Water Heater Repair in Columbia, SC
When the hot water quits, you want to know what is wrong and what it takes to fix it. Kevin diagnoses water heater problems in Columbia and nearby towns and tells you whether a repair makes sense or whether replacing the unit is the better move.
Common water heater problems
- No hot water at all.
- Water that is only lukewarm or runs out quickly.
- A pilot light that will not stay lit on a gas unit.
- Strange noises, usually from sediment in the tank.
- A leak from the tank, the fittings, or the relief valve.
- Hot water that smells.
Check these first
On an electric heater, check that the breaker has not tripped. On a gas heater, check that the pilot is lit and the gas valve is open. If the heater is leaking, shut off the water to it and call. Do not keep running a unit that is leaking or giving off a gas smell.
Repair or replace?
Many problems, such as a failed heating element, thermostat, or valve, are repairable. A tank that is leaking from the tank itself is not. Kevin will give you a straight answer instead of selling you a new heater you do not need.
If replacement is the better call, see our water heater replacement page.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my water heater not making hot water?
On electric units it is often a tripped breaker, a bad heating element, or a thermostat issue. On gas units it is often the pilot, the thermocouple, or the gas supply. A technician has to look to be sure.
Is a leaking water heater an emergency?
Yes, treat it as one. Shut off the water to the heater and call. If it is a gas unit and you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility first.
Do you repair tankless water heaters?
Yes. See our tankless water heater page as well.
Serving Columbia and within about 30 miles
Columbia, Irmo, Cayce, West Columbia, Lexington, Forest Acres, Blythewood, Chapin, Elgin, and the rest of Richland and Lexington counties. Open 24 hours. Our work is backed by a one-year guarantee on labor.
Sending a plumber out for an on-site inspection has an $89 house-call fee, which is credited toward the job if you move forward with the work.