A water heater that stops heating or runs out fast usually has a single failed part, like an element, thermostat, thermocouple, gas valve or dip tube, and that part can often be replaced. Water leaking from the tank itself is the exception, since a rusted-through tank can't be patched. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Atlanta.
Common symptoms and where they point
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Electric heater, no hot water | Tripped breaker, burned-out element, bad thermostat or tripped high-limit reset |
| Gas heater, no hot water | Pilot out, worn thermocouple, dirty burner or failing gas control |
| Hot water runs out early | One element down, broken dip tube or heavy sediment |
| Rumbling or popping | Sediment on the tank floor |
| Rotten-egg smell on the hot side only | Reaction at the anode rod |
| Puddle under the tank | Loose fitting or drain valve, or a failed tank |
Safe checks before you call
Reset a tripped breaker once. If it trips again, leave it off. On a gas unit, relight the pilot only by following the label on the heater. Beyond that, the wiring, gas valve and venting belong to a professional. If the temperature and pressure relief valve is releasing water, do not plug or cap it. That valve keeps the tank from building dangerous pressure, and its discharge is a symptom worth a plumber's attention.
Sediment, taste and Atlanta water
Atlanta's water comes from the Chattahoochee River and is treated at the Hemphill, Chattahoochee and Atlanta-Fulton County plants. The city does not give a single hardness number for it, so for current water details check DWM's latest water quality report. Whatever the mineral content, some sediment settles in any tank over time. Flushing a few gallons from the drain valve once in a while helps, and a plumber can do a full flush if the heater is noisy.
Is a repair still worth it?
Repair makes sense when the tank is dry and the heater is fairly young. When the unit is older, the repair is a costly control or burner part, or the tank is weeping from its shell, replacement usually comes out ahead. The manufacture date is printed on the rating label, and a plumber can decode it if it isn't obvious.
What drives the price
- The part that failed and whether it is in stock
- Gas or electric, and the heater's brand
- Access: attics, crawl spaces and tight closets take longer
- Timing, since after-hours visits often cost more
Ask for the diagnosis and the repair price before work starts.
Water Heater Repair questions from Atlanta homeowners
Why did my electric water heater stop working?
Why does only my hot water smell like sulfur?
Can a leaking water heater be repaired?
How hard is Atlanta's water?
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Sources
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