A Platteville water heater that runs cold or drips usually has one bad part, such as an element, thermostat, thermocouple or valve, and a plumber can often replace it in one trip. A leak from the tank body means the heater needs replacing. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Platteville.
Platteville is a small Weld County farm town founded in 1871 after the railroad arrived, with roots in the Fort Vasquez trading post just south of town. The Town distributes water it buys wholesale from Central Weld County Water District, which draws on Carter Lake and Dry Creek Reservoir. That water is soft, with an average total hardness of 33 mg/L per the district, and it is disinfected with chlorine rather than chloramine. Soft water is gentle on heaters, so scale buildup is slower here than in many towns.
What to do now
- Check for the easy fix. A tripped breaker or a pilot that went out.
- Shut off a leaking heater. Turn off power or gas and close the cold water valve above the tank.
- Catch the water. Set out a pan and towels and clear the area.
- Smell gas? Leave first. Get outside, then call 911 and Atmos Energy's gas emergency line at 866.322.8667.
- Read the label. Brand, size, fuel type and date help the plumber plan.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| No hot water | Breaker or high-limit trip, failed element or thermocouple |
| Hot water runs short | Lower element, thermostat or broken dip tube |
| Rotten-egg smell from hot taps only | Anode rod reacting with soft water |
| Rusty hot water | Spent anode rod or corroding tank |
| Puddle under the heater | Drain valve, relief valve, fittings or a failed tank |
Cost factors
- The part involved. Elements and thermocouples are minor; gas control valves cost more.
- Anode replacement. Soft water can wear anode rods faster, and swapping one is a common add-on.
- Access. Basements and closets take longer than garage installs.
- Replacement and permits. Applications go to Platteville Town Hall, with SAFEbuilt doing inspections; the Town's page does not say whether a water heater needs a permit, so ask the plumber or Town Hall (970-785-2245).
The Town and Central Weld also keep water service line material inventories, and customers can ask about their own line. For questions about the water supply itself, start with the Town; for a heater that will not heat, call a plumber. Platteville sits about 34 miles from downtown Denver, so note the heater's brand, size and fuel type before you call to help the plumber arrive with the right parts.
Water Heater Repair questions in Platteville
How much does the local water hardness matter for a water heater?
What should I do if I smell gas near the water heater?
Why is the hot water coming out rusty or cloudy?
Is a water heater over 10 years old worth repairing?
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