Your Team for 24/7 Emergency Water Heater Repair in Columbus, OH

If your water heater has been leaking, making strange noises and smells, or if your water is too hot or too cold, you may need to have your water heater repaired. At Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros, we know that water heater issues can be stressful for your family, so we offer 24-hour emergency phone service, free, no-obligation estimates, and a satisfaction guarantee, along with helpful coupons and discounts on our services. 

Our highly skilled plumbers and technicians are experienced in diagnosing and fixing all types of water heater issues and are dedicated to providing the most efficient water heater repair in Columbus, OH. Whether you have a gas, electric, or tankless water heater, we’ll help you and your family stay safe, with all the reliable hot water you need to run your household.

Water Heater Repair in Columbus, OH 8 Common Water Heater Issues

The lifetime expectancy of a water heater is 10 to 15 years, after which time, you may begin to experience problems like these:

1. Water leaks

Water leaks are the most common type of water heater issue we see. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as water can corrode your tank and create cracks. Leaks may also occur due to:

  • Loose or damaged in-line valves 
  • A defective pressure relief valve
  • Cracks or corrosion in the tank
  • Faulty pipe connections 
  • A worn-out anode rod

These issues may be a simple fix, like replacing a valve, or they may require a full water heater replacement. Bringing a professional in to assess the problem ensures quick and safe solutions for your home.

2. Hot water runs out too quickly

Some of the reasons your hot water may run out quickly include:

  • Debris and sediment in the hot water tank
  • A broken dip tube causing cold water to rise to the top of the tank
  • A faulty thermostat misreading the water temperature
  • An aging water heater that can’t keep up with household demands

While most of these issues can be repaired, if your water heater is between 10 and 15 years old, it may be time to consider purchasing a new unit. It could be that your current water heater isn't performing as it should due to its age, or maybe you've added more people to your household and a bigger tank is needed.

3. It takes a long time to produce hot water

It shouldn’t take longer than a minute or two to receive warm water from your faucets and showers. If your water takes a long time to heat up, it could be an indicator that your water heater is nearing the end of its life, as water heaters tend to become less effective over time. 

Call an Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros service professional to diagnose the issue, as it might be something we can fix. Some other reasons it may take time for water to heat up include:

  • Sediment buildup in the tank
  • Cold outside temperatures and uninsulated pipes
  • A long distance between the heater and the tap
  • Having volume restrictors on shower heads and other fixtures
  • Wide-diameter pipes throughout the home are causing slower flow

4. The pilot light keeps going out

If your water heater pilot light continually goes out, flickers, has a split flame, or is a yellow color instead of blue, you may have problems with airflow, venting, built-up grime, or a faulty thermocouple. A professional plumber will be able to assess the issue and ensure you don’t have air in the gas line or a dangerous gas leak in your home. 

5. Your water is too hot

There are different recommendations from agencies such as the CDC and OSHA, but the consensus is that the safe temperature range for hot tap water falls between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have noticed your hot water is scalding hot, this is an indicator that:

  • The thermostat has been jostled or is malfunctioning
  • The temperature has been reset and needs an adjustment
  • There is a high mineral content in the water 
  • A blocked pressure valve

These issues may be simple fixes or you may need a professional to perform repairs. It’s well worth having an expert plumber from Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros come and assess your concerns as it may be a case of a dangerous hot water pressure problem. 

6. Strange noises

If you hear any unusual sounds coming from your water heater, call our service team. These sounds may include:

  • Sizzling or rumbling sounds may indicate sediment buildup in the tank, which a plumber can solve by emptying the tank and flushing the unit. 
  • A screeching or high-pitched whistling may mean a valve’s water flow is restricted. If the sound is coming from the pressure release valve, it is recommended to turn off the gas, electricity, and water flow to the tank and get immediate assistance from a plumber. If it is coming from elsewhere, it may indicate valve damage or a problem with nearby water lines. A professional plumber can help you assess and resolve the issue.
  • If you hear a banging sound, it may be a water hammer, which is the term for a pressure surge in the system. Water hammers can cause burst pipes and water tank damage, but can be resolved by installing a pressure-reduction valve or water hammer arrestor. 
  • Crackling and popping sounds may mean you need an anode rod replacement. 

Any odd noises coming from your water heater warrant an inspection. If you aren’t sure, it is always better to err on the side of caution and call a plumber to make a professional assessment. At Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros, we offer free, no-obligation estimates that will ease your mind and let you know exactly what to expect. 

7. Discolored water

The water in your home should always be clear. If you notice your hot water is brown or looks rusty, it may be time for a water heater repair as the anode rod or the interior of the water heater is likely beginning to rust. If the water is discolored when you run cold water as well, it may be due to another issue. A professional plumber will be able to diagnose the problem for you.

8. Water smells bad

Your water should have a neutral scent. If you smell rotten eggs, it could be a dangerous gas leak which requires immediate action. If you smell a garbage-like scent, it could be an indicator that your water tank needs to be flushed, and if you smell a garlic scent, it could mean your anode rod is worn out or you have sediments in the tank. All of these issues require professional assistance, and at Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros, we’re happy to help.

When Is Your Water Heater Repair an Emergency?

Not sure when your water heater problem is an emergency and when it can wait? No problem! We're happy to explain. In some cases, a water heater problem can wait until the next day. 

You should call our 24/7 emergency water heater service in Columbus if:

  • Your water heater is leaking a lot of water
  • You smell gas or rotten eggs
  • Your water heater is producing scalding-hot water 

It’s also important to have your water heater looked at as soon as possible if it hasn’t been working well for a long time or it’s producing poor-quality or tepid water. There’s the possibility of dangerous bacteria growth in an under-heated tank. 

The best way to prevent water heater emergencies is to be proactive with water heater maintenance, which means scheduling professional maintenance at least once a year. Regular maintenance includes:

  • Inspecting the anode rod
  • Draining the tank and cleaning sediment buildup
  • Checking all electrical connections and wiring
  • Ensuring valve functionality and checking connections
  • Checking all components thoroughly

Don’t let a water heater issue damage your home or endanger your family’s health. Mold, bacteria, scalding, and structural damage are all serious concerns. If you’re concerned about your water heater, call Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros for water heater repair in Columbus, OH — day or night. We offer fast, accurate solutions you can trust, and we’re happy to take a look at your water heater to give our honest professional opinion.

Dents in your water heater? Call Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros to help you determine how they may be impacting the functionality of your system and how to fix it.

The Repair Process

When you choose Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros for your water heater repair, you’re choosing an easy, no-hassle process. Our team of water heater experts can offer you a free, no-obligation estimate before you get started, so you know how much money to budget, how long the repairs will take, and what to expect. 

Each type of water heater is different, and the repair process differs a bit depending on whether you have an electric, oil, natural gas, or geothermal heater. The basics of traditional water heaters are the same, though. Each is essentially just a tank that heats and stores water and acts as a delivery source to the appliances and faucets throughout your home. 

There are 8 main parts of traditional water heaters:

  1. Tank stores hot water
  2. Thermostat regulates temperature
  3. Burner/heating element heats up the water to be stored for use
  4. Shutoff valve stops water from exiting the water heater
  5. Electrical wiring
  6. Drain
  7. Temperature and pressure valve (T&P valve) trips when temperature or pressure is too high to drain water
  8. Cold inlet pipe pushes hot water to the top of the tank to be used first

These components work in tandem to ensure your water heater is working properly. At Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros, we are highly experienced with all of these parts and can assess any damage or malfunction that has occurred, repairing the issue as soon as possible. 

We arrive at your doorstep quickly and can diagnose all types of issues without any delay, ensuring the problem is fixed as soon as possible. Our plumbers will always perform a thorough inspection of the water tank so that we can pinpoint the exact source of the problem. Where necessary, we may even recommend replacement with a newer, more efficient water heater model to prevent any major issues (and energy bills) down the track.

If you suspect something isn't right with your water heater, reach out to us today! We can schedule a service call at your convenience if it's not urgent, or get to you right away with our 24/7 emergency water heater service here in Columbus.

Water Heater Repair Services We Provide:

  • Thermostat repair and replacement
  • Leak repair
  • Pipe fixes
  • Pressure relief valve repair
  • Part replacement or repair
  • Repairing or replacing damaged gaskets
  • Tightening heating element bolts
  • Leaking water tank repairs

Our plumbers have many years of combined experience and have seen it all! No matter what make, model, or style of water heater you have, we can fix it.

Why Choose Our Water Heater Repair Services

The experts at Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros are trained to handle your water heater issues. Regardless of your water heater brand we can quickly diagnose and fix the problem, restoring the unit to its full functionality with minimal inconvenience to you and your family. 

We are trusted for our exceptional services, quick turnaround times, and competitive pricing.

From 24/7 emergency water heater repair to routinely scheduled service, your residential hot water needs are in great hands with our reputable team.

We also repair water heaters in:

Call Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros for Water Heater Repair in Columbus, OH

Your water heater needs to be fully functional in your home so you can enjoy hot showers, run your dishwasher, do your laundry, and live life normally. Not only will a damaged water heater interrupt your daily routines, but according to the US Department of Energy, water heating accounts for 18% of a home’s energy use, meaning a malfunctioning water heater may increase your monthly energy bills. If the problem is significant enough it may also cause damage to your home or even cause serious safety issues for your family.

At Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros, we take pride in our knowledgeable, highly skilled team of plumbers and technicians and our reputation as one of the most trusted water heater repair businesses in Columbus. We are dedicated to helping those in our community by offering honest and reliable service at industry-competitive prices. Whether your water heater needs a quick repair with ongoing maintenance, or it is time to look into newer and more efficient water heater models, like the small, tankless water heaters that offer virtually limitless and on-demand hot water, we make the process as pain-free as possible. 

For reliable and trusted water heater repair in Columbus OH that can diagnose and repair any issue efficiently, call our expert team at Apex Plumbing, Heating, and Air Pros today. Contact us at (614) 869-3969 or schedule a service call online.