Should I Hire A Plumber or HVAC Technician for My Water Heater?

If you are experiencing issues with your water heater, you may be wondering who to call. Most people are aware that plumbers work on plumbing systems and HVAC technicians work on heating and cooling systems, but where do water heaters fall into that mix? Based off their name, it sounds like water heaters could be part of your heating system and your plumbing system, which can create some confusion. Continue reading this blog to find out who you should call next time you experience water heater issues! 

HVAC Technicians and Water Heaters

HVAC technicians work on heating, cooling, and ventilation systems including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, ductwork, and thermostats. Due to the fact that HVAC technicians work on heating and cooling systems, sometimes people get confused on whether water heaters fall into that category. Although their purpose is to heat water, water heaters are part of the plumbing system. Per code in Texas, you must be a licensed plumber to work on a water heater, so at Stan’s we would not send an HVAC technician to work on your water heater. In an out of the ordinary emergency, an HVAC technician could turn the water or gas off if needed. Other than that, they typically do not get involved with water heater repairs or installation. However, a plumber can handle just about any issue regarding your water heater! From leaks to loss of hot water, a plumber will have the necessary knowledge and experience to diagnose and address any issues with your water heater. 

Why You Should Call a Licensed Plumber

In 2007, Texas began requiring a plumbing permit for water heater installation. The permit is issued by the city that the home is located in and requires that an inspection is done after installation. This ensures that the water heater was installed correctly and up to code, which will help protect your home, your family, and your recent investment. Technically as a homeowner, you could install your water heater yourself, but it is not recommended, and you would still have to pull a permit. Without the training and experience that licensed plumbers have, you are at a greater risk for installing the water heater improperly. An improper install could lead to water leaks and water damage, which can result in mold or bacteria growth. It could also end up being a safety hazard due to possible gas leaks or electrical malfunctions. On top of that, you could end up damaging the water heater, which was likely a bit of an investment. These same issues could also arise from water heater repairs that were done incorrectly. Whether you are in need of water heater repair or replacement, it is always best to hire a licensed plumber. 

Electricians and Water Heaters

There are a few water heater related jobs that would require the work of an electrician. If you have an electric water heater and a plumber finds that the issues are caused by lack of power to the system, they will send out an electrician to further diagnose the power failure. Electricians are able to repair the power supply or install a new power supply to an electric water heater. However, it is important to note that the electrician would not work on the actual water heater, just the power supply going to it. If you call Stan’s, we have both electricians and plumbers on call, so we will be able to resolve any issues related to your water heater. 

Reliable Plumbing Service in Austin, TX

It’s important to choose a qualified plumber with experience working on water heaters. At Stan’s, our plumbers are fully insured and licensed, and come with years of experience. We stand behind our plumbers with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. When you hire Stan’s, you can rest easy knowing that your water heater is in the hands of a reliable and knowledgeable plumber. We will also provide options to fit your schedule and budget, plus we come with thousands of five-star reviews from happy customers. Call Stan’s today for top notch plumbing service in Austin, TX!