Water Heater Repair and Replacement in Athens and Cleveland, TN
Giles Heating and Air repairs and replaces gas and electric water heaters, both standard tank and tankless (on-demand), for homes and businesses in Athens, Cleveland and the surrounding East Tennessee counties. We fix leaks, faulty valves, pilot light and ignition problems, bad elements and thermostats, and we replace units that are past saving. Because we do gas line work, we can handle the gas side of the job too.
Water heater repair
Common problems we fix:
- No hot water (pilot out, bad thermocouple, failed element, tripped high limit)
- Not enough hot water or water that runs cold fast (sediment, bad dip tube, failed lower element)
- Water too hot or fluctuating (thermostat)
- Leaking from the top (fittings, T&P valve) or from the bottom (tank failure, which means replacement)
- Rumbling or popping (sediment on the bottom of the tank; a flush helps if caught early)
- Rotten-egg smell in the hot water (anode rod)
- Gas smell near the water heater (leave, call the gas company, then call us)
Water heater replacement
A tank water heater lasts about 8 to 12 years. If yours is leaking from the tank itself or is over 10 years old and needs a costly repair, replacement is the better call. We install:
- Standard gas and electric tank water heaters, 40 to 80 gallons
- Power-vent and direct-vent gas units where venting requires it
- Tankless gas water heaters for endless hot water and lower standby cost
- Hybrid heat pump water heaters for efficiency
Replacement includes hauling off the old unit, new supply lines and shutoff, a new T&P discharge line, expansion tank where the code requires it, and the gas connection or electrical hookup.
Tankless water heaters
Customers ask about these a lot. A tankless unit heats water as you use it, so you never run out, and it does not keep 50 gallons hot all day. It costs more up front, usually needs a larger gas line, and needs annual descaling in our hard-water areas. For a busy household it is often worth it. We will tell you honestly whether it makes sense for your house and your gas supply.
Common questions
How long does a water heater last?
Tank units 8 to 12 years, tankless 15 to 20 with maintenance.
Why is my water heater leaking?
From fittings or the relief valve, it is repairable. From the tank itself, the tank has rusted through and needs replacement.
Can you replace a water heater the same day?
Often yes for standard tank units. Tankless and power-vent units may need a day to get the right unit and venting.
Do you install tankless water heaters?
Yes, gas tankless units. We check that the gas line and venting can support it first.
Should I flush my water heater?
Once a year if you have a tank, especially with well water. It removes the sediment that causes rumbling and early failure.
Do you service electric water heaters?
Yes, elements, thermostats and full replacement.