Water Heater Repair and Replacement in Louisville

Not every problem means a new tank. Sandra Wilson called us about a gas water heater, and a repair was the right answer:

“They repaired the gas control valve on my 75-gallon residential hot water heater … Josh walked me through the repair process and made sure everything was operating safely and properly before he left.”

Other times, replacing the heater is the better use of your money. Rheem, one of the brands we service, explains when to stop repairing in its guide to water heater lifespan and repair or replace decisions. Rheem says tank heaters typically last 8 to 12 years. These are the signs it lists for replacement:

• Age plus repeat problems. The heater is 10 to 15 years old or more and keeps needing work.
• A leak from the base of the tank. Water pooling under the heater.
• Rusty water coming from the hot side.
• Rumbling or popping from the tank.
• The 50 percent rule. The repair would cost more than half the price of a new unit.

Doug sees the heater on site before he quotes, so you can ask him which way he would go and why. For a longer checklist, read our guide on whether to repair or replace a water heater.

We repair and replace both gas and electric tank water heaters. The U.S. Department of Energy compares water heater types in Which Water Heater Is Right for You? It says a tank costs less to buy and can serve several showers and appliances at once. A tank also loses some heat while it sits, and the DOE puts its life at 10 to 15 years.

The same DOE page says setting the thermostat to 120°F can save $36 to $61 a year. If you are not sure where that setting is on your heater, ask Doug while he is there.

The DOE explains sizing in How to Size Water Heaters. For a tank, the number that matters is the first-hour rating. It tells you how much hot water the heater can deliver in one hour, starting with a full tank. You find it printed on the yellow EnergyGuide label.

The DOE says to match that rating to your household’s busiest hour of hot water use. A household of five needs a bigger first-hour rating than a household of one.

Doug goes on site to give an accurate quote, and the size of the new heater is part of that quote. He also looks at the space where the heater sits and how easy it is to reach.

In Kentucky, a new water heater is not just a swap. The state Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction says on its water heater replacement notice that “all water heater replacements must be permitted and inspected through the Division of Plumbing.” The rule behind it, 815 KAR 20:050, requires a plumbing permit for a new water heater or a replacement.

That same rule says the permit is issued only to a licensed master plumber, or to a homeowner who meets strict conditions. The homeowner has to live in the house, apply before starting, and do all the work personally. Doug holds a Kentucky master plumbing license. We pull the state permit for your water heater replacement, and the state inspector schedules the inspection. You can check any plumber’s license yourself on the state’s licensee search.

Customers usually ask about price and when we can get to them. Doug Durbin usually goes on site to give an accurate quote, so the price comes after he sees the heater.

Instead of you waiting all day for the plumber, we give you a two-hour arrival window. We can also call to tell you we are on the way if you need to leave work. During the day, we can rework our schedule to take care of your urgent problem.

Here is how a typical job goes, Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM:

1. You call or send the form. Call (502) 266-9408 or request service online.
2. We set a two-hour window. You know when to expect us.
3. We can call when we are on the way. If you need to leave work, you do not have to wait at home.
4. Doug looks at the heater. He sees the job first, then gives you an accurate quote.
5. We repair or replace it. Kentucky requires the permit and inspection described above for a replacement.

Older houses are part of the job here. Our office is in 40205, and we do a lot of work close to this area, in neighborhoods like the Highlands and Belknap, Crescent Hill and Clifton and St. Matthews. But we are happy to go to any area in Jefferson County. A lot of plumbers do not want to go to Taylorsville, but we do!

“Doug did a great job moving and replacing our water heater in our older basement.”

Home warranty companies regularly send their customers to us for water heater repairs and replacements. We keep you and the warranty company informed while you wait on approvals and parts.

Karen Wantland needed a new water heater through a home warranty and described it this way:

“I needed a new water heater, and they went above and beyond to file on my behalf. … I do have a home warranty and they went the extra mile there too to keep me and the home warranty company informed of the water heater’s warranty status.”

“Durbin was incredibly kind and efficient in getting us taking care of once the heater finally arrived.”

We service Rheem, Ruud, A.O. Smith and Bradford White water heaters, along with other brands.

Upkeep helps a tank last. Rheem’s guide on how often to flush your water heater says to flush a tank once a year, or every 6 months with hard water. A.O. Smith’s guide on how to flush a water heater gives the same yearly advice, because sediment raises the risk of leaks, odors and lost efficiency.