When the tank itself is leaking or your water heater is past its prime, a new unit is the fix that lasts. We help you pick the right size and type, install it to code and walk you through how it works, with a flat price before any work starts.
Not every problem means you need a new water heater. These are the signs that a repair won't last:
| What You Notice | Why a New Unit Makes More Sense |
|---|---|
| Your water heater is 10 years old or more | Most tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years. Past that point, parts keep failing and each repair buys less time. |
| Water is leaking from the tank itself | The tank has rusted through from the inside. A leak in the tank body can't be patched. |
| Hot water comes out rusty | The inside of the tank is corroding. It's a sign the tank is close to failing. |
| You keep calling for the same problem | Paying for the same repair twice usually costs more than replacing the unit. |
| The repair would cost close to half the price of a new unit | At that point, your money goes further on a new water heater with a new warranty. |
| Your household has outgrown it | If you added people, a bathroom or a bigger tub, the old tank may simply be too small. |
If it's one failed part on a younger unit, a repair is usually the better call. We'll tell you which one makes sense before you spend anything.
We help you choose by matching the unit to your home, not by picking the most expensive one on the truck. We install all major brands, including Bradford White, Rheem, A.O. Smith and Rinnai, and we've been doing it since 1993. That means we can tell you which models hold up in your water and which ones are worth the extra money. Before we recommend anything, we look at three things:
Tank water heaters are sized by gallons. Too small, and you run out of hot water halfway through the second shower. Too big, and you pay to keep water hot that you never use.
We also ask how many showers run at the same time and whether you have a large soaking tub. Those can push you up a size.
Most homes stay with the fuel they already have, because switching means running a new gas line or a new electrical circuit. If you have a gas line, a gas water heater usually heats water faster. If you don't, electric is simpler to install. If you're thinking about switching, we'll explain what it takes before you decide.
A tankless water heater heats water only when you need it, so it never runs out. It costs more up front and may need a bigger gas line or new venting. A tank is the simpler swap. We'll tell you honestly if tankless is a good fit for your home, and if it isn't.
Tank size, as a starting point:
| People in Your Home | Typical Tank Size |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | 30 to 40 gallons |
| 3 to 4 | 40 to 50 gallons |
| 5 or more | 50 to 80 gallons |
Here's what to expect from the moment your technician walks in.
Your technician confirms the size and type, explains your options and gives you a flat rate before any money changes hands. The number you hear is the number you pay.
We shut off the water and the gas or power, drain the old tank and take it out of your home.
A new water heater is more than a tank on the floor. We connect the gas or electrical supply, set up the venting, install the relief valve discharge pipe and add an expansion tank or drain pan where code calls for one. These are the parts that keep a water heater safe, and they're the parts a rushed install skips.
Before we leave, we make sure everything works and the water gets hot. Then we show you how to adjust the temperature and what upkeep your new unit needs.
1 / 6 photos from this job“Okay, first things first: the technicians? Absolute rockstars. 10/10. Personable, friendly, great folks. The team that came out to install our water heater was quick, efficient, super communicative, and honestly just a pleasure to work with. They explained everything clearly, got in, got it done, and made the whole process feel easy. If I could request the same crew every time, I absolutely would. [...]”
“Thomas Maloney replaced our water heater in less than 3 hours start to finish. He was organized, efficient, and explained everything as he went along. The installation was well done, and all remnants of the old water heater and installation supplies were neatly removed. I would highly recommend Thomas for any plumbing needs.”
“Wonderful experience! Our technician was prompt and knowledgeable. It seems often with other companies we get sent a salesman, not a true technician, but this company is different. They know their stuff. Super competent and helpful, and extremely reasonable pricing. We'll be using them for all of our plumbing needs from now on!”
Replace it when the tank itself leaks, the hot water comes out rusty or the unit is more than 10 to 12 years old and starting to need repairs.
Replace it when the tank itself leaks, the hot water comes out rusty or the unit is more than 10 to 12 years old and starting to need repairs. If it's younger and only one part failed, a repair usually makes more sense. We give you the price for both so you can decide.
Swapping a tank for the same type and size usually takes a few hours.
Swapping a tank for the same type and size usually takes a few hours. It can take longer if we need to move the unit, update the venting or the gas line, or switch to tankless. Your technician tells you how long the job should take before work starts.
For most homes, it comes down to how many people live there and how many showers run at once.
For most homes, it comes down to how many people live there and how many showers run at once. A 40-gallon tank works for many households of 2 to 3 people. Families of 4 or more often need 50 gallons or more. We check your usage before recommending a size.
The price depends on the size, gas or electric, tank or tankless, and what the install needs to meet code, like new venting, an expansion tank or a gas line update.
The price depends on the size, gas or electric, tank or tankless, and what the install needs to meet code, like new venting, an expansion tank or a gas line update. Access matters too: a tight closet takes more work than an open basement. You get a flat price before any work starts. Financing as low as 0% is available.
We don't recommend it. A water heater runs on a gas line or a high-voltage circuit, holds hot water under pressure and has to vent exhaust safely out of your home.
We don't recommend it. A water heater runs on a gas line or a high-voltage circuit, holds hot water under pressure and has to vent exhaust safely out of your home. Many cities, including Chicago, require a permit for the job. A mistake can lead to a gas leak, a flood or carbon monoxide inside.
If it's past 10 years old, it's worth planning ahead.
If it's past 10 years old, it's worth planning ahead. Replacing it on your schedule means you get to compare options calmly instead of picking whatever's available after the basement floods. Your technician can check its condition and tell you how much life it likely has left.
Annual Protection Plan
The No Drip Club is our membership program. Members get:
We find what's cutting off your hot water and fix the part that failed.
A yearly flush clears out the mineral buildup that wears tanks down.
Installation, repair and descaling for units that heat water only when you need it.
Service for businesses that can't run without hot water.
For a leaking tank or a cold shower that can't wait until tomorrow.
We've been installing water heaters since 1993, and we'll help you pick one that fits your home and your budget. Call us for a flat price before any work starts.
