
Water softeners are pretty well-known these days. Many homes throughout our area rely on water softeners to enjoy soft, clean water that’s free of pesky minerals that might do harm to your plumbing system or your skin. But it wasn’t always like this. Having a water softener ensures you always have access to clean, high-quality water, improving overall water quality in your home.
When it comes to water heater repair, troubleshooting gas water heaters often starts with confirming that the gas supply valve is open and checking the pilot light. A malfunctioning pilot light can cause temperature fluctuations or prevent the burner from operating properly. Fluctuations in water temperature may also be caused by issues with the pilot light or the heating element. Common signs that your water heater needs repair include rusty or smelly water, strange noises, leaks, inconsistent hot water, and low pressure. Most traditional tank water heaters last between 8 to 12 years, and those over 10 years old are more prone to failure.
Introduction to Water Heaters
Water heaters are a cornerstone of daily life in Olympia, WA, providing the hot water you rely on for everything from washing dishes to taking relaxing showers. When your water heater is working properly, you hardly notice it—but a malfunctioning water heater can quickly disrupt your daily routine, leaving you with cold water and plenty of worry. At American Pump and Drilling, we understand how essential a dependable hot water supply is for your home. That’s why we offer expert water heater installation, repair, and maintenance services, tailored to meet the needs of Olympia residents. Our team of skilled technicians is fully equipped to handle all types of water heaters, including tankless water heaters, heat pump water heaters, and traditional tank-style units. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your system or need a quick repair, you can count on us to restore comfort and efficiency to your home.
Types of Water Heaters
Choosing the right water heater for your Olympia home is an important decision, as each type offers unique benefits to suit different lifestyles and energy goals. Tankless water heaters are a popular choice for their energy efficiency and ability to deliver a continuous supply of hot water on demand—perfect for busy households that never want to run out during showers or while washing dishes. Heat pump water heaters use electricity to efficiently heat water, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for those looking to reduce their energy footprint. Traditional tank-style water heaters remain a reliable and affordable solution, providing a steady reserve of hot water for daily needs. Our comprehensive plumbing services cover the installation, repair, and maintenance of all these models, ensuring you have access to the best solution for your specific needs and enjoy optimal performance year-round in Olympia, WA.
Water Heater Components
A water heater is made up of several essential components that work together to deliver reliable hot water throughout your home. The tank serves as the main reservoir, storing water until it’s needed. Inside, heating elements—powered by gas or electricity—raise the water temperature to your desired setting, while the thermostat ensures the water stays just right, not too hot or too cold. The drain valve is a crucial feature for maintenance, allowing technicians to flush out sediment buildup that can affect efficiency and lead to water damage if left unchecked. Regular inspection and timely repairs of these components are key to maintaining optimal performance and extending the life of your water heater. Our experienced technicians are trained to inspect, flush, and repair your system, helping you avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep your hot water flowing smoothly.
Common Water Heater Issues
Even the most reliable water heaters can experience problems over time. Some of the most common issues include leaking water, sediment buildup, and malfunctioning heating elements. Leaking water can quickly lead to water damage and costly repairs if not addressed promptly, while sediment buildup inside the tank can reduce efficiency and force your system to work harder, driving up energy bills. Faulty heating elements may leave you with only cold water, disrupting your daily routine. Our team of expert technicians is ready to diagnose and repair any water heater issue, ensuring you get back to enjoying hot water as soon as possible. We proudly serve Olympia, WA and Thurston County, offering top-quality plumbing services and installation services to keep your home running efficiently and your hot water needs met.
What Are the Most Common Water Heater Repair Issues?
- No hot water or inconsistent temperature
- Water leaks around the base or fittings
- Strange noises like popping or rumbling
- Discolored or rusty water from taps
- Pilot light won’t stay lit (for gas units)
- Tripped breaker or blown fuse (for electric units)
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners seeking energy efficiency, space savings, and a virtually endless supply of hot water. Unlike traditional models, these units heat water only when you need it, eliminating standby energy loss and helping you save money on utility bills. Tankless water heater installation requires careful planning to match your specific needs, including your household’s water usage patterns and available fuel sources. Our team of skilled technicians is equipped to handle every aspect of tankless water heater installation and repair, ensuring you receive a reliable and efficient hot water solution tailored to your home. We also offer ongoing maintenance services to keep your tankless water heater operating at peak efficiency, prevent potential issues, and protect your investment. With our expertise, you can enjoy the many benefits of a tankless water heater—efficient performance, lower energy costs, and peace of mind for years to come.
Introduction to Water Softeners
Water softeners are essential for maintaining the quality and efficiency of your home’s water supply, especially in regions like Olympia, WA and Thurston County where hard water is a common concern. Hard water can lead to sediment buildup in your water heater, which not only reduces its efficiency but can also cause it to malfunction over time. This buildup can impact your daily life, making tasks like washing dishes and taking showers less effective and more frustrating. By removing the minerals that cause water hardness, a water softener helps protect your plumbing system and ensures you always have access to clean, high-quality water. Whether you’re rinsing off after a long day or running your dishwasher, soft water keeps your appliances running smoothly and your home comfortable.
What a Water Softener Does During Installation
A water softener removes hard minerals from your home’s water by using ionically charged resin beads. These beads attract and trap minerals, which are then flushed out in a brine tank. This process results in soft, mineral-free water that’s better for plumbing, skin, and appliances.
Back in the day, there wasn’t a way to get rid of minerals in your water. People dealt with hard water all the time. This is the reason why a lot of old plumbing appliances have so much limescale and sediment deposits when newer ones might not be in such rough shape.
Now, we have access to powerful water softeners in Lacey which can simply and easily remove all of the minerals from your water supply. Installation services for both water softeners and water heaters are available in Olympia and surrounding areas, ensuring professional results for your home.
How does it work? Is it bad for your water or home? Are there any downsides to investing in a water softener? Is hard water really that bad?
If you are building a new home, it’s a great time to consider installing a water softener. There are various models of water softeners available to suit different household needs.
When investing in a water softener, keep in mind that regular maintenance may require you to replace the brine or certain parts to keep the system running efficiently.
For the installation job, it’s important to have a professional handle it to ensure everything is set up correctly and safely.
These are excellent questions that we’ll answer for you down below.

