are not only equipped to provide superior service but also bring an unparalleled level of customer service that exceeds customer expectations.

Water heaters are vital components of our daily lives and can significantly impact the comfort level in any environment. Water heaters are responsible for the delivery of hot water when it's needed, either for showers, dishwashing machines, laundry, or dishwashers. When a water heater begins to malfunction, it can bring a lot of frustration. That's why it's important to repair or replace any water heater as soon as possible in order to avoid further damage or long term impact in the home.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you should know about water heater repair and installation, including the warning signs that it's time to replace your old unit, types of water heaters you can choose from, and troubleshooting for common problems. We'll even discuss when it's time to call in the experts from Abacus.

Warning Signs That You Need to Replace Your Old Water Heater

Often, it is not until you experience water temperatures or quality that is below your standards that you know that you have a major water heater issue. Fortunately, many water heaters are designed and built to last anywhere between ten to fifteen years. With the right maintenance, they may even last much longer.

However, there are instances when it may be more reasonable to replace an aging water heater instead of attempting repairs. Some of the warning signs that you are dealing with a unit that's reaching the end of its life include:

Age: if your unit is more than fifteen years old, it is time to replace it.

Water Leaks: drips from your water heater are often a sign of rust or corrosion, and suggests that the unit is nearing the end.

Discolored or Rusty Water: rusty or discolored water coming from your taps is normally an indication the water heater's interior is rusting and needs to be replaced.

Strange Noises: water heaters that make strange noises when they are running may be demonstrating that the unit is on its last legs.

Lukewarm Water: lukewarm water coming from your taps is an obvious sign that the water heater is not performing optimally.

Types of Water Heaters

When it's time to purchase a replacement water heater, you may be surprised by the number of different models, types, and sizes on the market. Single family homes typically have one large capacity water heater stored in either a utility closet or basement. Multi-family buildings often have dedicated water heaters located in each unit.

Below, you will find the most popular types of water heaters available on the market today.

Storage Tank – The most common type of water heater is the storage tank. This type of water heater stores hot water and is equipped with an insulating material to keep the hot water stationary until it's needed. Storage tank units come in a wide range of sizes and models, with electric and gas options to choose from.

Tankless – Tankless water heaters are compact units that take up much less room than traditional storage tank hot water heaters. Tankless heaters also heat water on demand and provide a steady stream of hot water without having to wait for it to fill bag again.

Hybrid – Hybrid water heaters are the most energy-efficient on the market and are a combination of storage tank and tankless water heaters. They are compact in size and offer advanced performance and feature sets.

Troubleshooting Common Water Heater Issues

Whether you've recently purchased a brand new hot water heater or your existing unit is having problems, there's no need to call a professional immediately for minor repair and maintenance tasks. Here are some of the most common issues, as well as the steps you can do to preform basic troubleshooting for your water heater.

Pilot Light Out – If your pilot light won't stay lit, it is important to be sure your unit hasn't been hit by foreign objects such as small pebbles, or debris, which can obstruct the air flow and keep the pilot light from staying lit.

Low Hot Water Pressure – Low hot water pressure can often be caused by a buildup of sediment in the unit, which can reduce water flow and cause a pressure drop. This can usually be avoided by cleaning your hot water heater on a regular basis.

No Hot Water – The most common reason for having no hot water is a damaged or disconnected thermostat. These units can easily be checked for damage by using a voltmeter to test for continuity.

Time to Call in the Experts from Abacus

When it comes to plumbing and water heater repairs, it is always best to leave the hard work to the experts. Most water heater repair jobs will require the expertise of a licensed plumber, electrician and inspector, as well as specialized tools and training. You may also run into local regulations and codes that must be followed in order to restore the water heater and keep it running safely and efficiently.

At Abacus, our team of experienced technicians and plumbers are all fully licensed and insured, and have the skills and knowledge to handle any water heater repair job. We are committed to customer service, so you can be assured that your repair job will be completed quickly and efficiently, and with the highest quality of workmanship.

So if you're located in the Austin, Texas area and in need of water heater repair, don't hesitate to call the team at Abacus Plumbing & Air today.

Water Heater Repair

Austin TX

Abacus Plumbing & Air