Repair or Replace Your Water Heater in Louisville? 7 Signs to Check
Durbin Plumbing repairs and replaces gas and electric tank water heaters for homeowners in Louisville and across Jefferson County. Some problems with a water heater come down to one part that can be fixed. Others, like water leaking from the base of the tank, mean the heater is near the end of its life. Doug Durbin usually goes on site to give an accurate quote, so you know which one you have.
This guide walks through seven signs, with lifespan figures from the U.S. Department of Energy and Rheem, and Kentucky’s permit rule.
How long does a water heater last?
A tank water heater lasts about 10 to 15 years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Rheem, one of the brands we service, puts a typical tank at 8 to 12 years in its guide to repair or replacement.
Age alone does not mean a tank has to go. Rheem ties age to the other signs below, like rumbling, rusty water or a wet floor, and to a tank that keeps needing repairs.
1. Is there no hot water at all?
A heater that stops making hot water does not always need replacing. Sandra Wilson’s 75-gallon heater needed a new gas control valve, not a new tank.
“They repaired the gas control valve on my 75-gallon residential hot water heater”
2. Do you run out of hot water sooner than before?
If showers go cold faster than they used to, the heater may be too small for your house now. The Department of Energy says to size a tank by its first-hour rating, printed on the EnergyGuide label, compared with how much hot water your household uses in its busiest hour.
3. Does the tank rumble or pop?
Rumbling is one of the signs Rheem lists for replacing a tank. Sediment is the common thread in several of these signs: A.O. Smith says sediment raises the risk of leaks, odors and lost efficiency, and it recommends flushing a tank at least once a year.
4. Is the hot water rusty or brown?
Rusty hot water is on Rheem’s list of signs to replace.
5. Is there water around the base of the tank?
Water under the tank is the plainest sign on this list. Rheem names a leak from the base as a sign to replace the heater, not repair it.
“My water heater was very aged, leaking water and needed to be replaced.”
If water is actively leaking, shut off the water at the main valve or at the heater’s own valve, then call (502) 266-9408. Many times we can talk you through the next steps over the phone.
6. Does the hot water smell odd?
A.O. Smith lists odors among the problems sediment causes.
7. Is it old and needing repairs again and again?
Rheem’s rule of thumb: replace a unit that is 10 to 15 years old or more and keeps having problems, or when a repair would cost more than half the price of a new heater. Doug will tell you where your heater stands against that rule before you decide.
When do we recommend repair, and when replacement?
Doug decides with you on site. He usually looks at the heater and gives you an accurate quote. A heater with one failed part, like Sandra Wilson’s gas control valve, can be a repair. A tank leaking from the base, or an older tank that keeps needing work, fits Rheem’s signs for replacement.
When a replacement is the answer, we install gas and electric tank water heaters, and we service Rheem, Ruud, A.O. Smith, Bradford White and other brands. When we install your new water heater, we will give you a $100 Amazon gift card, or a gift card of your choice. Our water heater repair and replacement page covers how that visit works.
“Doug did a great job moving and replacing our water heater in our older basement.”
Do you need a permit to replace a water heater in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky’s Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction says all water heater replacements must be permitted and inspected through the Division of Plumbing. State rule 815 KAR 20:050 says that permit goes only to a licensed master plumber or to a homeowner who meets strict conditions. Doug holds journeyman and master plumbing licenses. We pull the state permit for your water heater replacement, and the state inspector schedules the inspection.
“I have used Durbin plumbing twice for hot water heater problems both times they have took care of me immediately”
Kathy CatalfinaDurbin Plumbing customer
Questions about water heater repair or replacement
Have a question that is not here? Call the office.
(502) 266-9408Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
How much does water heater replacement cost in Louisville?
We give you a price after Doug sees the job, not before. What changes the price is gas or electric, the size of the tank, how easy the heater is to reach, and the state permit. Call (502) 266-9408, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and we will set up a visit.
How often should I flush my water heater?
Rheem says once a year, or every six months if you have hard water, in its flushing guide. A.O. Smith also says at least once a year, because sediment in the bottom of the tank raises the risk of leaks and odors.
Do you work with home warranty companies?
Yes. Home warranty customers are sent to us regularly, and we keep both you and the warranty company informed while the claim moves.
“they went above and beyond to file on my behalf. They even saved me money as they knew it was covered under warranty”
How soon can you get here?
We usually answer the phone live, and we give you a two-hour arrival window instead of making you wait all day. We work Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. During the day, we can rework our schedule to take care of your urgent problem. We always try to talk you through your after-hours or weekend emergency and save you money by enabling you to wait until a normal business day.
Request service
Tell us what is going on
Send the form during business hours and we usually call you right back. After hours or on a weekend, we call or text you back. If you would rather talk now, call (502) 266-9408, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- We call you backTina or Doug, the owners, usually pick up live.
- You get a two-hour windowInstead of waiting all day for the plumber.
- We can call when we are on the wayIf you need to leave work to meet us.
- Doug quotes on siteHe sees the job first, then gives you an accurate quote.