Water HEATER SERVICES

Water heaters make our day-to-day routines easier and more enjoyable. 

Whether it’s for cooking, cleaning, showers, or laundering, on-demand hot water is a convenience we rely on. So, when your water heater breaks or is no longer meeting your needs, you need reliable plumbing experts to help.

For water heater repair, maintenance, installation, or replacement, Austin Metro Plumbing is the company you should count on to get the job done right the first time. 

Our licensed plumbers are experienced and up to date with the latest developments in the ever-changing world of water heaters.

There are many water heater options, and we service all types, including:

• Conventional tank water heaters: Also known as tank water heaters, these heaters use electricity or gas for fuel. They typically range in size from 40 to 100 gallon tanks. These units are less economical than modern tankless heaters.
• Tankless water heaters: These units don’t have holding tanks. This water heater uses super-heated coils to rapidly heat cold water and is fueled by natural gas or electricity. Not only are tankless water heaters faster and more efficient than their tank-reliant counterparts, but they also deliver an endless supply of hot water.
• Point-of-use water heaters: These units provide hot water directly to individual plumbing fixtures. These have much smaller capacities and are generally less efficient than whole-home water heaters. 

Similar to any other machine, water heaters might have issues after regular use. This could be from worn or faulty parts, corrosion, sediment buildup, a malfunctioning thermostat, or electrical connection issues. Whatever the reason, count on Austin Metro Plumbing for water heater repair.

Some of the most common water heater problems we repair include:

• Unusual sounds
• Water leaks
• Issues with maintaining water temperature
• Random shutoffs
• Constant running
• High energy bills caused by an old, inefficient water heater
• Gas or carbon monoxide leaks

Water heaters are used every day and should be maintained annually, especially in Central Texas. Maintenance doesn’t just help prevent unexpected breakdowns; it also keeps warranties from voiding and can add years to the life of a unit.

Austin Metro Plumbing water heater maintenance includes:

• Routine flush
• Multi-point inspection
• Parts replacement
• Discounts on services and products

After a certain point, repairing a water heater is no longer cost-effective. Even if an old water heater still works, modern units offer significant energy savings which could make replacing your old water heater a great investment.  Additionally, many new water heaters can prevent sediment from forming in their tanks, extending their life, and reducing the cost of maintenance.

When it comes time to install or replace a new water heater unit, our professionals will provide you with all the necessary information you need to select the right option for your home needs.  We can help you figure it out and install additional gas lines or plumbing as needed.

Let's face it, your water heater is one of the workhorses of your home. Imagine turning on the shower and only cold water comes out – no one wants that.

That’s why it’s important to know the signs that it’s time for a new water heater, so you’re not caught off guard with a cold splash when you least expect it.

Here are some of the main things to look out for.

1. Your water heater is at least 10 years old. Water heaters don’t last forever – once they are a decade old, they’re usually on borrowed time. If yours is at least a decade old, or you can’t remember when it was last replaced, it’s time to start shopping for a new one.

2. You notice leaks around the water heater. If you see puddles of water, this is a big red flag that it's on its way out. In addition to this being a sign that you need a new heater, leaks can lead to expensive water damage and spell serious trouble for your home.

3. Your water heater is making strange noises. It’s not like a bowl of cereal – it shouldn’t be snapping, crackling, or popping. This could signal sediment buildup within the tank.

4. The water smells or tastes funky (or both.) If the water smells or tastes like metal, beware. It likely means that the heater’s tank is corroding.

5. You notice rust in your sink. This could also be due to hard water. However, it could be yet another sign that the tank is corroded – which could have a negative impact upon your water quality and potentially cause leaks, too.

6. Your family uses a lot of hot water. If you’ve got a lot of people living under your roof, particularly people who take long, hot showers, your water heater is going to be getting a lot more use than one in a home where only one person lives. So, it may wear out more quickly.

7. Your water gets warm, but not hot. If your water feels tepid when it comes out of the faucet, but never quite heats up all the way, it’s probably time to replace the heater.

If you need to invest in a new water heater, and you don’t know where to start, give us a call.  Austin Metro Plumbing is here to help!

Traditional water heaters usually last between 8-10 years, but this can vary depending on regular maintenance and overall use. Tankless units, however, can last up to 20 years depending on the care they receive.

At least once a year, you should have your water heater drained and flushed to remove sediment buildup. Some units may need more or less frequent flushes depending on water hardness levels, and overall use and maintenance. Count on our licensed plumbers to provide regular water heater flushes. 

It depends on the size of your tank, but generally, it will only take between 20-45 minutes to drain a water heater. When you hire Austin Metro Plumbing, we let you know right away what to expect and how long our services should take.