Water Heaters

What Are Tankless Water Heaters?

Only one of the coolest pieces of technology ever. A traditional water heater has a large tank that holds a certain amount of water depending on the size of your home, and it heats that water up so it's ready when you turn on the faucet. But since the tank has to be refilled - and the water heated up again - you can run out of hot water. Not great if you're the fourth member of your family to get a shower each morning. A tankless water heater is just what it's called - a water heater without a storage tank, that heats water as it passes through on the way to your tap. This means virtually unlimited, on-demand hot water - no more waiting for it to warm up, or running out while you still need it. 

Now, to be fair, tankless water heaters do have some limits - for instance, you may not be able to run multiple hot water taps at the same time without a loss of performance. But their small size, energy-efficiency, and easy maintenance make them an ideal innovation for a modern home. Plus, our team holds the Navien Tankless Water Heater certification, so you can be assured every installation will be done to exacting manufacturer standards.

What Are The Signs My Water Heater Needs Repair?

You might think it's impossible for you to know something might be up with your water heater, but thankfully there are clues you can watch for, including:

• No Hot Water Or Inconsistent Temperature: Like we said above, unexpected cold showers can be the worst. When your water heater stops producing hot water consistently, it's telling you something's wrong. This could indicate issues with heating elements, thermostats, or gas supply problems. Don't suffer through cold showers hoping it'll fix itself. Our Atlanta team can diagnose the problem quickly and get your hot water flowing reliably again.
• Strange Noises Coming From The Tank: Your water heater shouldn't sound like it's hosting a rock concert in your basement. Popping, crackling, rumbling, or banging noises usually mean sediment has built up at the bottom of your tank. As water heats up, it bubbles through this sediment layer, creating those unsettling sounds. We can flush your system and remove the buildup before it causes more serious damage to your unit.
• Rusty Or Discolored Water: When you turn on your hot water tap and brown, yellow, or rust-colored water comes out, your water heater is crying for help. This discoloration typically indicates corrosion inside your tank or aging anode rods that need replacement. Don't ignore this warning sign - internal corrosion can lead to tank failure and flooding. We'll inspect your system and determine whether repair or replacement is your best option.
• Water Pooling Around The Base: Finding puddles around your water heater isn't normal and shouldn't be ignored. Even small leaks can quickly become major problems that damage your floors, walls, and belongings. Leaks often start at connections, valves, or from tiny cracks in the tank itself. Our technicians can identify the source of the leak and fix it before you're dealing with a flooded basement and a hefty repair bill.
• Reduced Hot Water Supply: If your family used to have plenty of hot water for back-to-back showers but now the second person gets cold water, your heater needs attention. This reduced capacity often signals sediment buildup, failing heating elements, or thermostat problems. We can restore your water heater's full capacity and ensure everyone in your household gets the hot water they need when they need it.
• Higher Than Normal Energy Bills: When your water heater starts working harder to do the same job, your energy bills reflect that extra effort. If you've noticed a steady increase in your gas or electric bills without changing your usage habits, your water heater might be the culprit. Aging components, sediment buildup, or poor insulation forces your system to work overtime. We'll evaluate your unit's efficiency and recommend solutions to get your bills back under control.

Should I Order Water Heater Replacement Instead?

Oftentimes there are issues with a water heater that can be relatively simple to fix - but sometimes, the problem is a touch more disastrous. Rather than piling up repair bill after repair bill, it might be more cost-conscious long-term to invest in a brand new unit. Here are some reasons to opt for water heater replacement over repair:

Your Current Unit Is Over 10 Years Old

Water heaters aren't built to last forever, and once yours hits the decade mark, repairs become less cost-effective. Older units break down more frequently, meaning you'll likely face multiple repair calls over the next few years. We've seen Atlanta homeowners spend hundreds on repairs only to have their water heater fail again months later. A new, efficient unit gives you peace of mind and often pays for itself through lower energy bills and fewer service calls.

Repair Costs Are Adding Up

When repair bills start approaching half the cost of a new water heater, it's time to consider replacement. We always give our customers honest advice about whether a repair makes financial sense. If you've already invested in multiple fixes or the current repair estimate is substantial, a new unit is usually the smarter investment. You'll get modern efficiency, a full warranty, and years of reliable service instead of throwing good money after bad.

You Need More Hot Water Capacity

Growing families or changing lifestyles often outgrow their current water heater's capacity. If you're constantly running out of hot water or scheduling showers around your tank's recovery time, upgrading to a larger unit or switching to a tankless system makes more sense than repairing your undersized heater. We can assess your household's hot water needs and recommend the right size for your Atlanta home.

Energy Efficiency & Technology Improvements

Today's water heaters are significantly more efficient than models from even five years ago. If your current unit is draining your wallet with high energy bills, a new high-efficiency model could cut your heating costs by 20-30%. Modern features include smart controls, better insulation, and improved heating elements that deliver hot water faster while using less energy. The monthly savings often offset the installation cost over time.

Why Choose True Plumbing?

You know you can rely on the work of our experts thanks to our 5-Point Worry-Free Guarantee:

Punctuality: You get a heads-up call, prompt arrival, and instant communication about any scheduling hiccups - otherwise your $65 dispatch charge disappears.

Service: Something not going right? Pick up the phone and call 770-758-6237 while our crew is there - we'll turn things around on the spot.

Honesty: We deliver straight talk about your plumbing without sales pressure - only the essential details you need to maintain your home properly.

Workmanship: We tackle your plumbing issues effectively and guarantee everything we do - when problems resurface, we come back free to make it right.

Cleanliness: Your home gets full protection with our coverings and cleanup protocols - if we miss the mark, speak up before we leave for immediate correction.