Basement water heater
Water heaters
Repair or replacement when you have no hot water, not enough hot water, or a tank that is leaking, noisy, or old.
A water heater usually gives warnings before it fails. Watch for rust-colored hot water, a puddle or damp spot around the base, popping or rumbling from sediment in the tank, hot water that runs out faster than it used to, or a pilot light or burner that keeps going out. A leak from the tank itself cannot be repaired, and the unit has to be replaced. Fittings, valves, and parts of a gas or electric unit can often be repaired.
Age matters. Tank units commonly last around ten years, and sometimes longer or shorter depending on water quality and maintenance. If yours is past that point and needs a significant repair, replacement is worth pricing out. If it is leaking at the tank, turn off the cold-water supply to it, turn off the power or gas, and call.
What we do. We find out what is wrong first. If a repair makes sense, we say so. If it is time to replace, we help you pick the right capacity and fuel type for your home and explain what the installation involves: connections, venting for gas units, a drain pan, a temperature and pressure relief valve and discharge pipe, an expansion tank where needed, and the permit.
Efficient and heat pump models. Heat pump water heaters are more efficient than a standard electric unit, but they need the right space and may qualify for a utility rebate. Our guide on water heater costs explains the trade-offs and the current rebate picture. The federal tax credit for these units ended for installations after 2025.
What affects the cost. Capacity and type, gas or electric, venting and gas piping, where the unit is and how easily the old one can be removed, code upgrades that the old installation lacked, the permit, and any rebate you are eligible for. We give a written quote after seeing the existing unit.
Questions we hear
Repair or replace?
Replace if the tank is leaking, or if the unit is old and needs an expensive repair. Repair if the problem is a part, such as a thermostat, valve or burner component, on a unit that is otherwise in good shape.
How long does a replacement take?
A like-for-like tank swap is often done in a few hours, but venting, gas piping, or moving the unit takes longer. Some models need to be ordered, and heat pump models can take longer to install.
My water heater is leaking. What do I do first?
Shut off the cold-water valve at the unit, shut off the electricity at the breaker or the gas at the unit's valve, and call. If water is spreading, shut off the water to the house at the main valve.
Should I flush my water heater?
Draining some water from the tank once a year can help with sediment. It is a reasonable DIY job on a newer unit. If the valve is old and corroded, leave it for a plumber, because the valve can fail to close.
Are there rebates?
Some utilities offer rebates on heat pump water heaters, and amounts and availability change. Check our rebates page for each program's official link and the date we last checked.
Where we do this work
We serve homes across DC, Maryland and Virginia. Find your city for local notes on your water utility and rebates.
Water on the floor, or a question first?
Call and we will tell you what is likely going on. Or send the details and we will call you back.
Emergency calls answered 24/7.