Water Heater
Repair & Installation

What types of water heaters do you service and install?

We handle tank (storage) heaters, tankless (on-demand), hybrid (heat pump) units, gas, electric, and indirect systems.

How do I know if my water heater needs repair or replacement?

Major leaks, corrosion, frequent repairs, loss of hot water, or a unit older than 10 to 15 years are signs that replacement may be more cost-effective.

What’s the average lifespan of a water heater?

Storage tank heaters typically last 10 to 15 years, while tankless units can last 15 to 20 years or longer with proper care.

What causes a water heater to stop producing hot water?

Common causes include a failing heating element, faulty thermostat, sediment buildup, or gas ignition problems.

Why is my water heater leaking?

Leaks may come from loose connections, a defective temperature and pressure relief valve, corroded tank walls, or worn seals.

Why is my water heater making noise?

Popping, rumbling, or banging sounds often mean sediment has built up at the bottom of the tank, trapping water and causing “pops” as it heats.

Why does my hot water smell or look discolored?

Rusty or brown water can mean corrosion inside the tank. A rotten egg odor usually indicates bacteria growth in the tank or anode rod reaction.

How do you size a replacement water heater?

We consider your household’s hot water usage, the number of people, simultaneous use, fuel type, and recovery rate to size the correct model.

Can I switch from a tank system to a tankless or hybrid model?

Yes. We can evaluate your home’s plumbing setup and convert your system to tankless, hybrid, or other high-efficiency models.

How long does installation of a new water heater take?

Most residential installations take 3 to 6 hours, depending on complexity, venting, and gas or electrical connections.

Do installations require permits and inspections?

Yes. We take care of all necessary permits and inspections to make sure everything meets Virginia plumbing and safety codes.

Are your installers licensed and insured?

Absolutely. Our plumbers are fully licensed, insured, and bonded for your protection and peace of mind.

Do you offer emergency water heater repair?

Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency repairs for sudden leaks, burst tanks, or complete hot water loss.

What maintenance should I perform for my water heater?

Flush the tank once a year, check the temperature and pressure relief valve, inspect the anode rod, and test the thermostat settings.

What is a temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve, and why is it important?

It’s a safety feature that releases pressure or heat if the water heater overheats, preventing potential tank damage or explosion.

How often should the tank be flushed?

Once a year for most homes, or more frequently in areas with hard water, to prevent sediment buildup.

When is it better to replace rather than repair a heater?

If the unit is old, heavily corroded, or experiencing repeated issues, replacement is often the safest and most cost-effective choice.

Can I get more hot water by increasing the thermostat?

Yes, but raising the temperature too high can increase energy costs and cause scalding. The recommended setting is 120°F.

Are tankless systems more efficient?

Yes. Tankless units heat water only when needed, eliminating standby heat loss and saving on energy bills.

What is the cost of water heater repair or replacement?

Repairs vary based on parts and labor. Replacements depend on the type, size, and installation requirements. We provide upfront, written estimates before starting any work.

Will installation disturb my home?

We work cleanly and efficiently. Our team protects surrounding areas, removes the old unit, and cleans up thoroughly when finished.

Is there a warranty on your work and the equipment?

Yes. We provide written warranties covering both labor and manufacturer parts depending on the unit installed.

How long until I have hot water after installation?

You’ll usually have hot water the same day once the tank is filled, powered, and tested for safety.

Do you install both gas and electric water heaters?

Yes. We install and repair both gas and electric systems, ensuring they’re properly vented and connected to code.

What types of problems do old electric and gas water heaters have?

• Pilot Light: A pilot light that will not stay lit might abruptly stop your gas water heater.
• Lukewarm Water: When your water heater fails, obtaining that ideal shower temperature is impossible.
• High Energy Bills: Inefficient water heaters may increase your fuel or electricity bill.
• Noisy Tank: Your tank might rumble and groan from sediment buildup.
• Leaks of Water: Age and corrosion could cause tank leaks and substantial water damage.
• Chilly Showers: A failing water heater makes your hot shower icy without warning.
• Water Connection Problems: Eventually, fittings and connections could fail causing leaks or water pressure issues.
• Rusty Water: Corrosion inside the tank can release rust into your water and signal a replacement.
• Complete Breakdown: An old water heater might cease working altogether and you have no warm water.
• Frequent Resets: If you keep restarting your water heater it can suggest bigger issues.
• Safety Risks: Older water heaters could have flames or carbon monoxide leaks.
• Lack of Hot Water Volume: Your growing family might use more hot water than your old unit can offer.
• Space Inefficiency: Traditional tank heaters take up room; newer models might clear out room.
• Environmental Impact: Old units use more energy and emit more emissions.
• Maintenance Hassles: Water heaters get more frequent and more costly upkeep with age.

Can a large home need more than one water heater?

Yes. Large homes with multiple bathrooms, long pipe runs, or high usage often perform better with two water heaters rather than one oversized unit.

What is a dual tank water heater system?

A dual tank system uses two traditional water heaters working together to supply hot water more evenly and recover faster during peak demand.

When should I consider dual water heaters instead of one large tank?

Dual tanks are ideal when you have long pipe runs, multiple floors, several bathrooms, or frequent simultaneous hot water use.

Do dual tanks provide more hot water than one large tank?

Yes. Two tanks recover faster and maintain temperature better during heavy use compared to a single large tank.

Can dual tanks be staged to save energy?

Yes. Staged systems allow one tank to handle normal use while the second assists only during peak demand.

Is it better to install two smaller tanks or one very large tank?

In many cases, two smaller tanks offer better performance, redundancy, and flexibility than one oversized unit.

What happens if one tank fails in a dual system?

You will still have limited hot water from the remaining tank, which provides redundancy and peace of mind.

Are dual tank systems more expensive to install?

They can cost more upfront than a single tank, but they often deliver better performance and longer term value for large homes.

Can electric water heaters be installed in dual tank setups?

Yes. Dual electric tanks are common in homes without gas that still need high hot water capacity.

Do dual tanks require more space?

They do require additional space, but they can often be installed side by side or stacked depending on layout.

Can tankless water heaters be installed in multiples?

Yes. Multiple tankless units can be linked together to supply very high hot water demand in large homes.

Why would someone install more than one tankless water heater?

Multiple tankless units allow simultaneous high demand use without temperature drop and provide redundancy.

Are multiple tankless systems common in luxury homes?

Yes. Large or luxury homes often use two or more tankless units to support multiple showers and fixtures at once.

Do multiple tankless units work better for long pipe runs?

They can, especially when zoned to serve specific areas of the home like upstairs bathrooms or guest suites.

Is it better to use one large tankless or multiple smaller tankless units?

Multiple units often provide better performance, easier servicing, and redundancy compared to a single oversized system.

Can I add a second water heater later if demand increases?

Yes. Many homes add a second tank or tankless unit as family size or usage grows.

What is a zoned water heater system?

A zoned system assigns different water heaters to different areas of the home for faster delivery and better control.

Do long pipe runs affect hot water performance?

Yes. Long distances cause heat loss and delays, which dual tanks or zoned systems can help correct.

Will adding another water heater reduce wait time for hot water?

Yes. Properly placed additional heaters shorten delivery time and improve comfort.

Is a recirculation pump better than adding another heater?

Sometimes, but in large homes with heavy use, adding capacity often works better than recirculation alone.

Can dual tanks reduce temperature swings during showers?

Yes. They help maintain stable water temperature during peak usage.

Are dual tank systems compatible with hybrid heat pump water heaters?

Yes. Hybrid systems can be paired or combined with traditional tanks depending on layout and demand.

Do dual tank systems increase maintenance?

Maintenance is similar to single tanks, but both units should be flushed and inspected regularly.

Can dual tanks be installed in older homes?

Yes. They are often easier to retrofit than tankless systems in older homes.

What is the best solution for homes with guest suites or in law apartments?

Separate or dual water heater systems are often the best solution for independent hot water supply.

Is it possible to mix tank and tankless systems?

Yes. Some homes use a tank heater with a tankless booster for peak demand areas.

Can I run two showers and laundry at the same time with dual tanks?

Yes. Dual tanks are designed to handle simultaneous high demand better than single units.

Do multiple water heaters increase energy bills?

Not necessarily. Proper sizing and staging can improve efficiency and reduce waste.

What size tanks are common in dual tank systems?

Common setups include two 40 gallon tanks or two 50 gallon tanks depending on demand.

Can dual tanks help prevent cold water sandwich effects?

Yes. They significantly reduce temperature fluctuations.

Are permits required for adding a second water heater?

Yes. Any additional water heater installation requires proper permits and inspections.

Can dual tanks be installed vertically or stacked?

In some cases, yes. This depends on manufacturer approval and local codes.

Do multiple tankless units require more gas capacity?

Yes. Gas supply and meter capacity must be evaluated before installation.

Can electrical service limit multiple tankless installations?

Yes. Electric tankless systems often require major electrical upgrades.

Is redundancy important for large families?

Yes. Multiple water heaters reduce the risk of total hot water loss.

What is the best setup for homes with four or more bathrooms?

Dual tanks or multiple tankless units are often the best performing options.

Can dual tanks extend system lifespan?

Yes. Load sharing can reduce wear and extend the life of each unit.

Are dual tank systems quieter than single large tanks?

Often yes, because each unit works less aggressively during peak demand.

What is the best solution for homes with frequent guests?

Dual tank or multi unit tankless systems handle fluctuating demand better.

Can dual tanks be installed in phases?

Yes. A second unit can be added later if space and connections allow.

Is it cheaper to repair dual tanks than tankless systems?

Typically yes. Tank repairs are simpler and parts are more affordable.

How do I know if my home needs more than one water heater?

Frequent hot water shortages, long wait times, and multiple simultaneous uses are key signs.

Do dual systems improve resale value?

In large homes, yes. Buyers often see them as a premium upgrade.

Will you evaluate pipe layout before recommending multiple heaters?

Yes. Pipe distance, fixture placement, and demand patterns are critical to proper design.

Can multiple heaters reduce strain on one system?

Yes. Load sharing improves reliability and comfort.

What is the best first step if I think I need more capacity?

Schedule an in home evaluation so we can measure demand, layout, and system limits.

How do I schedule a water heater inspection, repair, or quote?

Call 703-791-1339 or schedule your appointment online today.