Wilson is one of the few places in the region with its own city gas system, so many homes have gas water heaters, while most of the rest are electric. Repairs usually involve elements, thermostats, thermocouples, gas valves or relief valves. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Wilson.
Wilson water heaters at a glance
Natural gas in Wilson comes from Wilson Energy, the city-owned system with more than 400 miles of main. In ZIP 27893, about 29% of homes heat with utility gas and 63% with electricity, so both types of water heater are common. The City of Wilson treats its own reservoir water and, according to its 2022 report, uses free chlorine rather than chloramine. Hardness isn't reported. About 46% of homes were built before 1980, especially in the Old Wilson, West Nash Street and East Wilson historic districts, so older installs are part of many repair calls.
What to do right now
- If you smell gas, leave first. Get everyone out without operating switches, then call 911 or Wilson Energy from outside.
- Stop any leak. Close the cold-water valve on the line into the top of the tank.
- Cut the energy. Switch off the breaker on an electric heater, or turn a gas control to off.
- Protect the area. Move stored items, lay towels and, if safe, run a hose from the drain valve to a floor drain or outside.
- Gather details. Note the fuel type, the label's model and serial number, and when the problem began.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| No hot water, electric | Tripped breaker, failed element or thermostat |
| No hot water, gas | Pilot out, worn thermocouple, gas valve |
| Hot water runs out quickly | Lower element, dip tube or sediment |
| Water from the relief pipe | Worn valve or excess temperature or pressure |
| Puddle under the tank | Drain valve, fittings, or a failed tank |
| Popping or rumbling | Sediment on the tank floor |
What affects the cost
- The failed part. Elements and thermocouples are routine; gas valves take longer.
- Code fixes. Wilson's inspections department lists water heaters in garages not raised 18 inches as one of its top code violations, so an older garage install may need correcting if the heater is replaced.
- Access. Closets and crawl spaces in older homes take more time.
- Timing. Nights and weekends usually cost more.
Permits inside the city come from the City of Wilson Inspections Department at City Hall; outside city jurisdiction, Wilson County Inspections handles them.
Water Heater Repair questions in Wilson
Is a permit needed if the plumber says the heater has to be replaced?
I smell gas near the water heater. What should I do first?
Can the disinfectant in town water shorten a water heater's life?
Why does the tank rumble or crackle while it heats?
More plumbing services in Wilson
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