Water Heater Repair Charleston, SC

Most people don't give their hot water supply much thought. That is until it stops working. You might just think that your storage tank water heater just needs a break to recharge. But that's not the case. You're likely in desperate need of water heater repair services; you just don't know it.

When it comes to the types of water heaters available on the market, you've got two major choices to make. Do you want to go with a gas-powered system, which can last up to 10 years; or would you rather go with an electric-powered unit, which lasts up to 15 years? When it comes to making decisions about a water heater repair, Charleston, SC residents have a lot to consider.

Sometimes, it's much more economical to repair your existing water heater rather than getting a replacement. After all, your existing unit might be fine with a little bit of water heater maintenance. And, at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston, we offer regular maintenance services for water heaters.

Often, you only need to tighten a couple of components, like your temperature and pressure relief valve, heat pump, or pilot light, to get your unit working beautifully once more. Plus, if any of those above-mentioned components are broken, then your unit won't function efficiently—along with the risk that it could flood your home, resulting in costly water damage repairs.

You're not doing yourself any favors by skipping out on Charleston water heater repair services. Regardless of which service you opt for, be it a Charleston water heater repair or replacement, you'll reap the benefits on your utility bills. You'll also receive hot water on-demand, remedying any minor problems with your water heater.

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we're a big proponent of preventative maintenance. It's vital to stay up-to-date on the proper upkeep of your water heater, and we can provide you with advice on doing so during your annual plumbing inspection. This can help you avoid having to pay for an expensive Charleston water heater replacement service. Depending on which type of unit you have—be it gas or electric—we can proceed accordingly with any needed Charleston water heater repairs.

Types of Water Heaters We Handle

If your home already has a functioning water heater, at times it’s best to swap it out for a different version to better fulfill your daily routine's needs—especially if you're a larger household. Charleston homeowners have the option of a traditional tank-based system or a modern tankless system. Both work well, but fulfill purposes through different methods.

• Tank-Based: These are the more traditional models. Water heater tanks heat water beforehand, putting it into a storage tank for later use once it's ready to be distributed. These units require a short rest period while the hot water tank refills itself with water, which then needs to be heated to the appropriate temperature.
• Tankless Heaters: These are becoming a more popular option today, as they offer a continuous supply of hot water, providing it instantaneously. There's no pause between uses, and they're easier to maintain as they don't require regular cleaning. Additionally, they're more energy efficient. However, they do have a higher upfront installation cost; weigh that against the saving costs on your utility bills.

Gas Water Heaters versus Electric Water Heaters

Much like there are two different types of water heaters commercially available, there are options when it comes to how your water heater is powered. The two main options are gas-powered and electric water heaters.

Gas Water Heaters

Gas-powered water heaters work by heating water with a gas-fired burner that's located at the bottom of the unit's tank. The water is heated from the bottom, radiating upwards. Then, it's drawn off from the top by a discharge tube. The heat is transferred throughout your home's water supply, flowing into your faucets when you turn them on. As you use the hot water, more water is shuffled into the system to be heated.

For those living on a tight budget, gas-powered units are best as they're less expensive for an upfront water heater installation or replacement. Plus, you don't need to worry about a power outage cutting off your supply of hot water. The major downside to gas-powered units is that they require regular maintenance, including Charleston water heater repair services. Gas-powered units need to be cleaned of sediment buildup, which includes carbon debris. If you don't keep up with that, then you'll begin to notice discoloration due to corrosion.

Electric Water Heaters

Now, electric-powered units heat water with high-voltage electrical heating rods that run vertically through the unit's tank. The water is heated at the center of the tank, which then radiates outwards.

With electric units, you gain the benefits of efficiency, a lower upfront purchase price, and an easier hook-up service when dealing with a water heater replacement in Charleston, SC as all homes have electric services. However, electric units also come with a higher operating cost and don't operate if there's a power outage or failure.

Why Mr. Rooter Plumbing is Your Top Choice for Water Heater Repair in Charleston, SC

When you're looking for Charleston water heater repair services, turn to Mr. Rooter Plumbing every time. You won't need to wait for the water to heat up, so you can take a hot shower. No matter what issues you might be having with your water heater, you can trust Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston to get to the bottom of it.

With Mr. Rooter Plumbing, you get access to routine plumbing services from skilled service professionals—including Charleston water heater repair and replacement services. Our expert plumbers will show up, in uniform, and can fit into your busy schedule with flexible and convenient scheduling options. We also offer 24/7 emergency services, because we understand that a crisis doesn't wait for a convenient time.

If you're looking for expert service and a fantastic experience, choose Mr. Rooter Plumbing for all of your routine plumbing services and water heater services in Charleston. Don't believe us? Just take a look at our customer reviews to see how we can provide you with professional, courteous service. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that a team of skilled service professionals is on your side.

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Heater Repair Charleston, SC

What Are Some Telltale Signs I Need Water Heater Replacement in Charleston, SC?

• Strange noises
• Foul odors
• Fluctuating water temperature and pressure levels
• Discolored or rusty water
• Hairline cracks, fractures, or small holes on the tank-based unit
• Frequent and tedious repairs
• Hot water shortage
• Only lukewarm or tepid water
• Age of the water heater

Why is the Pipe Connecting to My Water Heater 'Leaking'?

You're likely thinking of what's known as the overflow pipe, which is attached to your water heater's temperature relief valve. It's a safety feature that relieves excess pressure inside your water heater in case it's under a large amount of high pressure or if the unit overheats. Sometimes, the pipe will "blow off some steam" which doesn't indicate there's a problem with your water heater that demands a water heater repair in Charleston, SC.

However, if you're experiencing frequent problems with leaks or a continuous leak from the pipe, then you likely have a problem. In that case, call your local Charleston plumber today for a water heater repair in Charleston, SC.

How Do I Turn Off My Water Heater if There is a Leak?

That depends on the type of water heater that you have. If it's gas, you will need to not only shutoff the water supply to your water heater, but also access the gas shutoff valve. If you have an electric water heater, you will need to unplug it or access your breaker box to flip the circuit breaker to halt its power supply.

Is it Normal for My Water Heater's Valve to Drip Water Occasionally?

Yes, that's what is known as the pressure relief valve (PRV). Typically, these are set at 150lbs of pressure or 210 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too high, then it might "spit out" some water occasionally to release some of the pressure, making sure that your water heater continues to operate safely. It's a safety feature that all water heaters are equipped with. It's perfectly normal for this to happen occasionally.

However, if there is a constant drip, flooding, or you can hear a whistling noise, then that's a sign that you need a water heater repair in Charleston, SC. That's because you'll need a licensed plumber to come and check your PRV to see if it's failed. Pressure build-ups in water heaters are incredibly dangerous and need to be dealt with quickly. That's because your water heater can fail if the pressure or temperature gets too high. Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing immediately if you're having these problems, and we can send out a plumber to deal with it during an appointment for water heater repair in Charleston, SC.

What Does the First Hour Rating (FHR) Mean for a Water Heater?

You might have heard the term "first hour rating" or FHR before. What this refers to is the total amount of water that the unit can produce within an hour of usage. Typically, it's a combination of the tank's capacity (how many gallons it holds) plus the amount of water that it can heat within the time period of an hour.

My Hot Water Has a Nasty Odor, Is That a Problem?

If you're being supplied with hot water that has a nasty odor, it's likely caused by a mineral within the water itself that's reacting within the water heater. Depending on your water's mineral content, your water heater might produce water with an odor. If this is the case, you might want to look at investing in either a water softener or swapping out your water heater's anode rod for another type of rod.

That being said, if you have questions or concerns about your water being smelly, it might be the sign to make the call for a water heater repair in Charleston, SC. Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing today!

How Long Does It Take To Drain And Flush A Water Heater?

It will take approximately 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the tank. If you are inexperienced, you can always hire a professional Charleston plumber, as you have to be careful not to accidentally break the drain valve every time you open and close it. After you have flushed all the water and sediment from the tank, turn on the cold water valve a few times.

What is the Major Downside of an Electric Water Heater in Charleston, SC?

The major downside of an electric water heater is its dependence on electricity. That's because they rely solely on electricity to operate. If there is a power outage or an electrical failure, then you can quickly find yourself without hot water until power is eventually restored. For those areas with frequent outages, the lack of an alternative fuel source can be considered a major disadvantage.

How Long Does It Take a Professional Plumber for a Water Heater Replacement in Charleston, SC?

Once you've decided on which type and power source to go with for your new water heater, you'll need professional plumbing services to handle the Charleston water heater replacement itself. Now, if there are no problems or complications that come up during the process, then it should only take our licensed plumbers 2 to 3 hours to complete your Charleston water heater replacement.

What is the Major Downside of a Tankless Water Heater in Charleston, SC?

The biggest downside of a tankless water heater in Charleston, SC is that it comes with a higher initial installation cost. Compared to a traditional storage tank water heater, the initial price of the unit and its installation costs are much higher. One other downside of a tankless water heater is that its ability to supply hot water is limited, so it's not necessarily the best choice if you have a larger household or high hot water usage.

No More Cold Baths! Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today for a Water Heater Repair in Charleston, SC

Our dedicated team is available around the clock, providing you with Charleston water heater repair and replacement, so you can get back to living your regular life. Whether you're in Charleston or the surrounding areas of Daniel Island, Hanahan, or Mound Pleasant, we can repair your unit, providing you with an excellent experience throughout the process.

Our courteous customer service representatives are on standby and will gladly answer your questions and concerns, so reach out to them to book a consultation or service appointment. You can also book an appointment with us online today.