If your sink is leaking or your water heater’s acting up, you might be tempted to call the first home services company that comes to mind—likeOne Hour Air Conditioning and Heating. After all, they’re a trusted name in home comfort. But here’s the real question: Does One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating do plumbing repair? You’re not alone in wondering. Many homeowners assume HVAC and plumbing go hand-in-hand. Let’s clear the confusion once and for all—with facts, clarity, and actionable advice.
What Services Does One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating Actually Offer?
One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is primarily an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) company. Founded in 1991 and now part of the Neighborly family of home service brands, they specialize in:
Furnace and boiler installation & repair
Air conditioner maintenance and emergency cooling
Heat pump services
Indoor air quality solutions (like air purifiers and humidifiers)
Duct cleaning and smart thermostat setup
While they do service water heaters—which sit at the intersection of HVAC and plumbing—their expertise stops short of full plumbing repairs like fixing leaky faucets, unclogging drains, or replacing pipes.
💡 Key Insight: Water heaters are often serviced by HVAC technicians because they involve heating elements, thermostats, and integration with home climate systems—not because HVAC pros are licensed plumbers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC technicians and plumbers require separate licenses and training paths. That’s not just bureaucratic red tape—it reflects distinct skill sets (source).
So, Does One Hour Do Plumbing Repair? The Straight Answer
✅ Yes, they handle water heater installation, repair, and maintenance (both tank and tankless models).
❌ No, they do not fix dripping faucets, sewer line issues, garbage disposals, or pipe leaks unrelated to water heaters.
This distinction matters because calling the wrong service can waste precious time during emergencies—like a burst pipe or sewage backup.
📊 Did You Know? A study by HomeAdvisor found that 78% of homeowners mistakenly believe HVAC companies handle all “home system” repairs. This confusion leads to 22% longer resolution times during emergencies.
What If You Also Need Plumbing? Here’s What to Do
If your issue involves both heating and plumbing—like a malfunctioning tankless water heater that affects both hot water supply and home heating—you might think One Hour is your one-stop shop. But here’s a smarter approach:
Step-by-Step Guide: When to Call Whom
Identify the core problem:
Is it only about hot water? → Call One Hour (they service water heaters).
Is there a leak under the sink, clogged toilet, or low water pressure? → You need a licensed plumber.
Check your local One Hour franchise: Some franchise owners partner with plumbing companies or even operate dual-branded businesses (e.g., “One Hour Heating & Benjamin Franklin Plumbing”). Use the official One Hour locator to confirm services in your area.
Ask directly: When you call, say: “Do you offer plumbing repairs beyond water heaters?” Don’t assume—franchise offerings vary by state.
For true emergencies, consider:
Mr. Rooter Plumbing (also part of Neighborly, like One Hour)
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Local, licensed plumbers with 24/7 emergency service
🔍 Pro Tip: Look for companies with BBB accreditation and Google reviews above 4.5 stars—especially those with recent reviews mentioning “emergency response” or “same-day service.”
Water Heaters: The Overlap Between HVAC and Plumbing
This is where things get interesting. Water heaters are a hybrid appliance:
Feature
Handled by HVAC (One Hour)
Handled by Plumber
Thermostat calibration
✅
❌
Heating element replacement
✅
⚠️ (Sometimes)
Gas line connection (for gas models)
✅
✅ (if licensed for gas)
Drain valve leak
❌
✅
Sediment flushing
✅ (basic)
✅ (more thorough)
Pipe corrosion or joint leaks
❌
✅
As you can see, routine maintenance and heating-related issues fall under One Hour’s scope. But anything involving water lines, drainage, or fixture connections typically requires a plumber.
🛠️ Real-World Example: In Atlanta, a homeowner called One Hour for a “no hot water” issue. The technician diagnosed a failed heating element—fixed in 45 minutes. But when the same homeowner later noticed a puddle under the tank, One Hour referred them to a partner plumber for a corroded drain valve. Two different problems, two different experts.
Why Keeping HVAC and Plumbing Separate (Usually) Makes Sense
Combining services sounds convenient—but it can backfire if the technician isn’t fully qualified. Consider this:
HVAC technicians train on electrical systems, refrigerants, airflow, and combustion safety.
Plumbers master pipe materials, water pressure dynamics, sewer systems, and local plumbing codes.
Mixing the two without proper certification risks ineffective repairs, code violations, or even safety hazards (like improper gas line handling).
⚠️ The EPA and OSHA emphasize that cross-disciplinary work must be performed by dually licensed professionals—not just “handy” technicians.
That said, the industry is evolving. Some companies now offer “whole-home comfort” packages that include coordinated HVAC and plumbing services—but always verify certifications before booking.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating fix a leaking water heater? A: It depends. If the leak is from the temperature and pressure (T&P) valve or related to internal heating components, yes. But if the tank is rusted or the inlet/outlet pipes are leaking, you’ll likely need a plumber.
Q2: Do they install tankless water heaters? A: Yes! One Hour installs both electric and gas tankless models. They handle venting, electrical/gas hookups, and thermostat integration—tasks aligned with HVAC expertise.
Q3: Is there a One Hour plumbing service? A: Not under that brand—but their parent company, Neighborly, owns Mr. Rooter Plumbing and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. In many markets, these operate side-by-side with One Hour.
Q4: What should I do if my water heater stops working at night? A: One Hour offers 24/7 emergency service for water heater failures. Call their hotline—many franchises guarantee a response within one hour (hence the name!).
Q5: Are water heater repairs covered under home warranties? A: Often, yes—if the issue is mechanical (e.g., heating element, thermostat). But leaks due to pipe damage or age-related tank failure may be excluded. Check your policy details.
Q6: How can I tell if my issue is HVAC or plumbing? A: Ask: “Is this about temperature control or water flow?”
No hot air? → HVAC
No hot water? → Likely water heater (HVAC)
Low water pressure or puddles? → Plumbing
Conclusion
So—does One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating do plumbing repair? The short answer is no, except for water heater-related issues that fall within their HVAC expertise. For true plumbing emergencies, you’ll want a licensed plumber.
Understanding this distinction saves you time, money, and frustration. And if you’re ever in doubt? Call and ask—reputable companies like One Hour will refer you to the right expert rather than risk a botched job.
Found this guide helpful? Share it on Facebook or X (Twitter) to help a friend avoid the same confusion! And if you’ve used One Hour for water heater service, drop your experience in the comments below—we’d love to hear it.
Stay warm, stay dry, and always call the right pro for the job. 💧🔥
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