Water Heater Not Working? Here’s What You Can (and Can’t) Fix Yourself

It always happens at the worst time.

You step into the shower on a chilly Georgia morning, expecting a blast of warmth—and instead, you're met with freezing cold water. You do what we all do: check the knobs, test the sink, maybe even curse the water heater under your breath.

At Buffington’s Plumbing, we get dozens of calls every year from homeowners in Brooks and surrounding areas who are suddenly facing the dreaded "no hot water" surprise.

Before you assume the worst, here are a few quick and safe steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem yourself. If none of these work—or if something looks off—it might be time to schedule a professional water heater repair in Brooks, GA.

Step 1: Check the Power or Gas Supply

It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often the fix is as simple as a tripped breaker or an unlit pilot light.

For Electric Water Heaters:

Go to your breaker panel and look for a tripped breaker labeled “Water Heater.”
Flip it off, then back on.
Wait 15–30 minutes to see if the water starts to heat.

For Gas Water Heaters:

Check to see if the pilot light is on.
If it’s out, follow your unit’s instructions to safely relight it.
If you smell gas or feel unsure—stop immediately and call a professional.

✅ Still no hot water? Move to the next step.

Step 2: Inspect for Obvious Leaks or Sounds

Listen carefully. Is the tank hissing, popping, or rumbling?

That could mean there’s sediment buildup inside—especially common with hard water. This buildup makes your heater work harder (and heat less effectively).

Also check for:

Puddles under or around the tank
Rusty water from faucets
Moisture on pipes or valves

These are signs it may be time to flush the tank—or that your system has a deeper issue.

Step 3: Try a Tank Flush (If Comfortable)

If your heater is heating somewhat, but not enough, it might be due to sediment clogging the bottom of the tank.

To flush a tank:

Turn off the power/gas supply.
Turn off the cold water valve.
Attach a hose to the drain valve and run it to a bucket or outside.
Open the valve and let it drain until the water runs clear.
Close the valve, remove the hose, and turn water/power back on.

⚠️ If you hear odd noises or notice milky, smelly water—stop and call a pro. A DIY flush won’t fix aging or corroded tanks.

⚠️ When to Call for Professional Water Heater Repair in Brooks, GA

Sometimes, no matter how handy you are, the problem is beyond a simple fix. Here’s when it’s time to bring in the experts:

Your water heater is leaking from the tank itself

The breaker keeps tripping or won’t reset
The pilot light won’t stay lit
You’ve flushed the tank, but still have no hot water
Your unit is 8–12+ years old and struggling to keep up

At Buffington’s Plumbing, we’ve been helping homeowners with reliable, honest water heater repair in Brooks, GA for over 30 years. Whether it’s a simple part replacement or time for a new tank or tankless upgrade, we’ll walk you through every step—no pressure, no guesswork.

📞 Don’t Freeze Another Morning

If you’ve run through your DIY water heater troubleshooting checklist and you’re still out of hot water, don’t wait.

📞 Call Buffington’s Plumbing at (678) 939-0187 or schedule your repair online.

We serve Brooks, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Griffin, Zebulon, and the surrounding areas.

Warm showers are just one call away.

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What Not to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

August 5, 2026

Garbage disposals make cleaning up after meals quick and convenient, but they're not designed to handle everything. Putting the wrong items down your disposal can lead to stubborn clogs, damaged blades, unpleasant odors, and even expensive plumbing repairs. Whether you're cleaning up after a backyard barbecue or preparing fresh summer meals, knowing what not to put down your garbage disposal can help keep your kitchen plumbing working properly. If you're upgrading your kitchen or adding an outdoor cooking area, Buffington's Plumbing also offers Gas Line Installation & Repair for gas ranges, outdoor kitchens, and built-in grills. At Buffington's Plumbing, we've helped homeowners throughout Brooks, Griffin, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Newnan, Zebulon, and surrounding South Metro Atlanta communities resolve clogged drains, jammed garbage disposals, and other common kitchen plumbing issues. Why Garbage Disposals Get Clogged 1. Grease, Oil, and Cooking Fat One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is pouring grease or cooking oil down the drain. While liquids may seem harmless, grease hardens as it cools and sticks to the inside of your pipes. Over time, this buildup can: Restrict water flow Trap food particles Cause stubborn drain clogs Lead to unpleasant odors Instead, allow grease to cool, then dispose of it in a sealed container in the trash. 2. Coffee Grounds Coffee grounds don't dissolve in water. Instead, they collect inside your plumbing system and combine with grease or soap residue to create thick blockages. Dispose of coffee grounds in the trash or add them to your compost pile instead. 3. Eggshells Many people believe eggshells sharpen disposal blades, but that's a common myth. The thin membrane inside the shell can wrap around moving parts while crushed shell pieces may collect inside pipes and contribute to clogs. 4. Fibrous Fruits and Vegetables Certain produce contains long fibers that can wrap around your disposal's motor. Avoid putting items like: Celery Corn husks Asparagus Artichokes Onion skins Banana peels These foods are better suited for the trash or compost bin. 5. Pasta, Rice, and Bread Pasta, rice, and bread continue absorbing water after they're discarded. As they expand, they create a thick, sticky mass that can clog both your disposal and drain lines. It's best to scrape these leftovers into the trash before washing dishes. 6. Bones and Fruit Pits Even powerful garbage disposals aren't designed to grind hard materials like: Chicken bones Beef bones Peach pits Avocado pits Corn cobs These items can damage internal components or jam the disposal completely. 7. Potato Peels Large amounts of potato peels create a starchy paste that sticks inside pipes and slows drainage. While a few small pieces may not cause problems, it's best to throw most potato peels in the trash. 8. Seafood Shells Shrimp shells, crab shells, lobster shells, and oyster shells are too hard for most garbage disposals. These materials can dull grinding components and create stubborn blockages. 9. Non-Food Items It may sound obvious, but accidental items often end up in the disposal. Keep these out: Plastic wrappers Twist ties Paper towels Sponges Fruit stickers Glass Metal utensils These objects can quickly damage the disposal and require professional repairs. How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Working Properly A few simple habits can extend the life of your garbage disposal: Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Feed food waste gradually instead of all at once. Cut larger food scraps into smaller pieces. Clean the disposal regularly with ice cubes and citrus peels for a fresher smell. Never overload the disposal. Regular care helps prevent clogs while keeping your kitchen plumbing flowing smoothly. Preventing kitchen clogs is just one way to keep your plumbing system running efficiently. If you've also noticed an unexpected increase in your monthly utility costs, check out our guide on Why Is My Water Bill So High This Summer? to learn how hidden leaks and plumbing issues could be affecting your home. When Should You Call a Plumber? If your garbage disposal: Frequently clogs Makes loud grinding noises Leaks underneath the sink Won't turn on Drains slowly Produces persistent odors it's time to have it inspected by a professional. Buffington's Plumbing provides reliable plumbing repairs and kitchen plumbing services throughout Brooks, Griffin, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Newnan, Zebulon, and surrounding communities. Our experienced team can quickly diagnose the problem and recommend the right solution to get your kitchen back in working order. Keep Your Kitchen Plumbing Running Smoothly A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to your garbage disposal. By keeping grease, fibrous foods, hard objects, and expandable foods out of the disposal, you can reduce the risk of clogs and costly plumbing repairs. If your garbage disposal isn't working properly or you're dealing with a stubborn kitchen drain clog, contact Buffington's Plumbing today. We're here to help homeowners throughout Brooks and the surrounding South Metro Atlanta communities keep their plumbing systems running efficiently.