When your water heater stops working, you need answers, not just because nobody wants cold showers, but because a failing unit can cause serious water damage.
Stars and Pipes Plumbing Atlanta provides water heater repair and replacement services throughout Gwinnett, Fulton, and DeKalb counties, helping homeowners determine whether their system needs a simple fix or complete replacement.
Fill out the form below to get a quote or in case of an emergency please call us at:
(770) 398-7827
Check Out What Your Neighbors Have To Say…
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention
- No Hot Water or Inconsistent Temperature: Complete loss of hot water often points to failed heating elements in electric units or pilot light problems in gas models. Water that’s scalding one moment and lukewarm the next typically indicates thermostat issues or sediment interfering with heating efficiency.
- Strange Noises During Operation: Popping, banging, or rumbling sounds usually mean sediment has built up at the tank bottom. As water heats, it must bubble through this sediment layer, creating noise. While not immediately dangerous, sediment buildup reduces efficiency and speeds up tank deterioration.
- Discolored or Rusty Water: Rust-colored hot water suggests corrosion inside the tank or a deteriorating anode rod—the sacrificial component designed to corrode instead of the tank. Once the anode rod fails completely, the tank itself begins rusting through.
- Water Pooling Around the Unit: Moisture or standing water near your water heater indicates leaking. Small leaks from fittings or the pressure relief valve can often be repaired. Leaks from the tank body mean the tank has corroded through and requires replacement—these leaks only get worse.
- Recovery Rate Declining: Running out of hot water faster than normal—even when household size hasn’t changed—suggests your water heater’s recovery rate (how quickly it reheats water) has diminished. This happens as sediment accumulates or heating elements weaken.
- Age of Your System: Most conventional tank water heaters last 8-12 years. If your unit approaches or exceeds this range and starts showing problems, replacement typically makes more financial sense than investing in repairs for aging equipment.
Water Heater Repair Services
Heating Element Replacement
Electric water heaters contain one or two heating elements that can burn out over time. Replacing failed elements restores hot water production and typically costs less than full unit replacement for newer systems. Most residential electric water heaters use 4500-watt elements.
Thermostat Service
Malfunctioning thermostats cause temperature inconsistency or prevent water from reaching desired temperature. Most tank water heaters have two thermostats—upper and lower—that work together to heat water efficiently. Calibrating or replacing faulty thermostats solves temperature issues without requiring new equipment.
Pressure Relief Valve Repair
The temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) serves as a critical safety component. When it leaks or fails to operate correctly, replacement prevents dangerous pressure buildup inside the tank. This valve is designed to open if temperature exceeds 210°F or pressure exceeds 150 PSI.
Anode Rod Replacement
Replacing the sacrificial anode rod before it completely deteriorates can extend tank life by several years. This magnesium or aluminum rod attracts corrosive elements in water, protecting the steel tank. Checking the anode rod every 3-5 years and replacing when necessary is preventive maintenance that makes sense for units under 8 years old.
Pilot Light and Gas Control Repairs
Gas water heaters experiencing pilot light problems or burner issues often need thermocouple replacement or gas control valve service. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off gas flow if the pilot light goes out. These repairs restore proper heating function without full system replacement.
Sediment Flushing
Gwinnett County water contains minerals that settle at tank bottoms over time. Annual flushing removes this sediment layer, improving efficiency and extending equipment lifespan. Sediment acts as insulation between heating elements and water, forcing the system to work harder and longer to heat water.
Drain Valve Replacement
Leaking drain valves can usually be replaced fairly easily. This simple repair prevents water waste and potential water damage from ongoing dripping. Plastic drain valves, common on many residential water heaters, are more prone to failure than brass valves.
Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Right Decision
Consider Repair When:
- The unit is less than 8 years old
- Only one component has failed
- Repair costs stay under 50% of replacement cost
- The tank shows no signs of corrosion or leaking
- Regular maintenance has been performed
- The current capacity still meets household needs
Consider Replacement When:
- The unit exceeds 10-12 years old
- Multiple components are failing
- The tank itself is leaking
- Repair costs approach replacement costs
- Energy bills have increased noticeably due to inefficiency
- Frequent repairs are needed
- You’re running out of hot water regularly (undersized unit)
- You want to upgrade to more efficient equipment
Honest assessment matters. There’s no benefit to recommending unnecessary replacements, just as there’s no value in performing repairs on equipment that will fail again shortly.
Water Heater Replacement and Installation
Proper Sizing for Your Household
Undersized water heaters run constantly and fail prematurely. Oversized units waste energy heating water you don’t need. Common residential tank sizes include:
- 40-gallon tanks: Suitable for 1-2 people
- 50-gallon tanks: Standard for 2-3 people, most common residential size
- 75-gallon tanks: Appropriate for 4-5 people or homes with high simultaneous hot water demand
- 80+ gallon tanks: Large households or homes with multiple bathrooms in constant use
Proper sizing considers more than just people, it accounts for dishwashers, washing machines, multiple showers running simultaneously, and lifestyle factors. A family of four that takes staggered showers needs different capacity than one where everyone showers within the same hour each morning.
The Stars and Pipes Plumbing Atlanta team evaluates your household’s specific hot water usage patterns to recommend the right size for your home, ensuring you have adequate capacity without paying to heat unnecessary water.
Tank Water Heater Installation
Conventional tank water heaters remain the most common residential option, offering reliable performance at reasonable cost. Professional installation includes:
- Proper venting for gas models (Type B vent or direct vent depending on equipment and code requirements)
- Securing water connections with appropriate materials
- Installing expansion tanks when required by code or plumbing system configuration
- Gas line connections meeting safety standards, or electrical connections to proper circuit breakers
- Setting on proper drain pan where required
- Ensuring all work meets Gwinnett, Fulton, and DeKalb county building codes
- Obtaining necessary permits and scheduling required inspections
Stars and Pipes Plumbing Atlanta stays current with Georgia plumbing codes and local jurisdiction requirements, ensuring installations meet all safety standards and pass inspection.
Installation quality affects both safety and equipment lifespan. Poor installation work leads to premature failures, inefficient operation, and potential safety hazards.
Water Heater Brands
Stars and Pipes Plumbing Atlanta installs and services all major water heater brands including Rheem, AO Smith, Bradford White, State, GE, and Whirlpool for conventional tank systems. Equipment recommendations focus on matching the right capacity and efficiency level to your household’s needs and budget.
Gas vs. Electric
Homes with existing gas lines can choose between gas and electric models:
Gas Water Heaters:
- Faster recovery rate (reheats water more quickly)
- Lower operating costs in most cases
- Requires proper venting to exterior
- Continues working during power outages
- Higher upfront cost typically
Electric Water Heaters:
- No venting required
- Often lower upfront cost
- Easier installation in some locations
- Requires appropriate electrical circuit (typically 30-amp, 240-volt)
- May have higher operating costs depending on utility rates
The choice often depends on existing infrastructure, installation location limitations, and long-term operating cost considerations based on local utility rates.
Energy Efficiency Considerations
Newer water heaters are significantly more efficient than models from 10+ years ago. Energy Factor (EF) ratings indicate efficiency – higher numbers mean better efficiency. Energy Star certified water heaters meet strict efficiency guidelines and can reduce water heating costs by up to 20% compared to standard models.
High-efficiency features include:
- Improved insulation reducing standby heat loss
- More efficient burners or heating elements
- Electronic ignition on gas models (eliminating standing pilot lights)
- Heat trap nipples preventing heat loss through inlet and outlet pipes
Warranty Coverage
Most residential tank water heaters come with 6, 9, or 12-year warranties. Longer warranties typically indicate better construction quality – thicker steel tanks, better anode rods, and superior components.
Understanding warranty coverage before purchase helps set realistic expectations about equipment lifespan. Some manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance to maintain warranty validity.
Installation Timeline and Permits
Most water heater replacements complete in 3-4 hours for straightforward installations. Jobs requiring additional work—upgrading electrical service, installing new gas lines, relocating equipment, or addressing code compliance issues—take longer.
Local building codes require permits for water heater installation in most cases. Permits ensure work meets safety standards and gets properly inspected. Professional plumbers handle permit applications and coordinate required inspections, eliminating this burden from homeowners.
Unpermitted work can create problems when selling your home or filing insurance claims.Emergency replacements receive priority scheduling to restore hot water quickly.
Tankless Water Heater Alternative
For homeowners interested in on-demand hot water without storage tanks, tankless water heaters offer an alternative approach with different advantages and considerations. These systems heat water as needed rather than maintaining a tank of heated water.
Preventive Maintenance Extends Equipment Life
Annual Maintenance Services
Regular maintenance significantly extends water heater lifespan and prevents unexpected failures. Annual service includes:
- Flushing the tank to remove accumulated sediment
- Testing temperature and pressure relief valve for proper operation
- Inspecting anode rod condition and replacing if deteriorated
- Checking gas burner operation and flame pattern (gas models)
- Testing heating elements and thermostats (electric models)
- Inspecting venting for proper draft and no obstructions (gas models)
- Examining connections for leaks or corrosion
- Verifying proper operating temperature (typically 120°F recommended)
DIY Maintenance Homeowners Can Perform
Between professional service visits, homeowners can:
- Test the T&P valve annually by lifting the lever briefly to ensure it releases water
- Drain a few gallons from the tank every few months to reduce sediment accumulation
- Check for leaks around connections and the tank base
- Listen for unusual sounds indicating sediment buildup
- Verify water temperature isn’t set dangerously high (scalding risk above 125°F)
For homes with hard water, more frequent maintenance, every six months, can prevent mineral buildup from shortening equipment life.
Common Water Heater Issues in the Atlanta Area
Sediment Buildup from Hard Water
Gwinnett, Fulton, and DeKalb county water contains minerals that settle at tank bottoms. This sediment layer insulates water from heating elements, reducing efficiency and eventually causing tank failure.
In severe cases, sediment can harden into a cement-like substance requiring aggressive flushing or making the tank unserviceable. Regular tank flushing helps, but accumulated sediment often reaches problematic levels before homeowners address it.
Thermal Expansion Concerns
Closed plumbing systems (those with backflow prevention devices or pressure-reducing valves) can experience dangerous pressure buildup as water heats and expands. Water expands approximately 2% as it heats from 50°F to 140°F. In closed systems, this expansion has nowhere to go, potentially causing T&P valve leaks or even tank ruptures.
Proper expansion tank installation prevents this issue and extends water heater life while protecting your plumbing system.
Inadequate Capacity
A water heater properly sized when installed may become inadequate as families grow or usage patterns change. Running out of hot water regularly indicates your current system can’t meet demand, not necessarily that it’s failing. Teenagers taking long showers, adding a dishwasher, or installing a soaking tub all increase hot water requirements.
Aging Infrastructure in Older Homes
Properties throughout Lilburn, Lawrenceville, and Tucker sometimes have gas lines too small for modern high-recovery water heaters. Gas water heaters require specific BTU input levels—typically 30,000 to 50,000 BTUs for residential units.
If existing gas lines can’t deliver adequate fuel volume, proper installation requires gas line upgrades to ensure adequate supply and safe operation.Similarly, older electrical systems may lack capacity for modern electric water heaters, requiring electrical panel upgrades or circuit additions.
Temperature Setting Problems
Many water heaters are set too high (above 140°F), wasting energy and creating scalding risks, or too low (below 120°F), allowing bacteria growth and providing insufficient hot water. The recommended setting is 120°F, hot enough to prevent Legionella bacteria growth while minimizing scalding risk and energy waste.
Emergency Water Heater Service
Water heater failures don’t wait for convenient timing. A completely failed unit means no hot water for showers, dishes, or laundry. A leaking tank means potential water damage to floors, walls, and belongings.
Give Stars and Pipes Plumbing Atlanta a call for any plumbing issues 24/7 at (770) 398-7827!
Emergency plumbing service prioritizes stopping active leaks, assessing whether repair or replacement is needed, and restoring hot water as quickly as possible. For situations requiring replacement, emergency installations can often complete the same day or next day depending on equipment availability and job complexity.
Gas water heaters that smell like gas require immediate attention and should be shut off at the gas valve. If you smell gas, leave your home and call the gas company before calling a plumber.
Quality Service Throughout Metro Atlanta
Water heater repair and replacement services cover Gwinnett County including Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Loganville, and Grayson, plus surrounding areas in Fulton and DeKalb counties like Tucker, Dunwoody, Norcross, Johns Creek, and Doraville.
Schedule Water Heater Service
Call (770) 398-7827 to schedule water heater repair or replacement, or for emergency service when your system fails. Same-day and next-day appointments are typically available for non-emergency situations.
Working with a veteran-owned, locally-based plumbing company means honest assessment of whether your water heater needs repair or replacement—and professional installation that protects your investment for years to come.
Our Commitment to Trust
At Stars & Pipes Plumbing Atlanta, we understand the importance of expertise, authority, and trust in providing plumbing services. Our plumbers are licensed, insured, and highly trained, ensuring you receive professional advice and service backed by years of experience.