Water Heater repair, service and install in Charlottesville, VA

Looking to install a new water heater? Need immediate water heater repair services? No matter your needs, our Charlottesville, VA water heater installation, repair, and service experts at The Otter Guys are prepared to provide the quality solutions you’re looking for.

Hassle-Free Water Heater Installation, repair and service in Charlottesville, Virginia

Water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years. A sign that it might be time to look into replacing your system include rust near the bottom of the tank. Older water heaters showing signs of severe rust can burst unexpectedly and cause major water damage. If you notice rust on an older system, it’s a good idea to start making plans for replacement.

Our team is happy to discuss your needs and go over the water heater replacement process with you. We can help you install a variety of water heaters to meet any need, from standard tank systems to high-efficiency tankless alternatives. Reach out today to get started with water heater installation or replacement in Charlottesville, VA.

Need Help With Water Heater Repair or service in Charlottesville, VA?

Not getting any hot water? Suspect an issue with your water heater? Contact our experts for immediate troubleshooting and water heater repair. We will get to the bottom of the problem and present you with options for water heater repair or service. Our goal is to provide you with cost-effective solutions and get your water heater running at peak efficiency again in no time. We also provide routine maintenance services that include tank draining, which prevents minerals and sediment from building up in the tank and helps extend the life of your water heater.

Common Water Heater Repairs

As a homeowner, it’s beneficial for you to know some of the most common water heater repairs. It will give you a better understanding of what’s happening to your unit. Here are some of the most common water heater repair services we provide to our customers:

Very Little Hot Water

The job of your water heater is to provide hot water. If it’s not doing that then it’s easy to assume something is wrong with the water heater. This issue can be caused by several different things:

• A common issue is that your water tank isn’t big enough to meet your requirements. This often happens if someone adds another room to their home or someone new moves in, causing more water to be used. You can fix this by replacing your current water heater with a larger unit.
• Sometimes the fix can be as easy as adjusting the temperature on the tank’s thermostat. It’s important to not set the temperature too high as this can lead to an accident.
• If you have a tankless water heater, the issue could be that the water heater isn’t powerful enough. You may have added too many fixtures to the unit’s power. Check the number of fixtures your unit can run.

Before deciding to purchase a new water heater, you should contact a professional. A professional will be able to tell you if there’s something wrong with your heater and provide service and repair.

No Hot Water

The issue with your water heater not producing hot water will depend on the type of water heater you’re using. If the unit is gas-powered, chances are there’s a pilot light issue. It could also be caused by a faulty thermocouple that needs replacement. Either way, dealing with gas-powered appliances can be dangerous if you’re not trained or experienced. 

If you have an electrical water heater, the issue could be caused by a defective heating element that needs replacing. Either way, these are difficult tasks to tackle by yourself and could even be dangerous. 

A Noisy Water Tank

It’s not all that uncommon to hear your water tank make noises. If it’s infrequent or quiet, there shouldn’t be much cause for concern. However, if the noise is frequent or if you’re hearing loud cracking, popping, or hissing noises, it’s time to give a professional a call. The most likely cause is scale buildup on the heating elements inside the water tank. 

In order to get rid of scales, you need to drain the tank and descale it. You can prevent the buildup of these scales by completely flushing the tank once every few months. If you still hear loud noises from the water tank after flushing the system, you should have a water heater repair professional out to take a look. 

Leaks Around the Water Tank

A general rule of thumb is a leak in your home anywhere should lead to a call to a professional. Leaks around your water tank are often caused by loose connections. If this is the case, you can fix this yourself by tightening the connections. If this doesn’t work, it’s a sign something else is wrong. 

If the leak is coming from your tank directly it means your tank is worn out and in need of a replacement. Even small leaks can lead to huge issues if you don’t address them as soon as possible. Again, the moment you spot a leak, you should give a phone call to a professional. 

Smelly Water

Strange tasting and or smelling water is always a sign you should call for repairs. Not only is this unappealing to anyone who might visit your home, but it’s dangerous to drink this water or use it to clean. More often than not, strange odors coming from your water are a sign that the water is infected with bacteria. You can try to flush the tank, filling it with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water in an effort to clean the tank. Allow the solution to sit in the tank for two to three hours, then flush the tank with clean water. If this method does not work, it’s time to call a professional for further inspection. 

Dirty, Rusty Colored Water

If the water from your water heater is an unpleasant yellow or brown color, something may be wrong with your water heater. It’s important to note that this could also be a sign something is wrong with your pipes. If the water is discolored no matter the setting, your pipes might be suffering from corrosion. More often than not, you will need to repipe your home in order to fix this. 

If the water is only discolored whenever you’re using hot water, something is wrong with your water heater. Just like with your pipes, this is often caused by corrosion. However, this could be caused by a failing anode rod. Try flushing the tank and replacing the anode rod to see if the problem will go away. If the problem is still there, it’s time to contact a professional, as a new heater might be in order. 

Water Heater is Taking Too Long to Reheat

No water heater is able to pump out hot air 24/7. At some point, the water will have to reheat before you use it again. However, water taking too long to reheat is often a sign that something is wrong with your unit. This can be caused by a defective thermostat or a buildup of sediment in the water tank. 

You should always do a routine check of these elements to ensure there’s no damage. If you do notice damage, you should contact our team at The Otter Guys as quickly as possible. We will determine what’s wrong with your unit and get your warm water running again so that you can enjoy a warm shower. 

Water Temperature Too Hot or Cold

Believe it or not, your water being too hot can also be a sign that something is wrong with your thermostat. More often than not, fluctuating water temperatures are often caused by a faulty thermostat. You can try to fix this by simply adjusting the temperature settings on the thermostat. However, if this doesn’t work, something else is afoot. 

If it’s not the thermostat, it could be the temperature-pressure valve. If the valve is faulty, the heater won’t turn off upon reaching the correct temperature, meaning your water might be too hot. This can be dangerous as scalding hot water can cause burns. You should try to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible. 

Why Should You Choose The Otter Guys for Water Heater Repair Needs?

If you notice any of the issues listed above, it’s time to call a team of professionals that you can trust! Our team at The Otter Guys has years of experience working in the HVAC industry! 

On top of our top-of-the-line services, we strive to offer unmatched customer service. From the moment you call us until the moment your water heater needs are met, we strive to provide customer service you won’t find at “otter” HVAC companies. We want to make any customer who calls us a customer for life. 

Frequently Asked Water Heater Questions

Part of providing great customer service is being there to answer your questions. Here are some questions we often get when it comes to water heaters:

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

Experts recommend replacing your water heater once every 10-15 years. Newer systems are far more energy-efficient and better designed for the modern home. While it’s easy to get sticker shock, newer systems can help you save money in the long run on energy savings. 

How Can I Extend the Lifespan of My Water Heater?

If you want to extend the lifespan of your water heater you should look into regular maintenance services. These service plans will help ensure there are no underlying issues in your water heater that can cause problems if left unchecked. These check-ups also ensure your unit is working as efficiently as possible.

Can I Just Install My New Water Heater Myself?

While it is possible to install your water heater yourself, we strongly advise against it, especially if you have no training or expertise. These machines can be dangerous if handled improperly. On top of that, shoddy installation can lead to expensive repairs down the line. It’s probably best to let the experts handle it. 

Give Us A Call Today

If you’re in need of water heater services in the Charlottesville, VA, area, our team at The Otter Guys is here to help. We offer a wide range of water heater services including repair, installation, and maintenance.