Best Water Heater Repair Companies in Georgia Ranked

A reliable hot water supply is essential for daily life in Georgia, from morning showers to washing dishes. When your water heater fails, it disrupts your routine and can signal a more serious issue. This guide provides clear, practical information on diagnosing common water heater problems, understanding repair processes, and finding qualified local professionals to restore your hot water safely and efficiently.

SLAM Plumbing

atlanta

SLAM Plumbing provides plumbing services including water heater repair, installation, and leak detection in Atlanta, GA. They serve both residential and commercial clients in Atlanta and nearby areas. The company is known for experienced technicians who handle projects of various sizes and respond quickly to urgent plumbing issues. SLAM Plumbing offers knowledgeable and honest service with a focus on quality workmanship.

5.0

1.6k Reviews

True Plumbing

2650 Pleasantdale Rd, Doraville, GA 30340

True Plumbing is a plumbing service provider based in Atlanta, GA, offering a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and toilet repair. They use advanced tools for leak detection and provide trenchless methods for sewer repairs, helping maintain efficient plumbing systems. Established in 2014, True Plumbing focuses on building lasting customer relationships by educating clients and ensuring peace of mind with their work.

5.0

1.1k Reviews

Blue Skies Atlanta Plumbing

5520 Lilburn Stone Mountain Rd Ste B, Stone Mountain, GA 30087

Blue Skies Atlanta Plumbing offers residential and commercial plumbing services in Atlanta, GA, including DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. Their licensed plumbers handle water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, and toilet repairs. The company provides solutions for both small repairs and major plumbing projects, serving homes and businesses throughout the area.

5.0

881 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

3606 McCall Pl, Doraville, GA 30340

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides a wide range of plumbing services in Atlanta, GA, including sewer camera inspections, water heater repairs and installations, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, and water softener installation. They offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services with same-day response to address urgent plumbing issues. Their capabilities include video camera inspections for sewer lines and the use of trenchless repair methods to minimize disruption during sewer line repairs. Serving the Atlanta area, Roto-Rooter also installs and services various water softener and filtration systems to improve water quality. The company is fully licensed and insured, offering continuous availability throughout the year.

5.0

757 Reviews

Pike Plumbing

4341 Stilesboro Ln NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152

Pike Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving Atlanta, GA, and surrounding areas since 1984. They provide residential and commercial plumbing services including water heater repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, gas line installation, and hydro jetting. Known for handling waterline and sewer line work with a lifetime workmanship warranty, Pike Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues at any time.

5.0

368 Reviews

See more providers in Georgia

Common Water Heater Problems in Georgia

Georgia homeowners face specific challenges with their water heaters, largely influenced by local water conditions. Hard water, prevalent in many parts of the state, leads to mineral and sediment buildup inside the tank. This accumulation is a primary culprit behind many common issues, including reduced heating efficiency, strange noises (like popping or rumbling), and leaks from pressure-related stress ¹.

The most frequent signs of trouble include:

• No Hot Water: The tap runs cold, indicating a complete failure of the heating system.
• Insufficient Hot Water: You run out of hot water faster than usual, often due to a failing component or sediment buildup insulating the water from the heat source.
• Discolored Water: Rust-colored water suggests internal tank corrosion, a serious issue that often necessitates replacement.
• Leaking Water: Puddles or drips around the base of the unit can stem from a faulty valve, loose connection, or-most critically-a corroded tank.
• Unusual Noises: Popping, cracking, or rumbling sounds are typically caused by sediment hardening and moving at the bottom of the tank during heating cycles.

Understanding whether you have a gas or electric model is the first step in diagnosing these problems, as the repair approach and common failure points differ significantly.

Gas vs. Electric Water Heater Repairs

While both gas and electric water heaters share general issues like leaks and sediment, their internal components and associated risks are distinct. Knowing the differences can help you communicate more effectively with a technician.

Gas Water Heater Repairs: Gas units use a burner assembly, controlled by a gas valve and monitored by safety devices like a thermocouple. Common repairs include:

• Fixing the Pilot Light: If the pilot light won't stay lit, the thermocouple-a safety sensor-is often faulty and needs replacement ¹.
• Replacing the Gas Control Valve: This valve regulates gas flow to the burner. If it fails, the heater won't produce hot water or may not shut off properly ².
• Addressing Venting Issues: Proper venting is critical to expel combustion gases like carbon monoxide (CO). Blocked or leaking vents pose a severe safety hazard and require immediate professional attention ³.

Electric Water Heater Repairs: Electric models use one or two submerged heating elements controlled by thermostats. Typical repairs involve:

• Replacing Heating Elements: These elements can burn out over time, leading to no or lukewarm water. Diagnosing which element has failed is a key step ¹.
• Fixing or Replacing Thermostats: Faulty thermostats cause inconsistent water temperatures or prevent the elements from activating ².

Critical Safety Note: Repairs involving gas lines, combustion components, or high-voltage electrical connections must be performed by a licensed plumber or technician. DIY attempts on these systems can lead to gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shock, or fire, and may violate Georgia building codes ^{2 4}.

The Professional Repair Process

When you hire a licensed professional in Georgia, they follow a systematic process to ensure a safe, effective, and code-compliant repair.

1. Diagnosis: The technician will inspect your unit, discuss the symptoms you've observed, and perform tests to pinpoint the exact cause of the failure. This may involve checking pressure relief valves, testing electrical components with a multimeter, or inspecting the burner assembly.
2. Safety Precautions: Before any work begins, the technician will safely shut off the power supply (for electric units) or the gas supply and pilot light (for gas units). This is a non-negotiable first step.
3. Repair or Replacement: The faulty part-such as a thermostat, heating element, gas valve, or pressure relief valve-is carefully replaced. For gas units, this step includes critical safety checks of the combustion and venting systems after the repair ^{2 4}.
4. System Restoration and Testing: Once the new part is installed, the utility services are restored. The technician will then test the unit's operation, checking for proper heating, verifying there are no leaks, and ensuring all safety controls are functioning correctly. For gas heaters, this includes checking for proper ignition and confirming the absence of gas leaks.

Understanding Repair Costs in Georgia

Repair costs in Georgia are generally aligned with or slightly below national averages. The final price depends on the specific part needed, the labor involved, and the age and accessibility of your water heater. The following estimates include both parts and labor for common repairs ²:

It's important to get a detailed estimate before work begins. A reputable professional will explain what the repair entails and why it's necessary.

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Water Heater

Not every problem warrants a full replacement. However, there are clear situations where investing in a new unit is more economical and safer than repeated repairs.

Consider replacement if:

• The Tank is Leaking: If the leak is originating from the tank itself (often visible as corrosion or a crack on the steel tank), it cannot be repaired. A full replacement is required ⁵.
• Your Unit is Over 10-12 Years Old: As water heaters age, efficiency drops and the likelihood of major component failure increases. Investing in a repair on an old unit may only be a temporary fix.
• Repair Costs Are High: A common rule of thumb is to consider replacement if the repair cost approaches 50% of the price of a new unit. Given that a full water heater replacement in Georgia typically costs between $800 and $2,500 installed, a repair estimate of $1,000 or more on an older model often makes replacement the smarter choice ^{5 6 7}.
• You Have Frequent Problems: Needing multiple repairs within a short period is a sign the entire system is failing.
• You Want Improved Efficiency: Newer models are significantly more energy-efficient, which can lead to substantial savings on your monthly utility bills, especially in Georgia's climate.

Maintaining Your Water Heater

Proactive maintenance can extend the life of your unit, improve its efficiency, and help you avoid unexpected breakdowns. Key maintenance tasks include:

• Annual Tank Flushing: Draining a few gallons from the tank to remove sediment is the single most effective maintenance task for Georgia's hard water. This can prevent overheating of elements and reduce stress on the tank ².
• Testing the Temperature & Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve: This critical safety device should be tested annually to ensure it opens and closes properly.
• Inspecting for Leaks and Corrosion: Regularly check the area around your water heater for any signs of moisture, rust, or drips.
• Checking the Anode Rod (every 3-5 years): This "sacrificial" rod protects your tank from corrosion. A licensed plumber can inspect it and replace it if it's heavily corroded.

For gas models, also ensure the area around the burner assembly is free of dust and debris, and verify that the vent pipe is securely attached and unobstructed.

Frequently asked questions

Sources