How do I know if I need a replacement instead of a repair?

If the tank is leaking from the tank body itself (not a fitting), is more than 10-15 years old, or repairs keep recurring, replacement is usually the better value.

Is switching to tankless worth it?

It depends on household hot water demand and existing gas/electric capacity. A plumber can walk through the tradeoffs during the quote.

How long does a replacement take?

A straightforward tank-to-tank swap is often done in a few hours. Switching to tankless or updating venting and gas lines can take longer.

Water heater replacement (old unit removal and new install)

Replacement is a different job from a repair call: it means hauling out an old tank (often full of sediment and rust) and installing a new unit, sometimes switching from tank to tankless or upsizing capacity for a growing household. This page is for homeowners who already know their unit is done and need the swap handled, not troubleshooting a repair.

Expect a conversation about sizing (gallons for a tank unit, or flow rate for tankless), fuel type (gas or electric), and code requirements like expansion tanks, venting, or seismic strapping that older installs may be missing.

Disconnecting and hauling away the old unit
Sizing and installing the new tank or tankless system
Updating venting, gas lines, or electrical connections to current code
Testing for leaks and proper temperature/pressure relief operation

What it costs

Price is driven mainly by unit type (standard tank versus tankless costs more upfront), fuel source, and whether venting or gas line work is needed to bring an older setup up to code. Haul-away of the old unit and any permit fees are typically part of the quote.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for water heater installation & repair.

1. CPS Drain & Plumbing
5.0★ · 400 reviews

94
2. Carolina Conditions Heating Cooling Plumbing Electrical
4.9★ · 4255 reviews

93
3. Call Dad
4.9★ · 1801 reviews

93

FAQ

How do I know if I need a replacement instead of a repair?: If the tank is leaking from the tank body itself (not a fitting), is more than 10-15 years old, or repairs keep recurring, replacement is usually the better value.
Is switching to tankless worth it?: It depends on household hot water demand and existing gas/electric capacity. A plumber can walk through the tradeoffs during the quote.
How long does a replacement take?: A straightforward tank-to-tank swap is often done in a few hours. Switching to tankless or updating venting and gas lines can take longer.