Replace a Spencer water heater once the tank leaks, the hot water turns rusty or an old unit keeps breaking down. Spencer's homes are among the oldest in the area, gas heat is common, and Rowan County Building Inspections issues the permit. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Spencer.
About Spencer's homes
Spencer grew up around Southern Railway's Spencer Shops, now the North Carolina Transportation Museum, and its houses show that history. The median year built is 1950, about 76% of homes predate 1980 and about 34% predate 1940. Gas is common here too: about 39% of homes in ZIP 28159 heat with utility gas and almost 10% with fuel oil, higher than most nearby ZIPs.
First things to do
- Close the cold inlet. Turn the valve on the cold line above the heater. On older valves, go gently so the stem doesn't snap.
- Shut off the fuel or power. Set a gas control to off, or switch off the breaker for an electric tank.
- Check for gas odor. If you smell gas, stop, leave the house and call 911 or Piedmont Natural Gas at 800-752-7504 from outside.
- Contain the water. Clear the area and catch drips, especially in a basement or on old wood floors.
- Note the setup. Look for an expansion tank near the heater and write down the label details.
Symptom guide
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Leak from the bottom of the tank | Internal corrosion; the tank needs replacing |
| Relief valve dripping often | Thermal expansion with no expansion tank, or a worn valve |
| Rust in hot water | Spent anode and a rusting tank lining |
| Yellow or lazy burner flame | Venting or combustion air problem; needs a plumber's check |
| Not enough hot water | Sediment, a failed part or a tank too small for the household |
The relief valve line deserves attention in Spencer. Salisbury-Rowan Utilities supplies the town and has put check valves on new customers' meters since 1988, recommending a thermal expansion tank where a check valve is added. A heater that keeps dripping from its relief valve may simply need one.
Cost factors
- Gas or electric, tank size and efficiency
- Old flue pipe, gas connectors or supply piping that must be updated
- An expansion tank if one isn't already in place
- Basement or tight closet access
- The Rowan County permit, listed at $75 for a storage heater and $90 for tankless in the February 2024 schedule, plus haul-away
Water Heater Replacement questions in Spencer
Is there a set county fee for a water heater permit?
Who supplies natural gas here, and what should I do if I smell gas?
What surprises come up when replacing a heater in an older house?
How should I decide how many gallons the new tank needs?
More plumbing services in Spencer
Water Heater Replacement nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
- Spencer, North Carolina (Wikipedia)
- Spencer housing by year built (ACS 2019-2023, via Point2Homes)
- ZIP 28159 home heating fuel (city-data.com)
- SRU backflow and cross-connection prevention
- Rowan County Building Inspections fee schedule
- NCUC report on Piedmont Natural Gas service territory
- Piedmont Natural Gas safety information
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