When your water heater stops working, the last thing you want to do is spend hours figuring out who the right technician is for the job. Between plumbers, HVAC technicians, and water heater specialists, the options can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with real water heater emergencies.
In this guide, we will cover when to call an HVAC specialist, the warning signs your water heater needs repair, and answer some of the most common questions homeowners have about the process. Let’s jump in to help you get your water heater back up and running as quickly as possible.
Table of Contents
- Plumber, Electrician, HVAC: Who To Call for Water Heater Repair
- 4 Reasons To Call an HVAC Professional for Water Heater Repair
- Signs Your Hot Water Heater Needs Repairs
- How To Fix a Hot Water Heater
- FAQs About Water Heater Repair
- AAA Heating and Cooling Can Help With Water Heater Repairs, Maintenance, and Installation
Plumber, Electrician, HVAC: Who To Call for Water Heater Repair
When you have issues with your water heater, it can be hard to know who to call for water heater repairs. Water heaters have both plumbing and electrical components that an electrician, plumber, or HVAC technician can repair. Who you call depends on the specific issue you are having.
To eliminate much of the confusion about who to call, finding a company that does it all can be helpful. AAA Heating and Cooling installs, maintains, and repairs water heaters and can help walk you through any issues or questions you may have. We’ve been a reliable resource in the Portland community since 1961.
When To Call a Plumber
While a water heater has many components, some issues may be best handled by a professional plumber. Plumbers are trained to work on gas, electric, or tankless water heaters, making them a versatile option for many repair needs. If you’re unsure whether your issue requires a plumber, the following are some common problems they are equipped to handle:
- Water leaks, heating elements, and thermostat issues
- No hot water or lukewarm water
- Issues with heating elements or thermostats
- Leaking water at the base, from pipes, or from the tank
- Noisy tanks
- Pilot light not lighting, or smelling of gas
- Rust-colored water
- And more
When To Call an Electrician
If you are experiencing an electrical issue, it is best to call an experienced electrician to help. While electricians cannot address other plumbing or structural issues in the home, you can call an electrician if there is a verified electrical issue, such as a tripped circuit breaker, a burning smell at the electrical panel, or flickering power to a unit.
Some additional issues that an electrician can address include:
- Power failure
- Electrical smells
- Wiring problems
- And more
When To Call an HVAC Professional
HVAC technicians can repair many types of water heaters, particularly modern heat pump units, as well as electrical elements and gas valves. Plumbers are often called for water heater issues, especially when they involve leaks. Still, HVAC professionals can diagnose component failures, repair thermostat issues, and address airflow or refrigerant issues in heat pump systems. This can help reduce additional stress on the unit and prevent future issues.
Some common issues HVAC technicians can support include:
- Heat pump water heaters
- Electric water heaters
- System diagnostics
- Modern water heater hybrid units
If an HVAC technician is called to support, but there are additional issues, they may recommend calling a plumber. A plumber can help with any pipe fitting or extensive plumbing issues that arise from these water heater issues. While some HVAC companies focus strictly on air systems, many, like AAA Heating and Cooling, are licensed to handle water heater maintenance and repairs. If you are experiencing any water heater issues, the professionals at AAA Heating and Cooling can answer your questions and send a crew to your property as soon as possible.
4 Reasons To Call an HVAC Professional for Water Heater Repair
#1: Heat Pump Water Heater Function Is Similar to AC
Heat pump water heaters work like air conditioners in reverse by pulling heat from the surrounding air and transferring it into the water tank. Because these systems rely on refrigeration components such as compressors, coils, and airflow systems, diagnosing and repairing them often requires the same knowledge used in HVAC systems. An HVAC professional has the training and tools needed to service these units.
#2: Hydronic/Air Handler Systems Is an HVAC System
Because the water heater and HVAC equipment work together as a single system, diagnosing the issue often requires professional expertise in both heating and ventilation components. An HVAC professional can identify problems with the air handler’s circulation components or other airflow issues, ensuring the unit operates efficiently and safely.
#3: Expertise With Electrical and Gas Components
Modern water heaters rely on complex gas venting and electrical systems to operate safely and efficiently. These specialized components, including gas line connections, ignition systems, circuit boards, and power supplies, require specialized training to diagnose and repair correctly.
#4: Broad Scope of Service
Many HVAC companies provide both heating and cooling services, as well as water heater and plumbing support. This broader scope of service makes it easier for homeowners to work with one trusted company for multiple home needs. Whether you have an issue with a water heater, connected HVAC equipment, or overall system performance, a full-service provider like AAA Heating and Cooling can deliver more comprehensive maintenance, repairs, and long-term solutions, while simplifying ongoing care.
Signs Your Hot Water Heater Needs Repairs
If you are experiencing signs of disruption and emergency water situations, your water heater may be due for repair. Catching the warning signs can save you from costly replacement down the line. Some common indicators of needed repair include:
- No hot water/leaking
- Low water pressure
- Strange noises, including rumbling or banging
- Rust-colored water
- Electrical or gas Issues
- Inconsistent water temperatures
- A noticeable rise in energy bills
- And more
How To Fix a Hot Water Heater
While not every water heater issue is an emergency or requires a handyman to attend to it, there may be some instances where you can troubleshoot at home, including:
- Checking the thermostat
- Checking the pilot light
- Resetting the unit
- Flushing out the tank
- Checking the breaker
If these DIY tasks don’t work, it is time to call in an experienced technician to help you quickly and safely resolve your water heater issues.
If you want to try to fix your water heater yourself, you can attempt to do so by following these steps:
- Shut off the power at your circuit breaker and use a non-contact voltage detector to confirm it is off before starting any work.
- Check the element to see if it is the problem. Water heaters have internal heating elements that are similar to coils. You can test yours with a continuity tester by disconnecting the wires and attaching the tester to the element. The tester will let you know if the element is burned out or has a short circuit.
- If you need to remove anything, drain the tank first. Turn off the cold water supply, open a hot-water faucet to relieve pressure, and drain the tank using a garden hose connected to the drain valve.
- If you need to replace the old element, use a heating element wrench to unscrew the old part and install the new one. Reconnect the wires and replace the insulation and covers.
This process requires you to have multiple specialty tools and ample time. Consider calling a professional, such as AAA Heating and Cooling, to handle the repair and ensure your unit is fixed properly and continues to run smoothly for years to come.
Repairing Vs. Replacing
Water heaters don’t last forever, and sometimes repair isn’t the most practical option. While water heaters typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years, certain warning signs may indicate it is more cost-effective to replace the unit than continue repairing it. Some of these indicators include:
- Rust-colored water or sediment
- Unit is older than 10 to 15 years
- Heater is leaking
- Water isn’t heating properly
- Loud popping or rumbling sounds
FAQs About Water Heater Repair
What Is the Common Reason for a Hot Water Heater Not Working?
If your water heater’s hot water is suddenly not working, it may be due to a small, fixable issue such as:
- Tripped circuit breakers
- Faulty heating elements (electric)
- Pilot lights that have gone out
- Thermocouple failures (gas)
- Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank
How Much Does It Cost To Repair a Water Heater?
The cost to repair a water heater typically ranges from $90 to $1775, depending on the type, required labor, and any replacement parts. Repairing a water heater is sometimes a simple fix, but replacing it may be the better option if the repair cost is too high. The average cost to replace a water heater ranges from $4,000 to $7,000, depending on the type.
Do HVAC Companies Repair Both Tank and Tankless Water Heaters?
Yes, they do! Most HVAC companies service water heaters, including both tank and tankless models, so regardless of what is in your home, you do not need to track down a specialist. Your local HVAC company, like AAA Heating and Cooling, has you covered.
AAA Heating and Cooling Can Help With Water Heater Repairs, Maintenance, and Installation
When it comes to water heater repairs, maintenance, and installation, trust the professionals who’ve been doing it the longest. AAA Heating and Cooling has served the greater Portland community for over 60 years, providing expert water heater and HVAC services for both residential and commercial properties. Our licensed and bonded team brings decades of hands-on experience to every job, and we have served more than 14,000 Portland customers.
In addition to repairing, maintaining, and installing water heaters, we also provide services for:
- Furnaces
- Heat pumps
- Air conditioners
- Duct cleaning
- Control systems
- Commercial rooftop systems
- Commercial split systems
- Air quality
- And more
Whether you need routine maintenance or are dealing with an urgent HVAC matter, AAA Heating and Cooling is ready to help. Contact us today to get started.