- Service
Water Heater
Water Heater Repair, Installation & Maintenance
R.E.D. Plumbing offers comprehensive water heater repair services for both traditional tank water heaters and modern tankless systems. Traditional units, which store hot water in large tanks, may face issues like sediment buildup, thermostat malfunctions, or heating element failures. Tankless water heaters, known for energy efficiency and on-demand hot water, may have issues such as mineral buildup and ignition problems. Our skilled technicians can diagnose and repair these problems, prioritizing safety and longevity
A conventional water heater stores hot water in a large tank and continuously heats a fixed amount of water, typically between 30 and 80 gallons, using gas or electric heating elements. The system keeps the water at a consistent temperature, ensuring hot water is ready for use at any time. Once the stored hot water is depleted, the tank refills with cold water, which is reheated for subsequent use.
Signs You Need to Repair Your Water Heater
Our plumbers can swiftly diagnose and repair a wide range of water heater issues. We offer timely and efficient repairs to ensure your water heater is functioning at optimal capacity, providing hot water when you need it.
With the average household requiring up to 63 gallons of hot water daily, it’s important to ensure that your water heater is functioning at peak performance for optimal comfort and convenience. If your water heater isn’t operating correctly, it could be due to one of these common problems:
- Cold water: A lack of hot water could be due to a faulty heating element, a damaged thermostat, or a lack of electricity.
- Insufficient hot water: If your water heater is too small or has a failing thermostat or heating element, your hot water will run out quickly.
- Leaks: Water heater leaks can result from a faulty T&P valve, loose heating element bolts, damaged gaskets, or corrosion in the tank.
- Discolored water: If the water coming from your tap is discolored, it may be due to sediment buildup or corrosion in the water heater tank.
Contact R.E.D. Plumbing to schedule water heater repair if you notice these issues with your system:
- Your water heater isn’t producing enough or any hot water.
- The system is making unusual noises, such as banging or hissing.
- Water is pooling around your water heater.
- The water from your taps is discolored or has a metallic taste.
When To Repair vs. Replace Your Water Heater
If your water heater is over eight years old and you’re starting to notice problems, it might be time to choose between repairing or replacing it. The age of the system can often indicate how costly repairs will become.
Our team has all the professional plumbing expertise to accurately assess what’s best for you, whether repairing existing issues with your current unit or replacing it. We’ll discuss factors like energy bills, cost, and frequency of repairs to help you select the best water heater solution for your home.
What is a Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater, heats water only when needed, eliminating the need for a storage tank. When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water flows through the unit, and a heating element (electric or gas) rapidly heats the water. This design reduces standby energy losses typical of traditional water heaters and ensures a continuous supply of hot water as long as the unit's capacity isn't exceeded.
- Pros & Cons
Conventional Water Heater
- PROS
- Lower initial cost
- Maintenance and repairs are simple and low-cost
- Heats a large volume of water at once so you can use multiple appliances at the same time or shower while running the washing machine
- CONS
- Utility bills are higher, especially in colder months, because of higher energy and water use
- Heating water can take a while, so you may have to wait to shower or clean
- Finite supply of hot water is stored in the tank, so you could run out mid-shower
- Limited product lifespan, so you need to replace a hot water tank that's too old
- Requires more space, such as a separate room or an outdoor add-on to your home, to house the storage tank
- Pros & Cons
Tankless Water Heater
- PROS
- Improved energy efficiency
- Environmentally friendly due to reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- Compact size takes up less room in your home
- Provides instant, virtually unlimited hot water when you need it
- Lower utility costs, so extra upfront cost pays for itself down the line
- Long-lasting design that doesn't require frequent replacement
- Modern technology is easy to operate
- Infrequent repairs and maintenance, and less prone to leaks than a full storage tank
- May qualify for tax breaks in some areas
- CONS
- Higher initial cost to purchase the hot water heater
- High demand locations or larger homes may need more than one unit installed
- Repairs and maintenance are more expensive if and when they are needed
Choosing Between a Tankless & Conventional Water Heater
Choosing between a tankless water heater and a conventional tank water heater depends on your household's hot water needs, budget, and space considerations. Tankless water heaters are ideal for smaller households or those with consistent, lower hot water demands. They provide on-demand hot water without standby energy losses, making them more energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run. However, they come with a higher upfront cost and may require additional upgrades for installation.
Conventional tank water heaters are better suited for larger households or situations with high simultaneous water usage, such as multiple showers and appliances running at once. They have a lower initial cost and are easier to replace if your home already uses a tank system. However, they consume more energy due to standby heat loss and have a shorter lifespan than tankless systems.
For homes with limited space, tankless units are compact and wall-mounted, while conventional tanks require more room. If you value energy efficiency and long-term savings, a tankless system may be worth the investment. Conversely, if you prioritize affordability and straightforward installation, a conventional tank water heater might be the better choice. Assess your household's needs, energy costs, and budget to determine the best option.
Hybrid Water Heaters
A hybrid water heater, or heat pump water heater, combines the energy efficiency of a heat pump with the storage capacity of a traditional tank water heater. Instead of generating heat directly, it uses electricity to transfer heat from the surrounding air into the water, making it far more energy-efficient than conventional electric water heaters. It also includes backup heating elements to handle periods of high hot water demand.
Hybrid water heaters offer several benefits, including lower energy consumption, reduced utility bills, and a smaller carbon footprint. They provide a reliable hot water supply and can operate in different modes to meet varying household needs. However, they come with a higher upfront cost, require adequate space for ventilation, and may have slower recovery times in heat pump mode. Despite these considerations, hybrid water heaters are an excellent choice for those seeking energy efficiency and consistent performance.
We provide flexible scheduling options to ensure our customers can conveniently access the plumbing services they require.
We deliver all our plumbing services at competitive prices while upholding the highest standards of quality.
We take pride in our craftsmanship and are committed to ensuring complete satisfaction for every client via the services we provide.
Our plumbers will promptly arrive at your home, efficiently diagnose the issue, and begin resolving it without delay.
- New Home Warranty
Was Your New Home Plumbed by R.E.D.?
If so, your home may been upgraded with a pre-plumb for a water conditioner or water softener. If you purchase a water softener from R.E.D. Plumbing and have us install it within the first year of closing on your new home, we will increase your plumbing warranty by 3 years. We will install a NSF44 certified water softener which will not reduce the water pressure in your home. Don't be fooled by great deals and DIY offers that may leave you lacking pressure and not meeting your needs.
We offer a 1 year warranty on parts and 30 days on labor.
We will leave our work space as clean as it was when we arrived.
- Manufacturers
Brands We Carry
R.E.D. is the preferred plumbing company in the Quad City area for Delta, Kohler, Rheem, and Sterling.
- What to Expect
Leave Plumbing to the Experts
You can rely on our plumbers for exceptional quality and professionalism in every job. At R.E.D. Plumbing, Inc., we hold ourselves to the highest standards because we believe that's what you deserve from a plumbing and drainage company—something many others fail to deliver. We take pride in going above and beyond the ordinary. When you call R.E.D. Plumbing, a skilled technician will arrive promptly in a fully equipped van, ready to tackle any residential or commercial plumbing issue. Here's what you can expect:
- Uniformed and name patch technicians
- Clearly marked and branded R.E.D. Plumbing service vans
- Expertise in all plumbing & drainage services
- Fully licensed, bonded, and insured
- Kind and courtesous team
- Workmanship parts guaranteed
- No hidden fees
- 24/7 emergency service
