Water Heater Services
Water Heater Repair & Installation in Columbia, SC
There is nothing worse than waking up to a freezing cold shower. Whether your water heater is leaking, making strange noises, or just refusing to heat, you need a solution now, not next week.
At Carolina Conditions, we provide Same-Day Water Heater Service for homeowners in Lexington, Columbia, and West Columbia. We service all major brands (Rinnai, Rheem, Bradford White) and hold licenses in both Plumbing and Gas, so we can handle any electric, natural gas, or propane system safely.
When your water heater goes out, those showers get cold fast! Don’t take another cold shower — get quick and reliable hot water heater service from Carolina Conditions. Our local plumbers have the right experience and know-how to make your water system services work with precision and skill, ensuring your system is working the way it should! And did we mention we’re available 24/7 for emergency plumbing services? That way we can either fix or install a new tank or tankless water heater after-hours or on the weekend!
Call Carolina Conditions today at 803-233-7172 and get your hot water back fast! Our expert plumbers are ready 24/7 to restore your comfort with reliable water heater repair or installation. Contact us don't delay!
Repair vs. Replace: Which Do You Need?
Homeowners often ask, "Can I fix this, or do I need a new one?" Use this simple guide to help you decide.
| Sign / Symptom | Likely Solution | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Unit is under 8 years old | Repair | Most units last 10-12 years. A simple part (thermostat, element) usually fixes it. |
| Rusty / Brown Water | Replace | This signals corrosion inside the tank. It cannot be fixed and will eventually burst. |
| Leaking Tank | Replace | Once the steel tank cracks, it cannot be patched safely. |
| No Hot Water (Electric) | Repair | Often just a burnt-out heating element or a tripped breaker. |
| Unit is 12+ Years Old | Replace | Even if repaired, efficiency is low and failure is likely imminent. |
Our Water Heater Services
1. Fast Repairs (Electric & Gas)
Our trucks are stocked with common heating elements, thermostats, and gas valves. We aim to fix your issue in a single visit so you can get back to your routine.
2. Tankless Water Heater Installation
Never run out of hot water again. We specialize in Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters, which heat water on demand rather than storing it in a tank.
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Endless Hot Water: Perfect for families who take back-to-back showers.
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Space Saving: Mounts on the wall, freeing up closet/garage space.
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Energy Efficient: You only pay to heat water when you actually turn on the tap.
3. Standard Tank Replacement
Prefer a traditional system? We install high-efficiency tank units that are reliable and affordable. We handle the haul-away of your old unit, the new piping, and the safety inspection.
Why Choose Carolina Conditions?
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Dual-Licensed Experts: Because we are licensed electricians and plumbers, we can handle the gas piping and the electrical wiring in-house. No sub-contractors needed.
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Upfront Pricing: We give you a clear price before we start work. No surprise bills.
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Maintenance Included: Members of our Total Home Care Club receive annual plumbing inspections and water heater flushes (for tank units) to prevent sediment buildup and extend the life of your system.
Water Heater FAQs
Yes especially if you prefer and want continuous, never-ending hot water and a more efficient system then consider a tankless water heater for your Columbia area home. Tankless water heaters are cost-effective, durable and much more efficient than traditional tanked water heaters. They are typically much smaller than tanked water heaters and use up to 50% less power.
You should flush your water heater at least once a year to maintain its efficiency and prolong its lifespan. Regular flushing helps remove sediment buildup that can reduce heating efficiency and cause damage to the tank. In areas with hard water, more frequent flushing, such as every six months, may be necessary. This maintenance task helps ensure optimal performance, prevents potential issues like clogging or corrosion, and can lead to energy savings by improving the water heater's overall efficiency.
A noisy water heater is often due to sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. As the heater warms the water, the sediment can create popping, rumbling, or banging sounds. Other potential causes include:
- Mineral Deposits: Hard water minerals causing sediment buildup.
- Water Pressure Issues: High pressure can cause noise.
- Heating Element: An electric water heater's heating element might be burning out.
Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank to remove sediment, can help reduce noise and improve efficiency. If the noise persists, it may be time to consult a professional.
If your water heater is leaking, first turn off the power to the unit: switch off the circuit breaker for electric heaters or turn the gas valve to "off" for gas heaters. Then, shut off the water supply by closing the valve on the cold water line. Drain the tank if necessary to prevent further water damage. Inspect the pressure relief valve, drain valve, and tank for the source of the leak. Contact a professional plumber to diagnose and repair the issue promptly.
The lifespan of a typical water heater ranges from 8 to 12 years for traditional tank models. Tankless water heaters generally last 15 to 20 years. The actual lifespan can vary depending on factors such as water quality, maintenance, and usage. Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank to remove sediment and checking the anode rod for corrosion, can help extend the lifespan. If your water heater is approaching the end of its expected life, consider replacing it to avoid unexpected failures.
The size of the water heater you need depends on your household's hot water usage. For a tank water heater, a typical 40-50 gallon tank is sufficient for a 2-3 person household. Larger households of 4-5 people may need a 50-80 gallon tank. For tankless water heaters, consider the flow rate and temperature rise needed. Calculate your peak hot water demand in gallons per minute (GPM) and choose a unit that can meet this requirement. Consulting with a professional can ensure you select the right size for your needs.
To improve the energy efficiency of your water heater, lower the thermostat to 120°F to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort. Insulate the tank and hot water pipes to minimize heat loss, especially in older models. Schedule regular maintenance to flush out sediment buildup, which can reduce efficiency. If you have a tank model, consider installing a timer to limit heating during off-peak hours. For long-term savings, consider upgrading to a tankless water heater, which heats water only on demand.
