Water heaters
Water heater installation and replacement
Replacing a water heater means sizing a new unit to your household, installing it to current code (expansion tank, relief valve drain, venting, drain pan where required), pulling the permit, and hauling away the old one.
- Cause diagnosed first
- Written price before work
- Permits pulled where required
- Clean-up included
A like-for-like swap is usually done in a few hours. What changes the job is code: many older installs are missing items current code requires, and a permitted replacement brings those up to date.
We'll size the heater to how your house actually uses hot water, not just match the old label.
Water Heater Installation & Replacement at a glance
- What it is
- Replacing a water heater means sizing a new unit to your household, installing it to current code (expansion tank, relief valve drain, venting, drain pan where required), pulling the permit, and hauling away the old one..
- Service category
- Water heaters
- Where
- 19 towns across the Charlotte metro (NC and York County, SC)
- Urgent service
- Scheduled service — call if water is actively leaking.
- Pricing
- Written price after diagnosis, before any work starts.
Signs you need new water heater help
- Tank is leaking from the body
- Heater is past roughly 10 years and needs a major repair
- Household has outgrown the tank
- Planning a move to tankless or a heat-pump model
The visit
What the visit involves
- 1
Size and choose
Tank size or tankless flow rate based on fixtures and household size; gas, electric or heat pump.
- 2
Permit
Water heater replacement typically requires a permit and inspection.
- 3
Install to code
Expansion tank, relief valve discharge, venting, seismic/strapping where required, pan and drain in attics or upper floors.
- 4
Haul away
We drain and remove the old heater.
What affects the cost
We don't publish flat prices for work that depends on what we find. These are the things that move the number — you'll get a written price before any work starts.
- Unit type and capacity
- Fuel type change (e.g., electric to gas)
- Location — attic installs cost more
- Code upgrades needed
- Venting changes for high-efficiency or tankless
Water Heater Installation & Replacement: common questions
When should a water heater be replaced?
Replace it when the tank leaks, when a major repair is needed on a unit near 10+ years old, or when it can't keep up with demand. Rust in the hot water and heavy rumbling are signs it's close.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?
In most jurisdictions, including Mecklenburg County, yes. A permit means the installation is inspected for venting, relief valve and gas safety.
What size water heater do I need?
For tank heaters, households of 1–2 people often use 30–40 gallons and 3–4 people 40–50 gallons, adjusted for tubs, simultaneous showers and fuel type. Tankless units are sized by flow rate in gallons per minute rather than capacity.
Do I need an expansion tank with a new water heater?
Usually, yes, if your home has a closed plumbing system — for example a check valve or pressure-reducing valve at the main. Current codes often require one so thermal expansion doesn't strain the heater and relief valve.
Can I switch from electric to gas water heater?
Yes, if gas service is available and a gas line and proper venting can be run to the location. The switch adds gas piping and venting work to the installation.
Service area
Water Heater Installation & Replacement across the Charlotte metro
Related
Related services
Get help with a new water heater
Call for current availability — urgent leaks and backups are prioritized.