What Do These Water Heater Signs Mean?

The average water heater works continuously to provide a household with hot water when they need it. This continual work puts stress on the system and can cause it to fail prematurely if you don't maintain it and call for repairs when something seems wrong. Before you call a plumber, get to know these common water heater signs and what they mean for your unit. Fluctuation in Water Temperature: If you get water that fluctuates between being too hot or too cold, it might mean one of the heating elements is failing. It can also mean that your water heater has lost efficiency with age, and can't provide the hot water you're used to. Leaks: A leaky water heater doesn't always require replacement. Sometimes, you might have a faulty temperature and pressure relief valve that's the issue. Other times, it may be something as simple as a bad gasket. Discolored Water: If you notice brown water, it may mean that the tank is corroded or you have a failing anode rod. A corroding tank requires replacement, while an anode rod is easy to swap out. Strange Noises: As water heaters age, sediment builds up inside the tank, which can lead to strange sounds coming from the tank. You might hear rumbling, cracking, or popping sounds. Most times, this problem is fixed by flushing the tank to remove the sediment. If you hear a high-pitched whining noise, it could be scale build-up on the heating elements. You can fix this also by flushing the tank and cleaning off the scale. If you have other questions or concerns about your water heater, call the experts at Cajun Plumber for a consultation.

What Causes Sewer Line Clogs?

A clog in your main sewer line can be a serious health hazard, especially if raw sewage backs up into your home. Not only can this make you and your family sick, but it can also cause extensive damage to your flooring. Below are the most common causes of sewer line clogs and how you can prevent them. Debris from Home: The most common cause of sewer line clogs is debris that comes from inside the house. Many people flush things like paper towels, personal wipes, and feminine hygiene products down the toilet, which leads to clogs in the plumbing. Also, cooking grease and food waste are other culprits that cause clogging problems. To solve this, make sure you only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet and pour cooking grease and food debris into the trash instead of down the drain. Tree Roots: If you have large trees or shrubs on your property, they will naturally seek out available water sources under the ground if they become too dry. Most often, the nearest source of water is your sewer line. Tree roots are notorious for penetrating sewer lines at the joints or through small cracks, and once inside, they grow to cause a significant blockage. Consider upgrading your aging pipes with materials that resist tree roots, or remove the trees. Damage: It's not uncommon to see older homes with outdated plumbing run into trouble when the pipes crack and collapse. If the pipes are weak and the ground shifts, it's often enough to cause the pipes to fail. If your home is 50 years or older, contact a plumber to find out about replacing that old sewer line. Excessive Rain: Sewers can only handle so much water at a time, and when heavy rains come, they're often overwhelmed. When this happens, the overflow of water often finds its way into residential lines, which can cause clogs and backups. With a little forethought, you can guard against sewer problems like clogs and backups. If you're unsure how to go about this, call the experts at Cajun Plumber for help.

What are the Most Common Kitchen Plumbing Issues?

Besides the bathroom, the kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in the house. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks put a lot of strain on the plumbing and fixtures. Here are the most common plumbing problems you're likely to see in your kitchen. Low Kitchen Sink Water Pressure: If you have a weak water stream coming out of your kitchen faucet, it could be something simple like a clog in the line or aerator. Many residents deal with hard water, which causes mineral deposits to build up in the system, leading to clogs. If the problem lies with the aerator, you can fix this by removing it and cleaning it with vinegar or a scale-removal product. Leaky Faucet: Sometimes, a leaking faucet requires a professional to fix or replace, but check for these common causes of leaks before you call. If the faucet leaks at the base of the spout, it's likely a worn O-ring seal, which is easily replaced. Clogged Kitchen Drain: Most kitchen sinks use a P-shaped trap that's designed to stop sewer gas and other odors from coming into your house. Water flows into the curved section of the pipe via gravity to block these gases. However, when soap scum and grease build up in this P-trap, it obstructs the water flow and can cause a leak. You can check the P-trap by loosening the slip nuts at each and removing the trap. Leaking Dishwasher: Common causes of leaking dishwashers are broken float switches, bad gaskets, and damaged spray arms. Fortunately, these are easily replaced using a screwdriver. Clogged Drains: Most homeowners experience clogged drains, especially in the kitchen. Be careful about what goes down your kitchen sink. You can prevent most clogs by putting food scraps and cooking grease into the trash or a compost heap rather than putting them down the drain. If you do experience a clog, try a homemade remedy like vinegar and baking soda before calling a plumber. If you experience any problems with your kitchen plumbing, you can rely on help from the experts at Cajun Plumber.

When do you Need Gas Line Repair?

The gas line is one of the most important parts of your home's plumbing system. The gas line brings in the necessary fuel to provide various functions through the house, so it's crucial that the gas line remains in good condition. Like any line, however, there may come a time when you need gas line repair. Damaged lines can be dangerous, so watch out for these signs that signal that you should call a professional for help. Foul Odors: Perhaps the most significant sign pointing to a broken gas line is the odor of rotten eggs, which is a chemical put in by the gas supplier to alert customers of the presence of gas. If you smell this, call for help immediately. Hissing Sounds: Do you hear hissing noises coming from a gas appliance? If so, it could be a slow leak. Dying Vegetation: Many gas lines run through the lawn, so if you notice portions of your lawn that are dying, it could be a leak in the gas line. Spike in Gas Bill: If your gas bill suddenly spikes, you should have a professional check your gas line for leaks. If you suspect you have a gas leak, call the experts at Cajun Plumber right away.

How Do You Handle a Gas Leak?

Even if your gas lines were installed by a pro, they can still leak because of damage, age, shifting soil, or tree roots. Many times, homeowners don't know there's a problem until it's too late. If you suspect you have a gas leak, follow these steps to ensure your safety and the safety of your home. Get out of the house quickly. Don't use any electrical devices or turn on any electric items. Leave your doors and windows open to allow gas to escape. Call the gas company, 911, and a plumber. If you feel nauseated, lightheaded, have a headache, blurred vision, dizzy, or any other symptom associated with carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical attention immediately.

What’s Included in a Water Heater Replacement in Baton Rouge | 225-372-2444

Cajun Maintenance plumber installing a new water heater in Baton Rouge home

Our water heater replacement service includes a new tank matched to your home, safe removal of the old one, connection to existing lines, and all required safety and code updates. We offer complete installation, startup testing, and cleanup, without any hidden charges.

Many Baton Rouge homeowners are unsure about what to expect when replacing their water heaters. Some even call us to share their experience where the plumber left out something important. This includes missing shut-off valves, skipped permit steps, incorrect venting, or poor drainage setups that led to leaks, code violations, or return visits.

In this guide, you will learn:

What a standard water heater replacement covers
When extra updates are needed
Safety items and local code requirements we handle
What to expect on install day
How we manage permits and inspections for you

Call 225-372-2444 or request a water heater quote if you're dealing with an old tank, no hot water, or a unit that just isn't keeping up. Cajun Maintenance in Baton Rouge, LA, is licensed, local, and gets the job done right - every time!

What’s Included in a Standard Water Heater Replacement?

A standard water heater replacement includes the removal of the old unit, installation of the new one, reconnection to existing lines, and bringing it up to the local code.

The basic water heater install inclusions are:

A new tank that matches your home’s size, fuel type, and setup
Safe haul away of the old water heater
Connection to existing water, gas, or electric lines (if up to code)
A new temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P)
Water heater pan and drain line, when required by Louisiana regulations
Proper anchoring and strapping per safety standards
Startup testing for leaks, ignition, and temperature control
Cleanup and debris removal after completing the installation job

Every service starts with a quick inspection to confirm your existing lines and fittings are safe. If anything fails code - like missing shut-offs or an unmet expansion tank requirement - we’ll discuss it with you before moving forward.

Call 225-372-2444 to discuss your hot water heater service.

When Do Extra Costs Come Up During a Replacement?

Extra costs come up when your plumbing, electrical, or gas setup isn’t safe or up to code. We flag these issues during the initial inspection or before starting the job.

Many Baton Rouge homes have older valves, outdated venting, or installation spaces that no longer meet safety standards. In those cases, we recommend updates before continuing.

The additional updates include:

Replacing a corroded or leaking shut-off valve
Adding an expansion tank (based on pressure or code)
Upgrading a gas line, union, or shut-off
Fixing a faulty drain pan or rerouting a clogged line
Relocating an old unit from an attic or closet to a safer space
Electrical panel upgrades (for hybrid or electric models)
Code upgrades required by local inspectors

We never proceed with additional work unless you approve it first. You’ll see exactly what’s required and what it costs before we resume with our water heater installation service.

Code & Safety Items We Address

We follow the Louisiana plumbing code and safety standards on every install.

We inspect and correct the safety items most commonly overlooked in older installations. That includes venting requirements for water heater, strapping, and proper drainage. If your current system lacks anything required by local code, we include it in the job or clearly mark it as a needed upgrade.

Here’s what we address:

Temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P) installation
Correct drain pan placement (if located on a second floor, attic, or near finished space)
Discharge piping routed to an approved drain
Gas shut-off valve with easy access (for gas units)
Up-to-date venting for gas heaters (includes slope, diameter, and termination rules)
Pipe bonding
Seismic strapping per the Louisiana code
Dielectric fittings to prevent corrosion between copper and steel
Adequate working space and clearance from combustibles

We Handle Permits and Inspections for You

We handle the water heater permit Baton Rouge requires and coordinate the inspections.

We’re familiar with permitting processes in Baton Rouge, Livingston, Ascension, Denham Springs, and other surrounding areas. You don’t need to call the city or track down forms as we take care of the paperwork.

When a permit is required, our process includes:

Pulling required permits using our state plumbing license
Completing the install to inspection-ready standards
Coordinating with local inspectors
Making any adjustments requested by the inspector (no added labor cost)

If the installation doesn’t need a permit, we still build to the current code. That way, your system is safe and ready for any future inspection.

Cajun Maintenance Licenses: LMP #6851 | LMNGF #9417 | LA Commercial Lic #68719

What to Expect on Service Day

Our licensed plumbers handle the complete water heater installation quickly, safely, and cleanly. Most installs take 2 - 4 hours and include everything needed to get your hot water back the same day.

Here is what to expect on service day:

Review the work order and inspect the installation area
Shut off water, power, or gas as needed
Drain and remove the old unit
Set the new tank in place and reconnect to safe, approved lines
Adjust fittings, venting, or electrical wiring for your system
Confirm proper gas line sizing for water heater if required
Restore power or gas and complete full water heater startup tests
Check hot water flow, temperature, and pressure
Clean the area, take the old unit with us, and mark any new shut-off points

Book a Code-Compliant Water Heater Installation Today

Our water heater installation services protect your home from future plumbing issues and ensure your hot water supply stays reliable. We handle everything from inspection to final testing, with no gaps in service or code compliance.

We’re trusted across Baton Rouge for our clean work, fast turnaround, and clear pricing. If your hot water system is outdated, leaking, or not meeting your needs, it’s time to schedule a replacement.

Call 225-372-2444 or request a quote online.

FAQs

Can you replace water heaters that are installed in the attic?

We handle attic water heater replacement and follow all local code requirements for pan placement, drainage, and safe access. We’ll assess the space and let you know if any relocation or extra bracing is needed.

What types of water heaters do you install or service?

We install and service gas and electric water heaters in standard or compact sizes. We also help homeowners upgrade to more efficient models or replace old systems that aren’t keeping up with daily hot water demand.

Do you offer water heater repair?

We offer repairs for units that are leaking, making noise, or struggling to heat water. We will inspect the system and let you know whether a repair or a new unit is a more practical option.

How often should I schedule maintenance for my water heater?

We recommend annual maintenance to flush sediment, check components, and extend the unit’s lifespan. Preventive care can often help avoid surprise breakdowns or emergency replacements.