FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions we get asked fairly regularly. We love to serve our customers in every way, including helping the public to understand their water heater systems. If you have any questions or concerns about your plumbing or water heater, never hesitate to call us at 443-623-0709! We are available on the phone 24/7 and are ready to serve your water heater needs.

What are the signs I need a new hot water heater?

If you have no hot water, if there is not enough hot water for the whole family, if you find water on the floor beneath your water heater, or your water heater is more than 12 years old, it may be time for a new one. Unfortunately, no water heater is without a lifespan. The older your water heater gets, the more increased the chances of a flood in your home. When the water heater starts leaking it does not stop until you turn off the cold water supply valve and drain it. Make sure your water heater is installed in a safety pan. Many times a good safety pan in combination with an alarm or drain pipe will save your home from a flood.

What happens to my old water heater?

Yes! Your old water heater will be removed, hauled away, and recycled!

Should I replace or repair my water heater?

This depends primarily on the age of your current water heater. If your water heater is older than 12 years old, there is a chance that you may need to replace it. And if the cost of repair is approaching the cost of replacement, it may be the better choice to simply replace it rather than put off the inevitable. The last thing anyone wants is a flood in the home due to an outdated water heater because the cost of damages to your home are much too high. Being proactive rather than reactive about water heater replacement is always best.

Is there anything I can do before calling?

It would be great to let us know what kind of water heater you have. Is it an electric water heater? Gas? Tankless? Tank? Also, please let us know about the location of your water heater, and the model number and serial number help a lot too. This gives us a lot of useful information in determining what your needs are before coming out to your home. It may be that we can perform a simple repair, saving you the cost of replacement.

How do I pay for the water heater?

We do accept all major credit cards and personal checks .

Looks like a valve or a pipe is leaking? We can help!

Sometimes a water heater will leak at the relief valve. This can be due to high water temperature, high water pressure, or a failing water heater part that can be replaced. The relief valve will open up when the temp goes above 210 degrees or the water pressure goes over 150 psi. If this is happening to you, we can help!

What is the 1-2 gallon tank above the water heater?

This little tank is called the thermal expansion tank and it absorbs expanding water, which occurs when your water heats up. Water heaters have been known to explode. In every county in Maryland, the plumbing code requires an expansion tank to be installed with the water heater. When the water heats it expands and it has to go somewhere. Without an expansion tank, the pressure could rise dangerously, and cause damage to your water heater or plumbing system.

What is a tankless hot water heater?

There are definite advantages to a tankless water heater system. 1) You get unlimited hot water. You can shower all day long! 2) Energy use is typically lower. 3) It takes up a little less room by eliminating the need for a large tank. But there are also some disadvantages. Regular maintenance is necessary. Annual flushing should be done by a professional. Retrofitting to a tankless system will cost more because of a variety of factors that can be discussed surrounding your unique situation.

Can I buy my own water heater at one of the big box stores?

Sure you can! We can even pick it up for you and do the installation. This process takes longer. Installing water heaters that we do not stock in our warehouse takes a little bit more time and will cost you a little more. But if there is a product that you just must have and it’s not something that we keep in stock, we are happy to accommodate you.