Professional Water Heater Services

Water heater repairs start at $350 for basic service calls. Most repairs range from $350-$800+ depending on what needs fixing and parts required.

Common repair costs:

• Heating element replacement: Starting at $350
• Thermostat repair: Starting at $350
• Gas valve replacement: $400-$600+
• Leak repairs: $350-$700+ depending on severity and location
• Anode rod replacement: Starting at $350

What affects the cost: Age of unit, type of water heater (tank vs tankless), parts availability, extent of damage, and whether gas or electric system.

We provide upfront pricing after diagnosis — you'll know the exact cost before we start work.

The decision depends on age, repair cost, and frequency of issues:

Repair if:

• Unit is under 8 years old
• Repair cost is less than 50% of replacement cost
• This is the first major issue you've had
• Your system was properly maintained

Replace if:

• Unit is over 10 years old with major problems
• You're experiencing frequent repairs (more than twice in 2 years)
• Energy bills have increased significantly
• Tank is leaking from the bottom (sign of internal tank failure)
• You need better efficiency or capacity

Our honest recommendation: We'll assess your specific situation and provide options for both repair and replacement with transparent pricing. If replacement makes more sense, we'll tell you — even if it means a simpler job for us.

Most water heater installations take 3-5 hours for straightforward replacements. Here's the typical timeline:

Tank-to-tank replacement (3-4 hours):

• Remove old unit and prep area (1 hour)
• Install new tank, connect water/gas/electrical (1.5-2 hours)
• Test system, check for leaks, fill tank (30-60 min)

Tankless installation (4-6 hours):

• More complex due to venting requirements and potential electrical upgrades
• Gas line sizing may need verification
• Wall mounting and securing unit

Factors that extend installation time:

• Switching from tank to tankless (or vice versa)
• Electrical panel upgrades required
• Gas line modifications needed
• Difficult access or tight spaces
• Code compliance updates required

We offer same-day installation throughout Vancouver, Battle Ground, and Clark County when units are in stock.

Tank water heater sizing by household:

• 1-2 people: 30-40 gallon tank
• 2-3 people: 40-50 gallon tank
• 3-4 people: 50-60 gallon tank
• 4-5 people: 60-80 gallon tank
• 5+ people: 80+ gallon tank or tankless system

Tankless water heater sizing: Based on flow rate (gallons per minute) and temperature rise. A typical home needs 7-10 GPM for simultaneous use of multiple fixtures.

We consider more than just family size:

• Number of bathrooms and fixtures
• Simultaneous hot water usage (e.g., shower + dishwasher + laundry)
• Future household changes
• Space constraints
• Budget and energy efficiency goals

Free on-site assessment: Our technicians evaluate your specific needs and recommend the right size — not oversized to increase our profit, but properly sized for your actual usage.

Annual flushing is recommended for most homes in Vancouver WA, especially given our hard water conditions.

Why flushing matters:

• Sediment buildup: Minerals from hard water settle at tank bottom, reducing efficiency and capacity
• Noise reduction: Popping/rumbling sounds indicate sediment overheating
• Lifespan extension: Regular flushing can add 2-3 years to tank life
• Energy savings: Clean tanks heat water faster and more efficiently

Signs you need flushing NOW:

• Popping, crackling, or rumbling noises
• Reduced hot water supply
• Discolored or rusty hot water
• Longer heating times
• It's been 2+ years since last flush

Professional service: Water heater flush starts at $350 and includes full inspection of anode rod, pressure relief valve, and overall system health.

Hard water areas: Homes with very hard water (common in parts of Clark County) may benefit from flushing twice per year.

Popping, banging, or rumbling sounds are the most common noises — here's what they mean:

Sediment buildup (most common):

• Sound: Popping, crackling, or rumbling like popcorn
• Cause: Mineral deposits trap water beneath them, which boils and causes popping
• Solution: Flush the tank and consider more frequent maintenance
• Urgency: Not an emergency, but schedule service soon to prevent damage

High pressure:

• Sound: Banging or knocking
• Cause: Pressure relief valve struggling or water hammer in pipes
• Solution: Check/replace pressure relief valve or install water hammer arrestors
• Urgency: Address within days — high pressure can damage tank

Heating element issues:

• Sound: Humming or sizzling
• Cause: Loose heating element or electrical issue
• Solution: Tighten or replace heating element
• Urgency: Not urgent, but reduces efficiency

When to call immediately: Hissing sounds (possible leak), loud banging (pressure issue), or any noise accompanied by water leaking.

We strongly recommend professional installation for safety, warranty, and code compliance reasons. Here's why:

Safety hazards of DIY installation:

• Gas leaks: Improper gas line connections can cause leaks or explosions
• Carbon monoxide: Incorrect venting can trap deadly CO in your home
• Electrical shock: Electric water heaters require proper wiring and grounding
• Water damage: Leaks from poor connections cause thousands in damage
• Burns: Incorrect temperature/pressure relief valve installation is dangerous

Legal and warranty issues:

• Permits required: Most jurisdictions require permits for water heater replacement
• Code compliance: Installation must meet current plumbing and building codes
• Warranty void: Most manufacturers void warranties on DIY installations
• Insurance problems: Homeowner's insurance may not cover damage from DIY work
• Inspection required: Professional installation includes final inspection

Professional installation ($350+ labor): Includes proper sizing, code compliance, permits, warranty registration, pressure testing, and peace of mind.

For Vancouver WA: Clark County requires permits and inspections for water heater installation — we handle all of this for you.

Watch for these warning signs that indicate your water heater needs attention:

Immediate attention needed:

• Water pooling around unit: Tank leak or valve failure — call immediately
• No hot water at all: Complete heating failure
• Rusty/discolored hot water: Internal tank corrosion (likely needs replacement)
• Rotten egg smell: Bacteria in tank or gas leak (call immediately if gas smell)

Schedule service soon:

• Inconsistent water temperature: Thermostat or heating element failing
• Running out of hot water faster: Sediment buildup or capacity issues
• Loud noises: Sediment accumulation causing inefficiency
• Age over 10 years: Tank water heaters near end of typical lifespan
• Rising energy bills: Declining efficiency
• Visible corrosion: Rust on tank or connections

What NOT to ignore: Any water leaking from the tank itself (not just connections) means the tank is failing internally. This can't be repaired — replacement is necessary.

Free diagnosis: Not sure if your issue is serious? Call for an assessment. We'll provide honest recommendations on repair vs. replacement.

Yes — regular maintenance saves money and extends system life. Here's what we recommend:

Annual maintenance includes:

• Tank flushing: Remove sediment buildup
• Anode rod inspection: Replace if heavily corroded (protects tank from rust)
• Pressure relief valve test: Ensure proper operation for safety
• Temperature check: Verify safe operating temperature (120°F recommended)
• Gas line inspection: Check connections for leaks (gas units)
• Venting inspection: Ensure proper exhaust (prevents CO buildup)
• Heating element test: Verify proper function (electric units)
• Overall system health: Look for signs of wear, corrosion, or failing components

Maintenance pricing: Annual flush and inspection starts at $350. We'll let you know if any additional work is needed and provide upfront pricing.

Benefits of regular maintenance:

• Extend water heater life by 3-5 years
• Reduce energy bills by maintaining efficiency
• Catch small issues before they become expensive repairs
• Maintain manufacturer warranty compliance
• Improve hot water quality and quantity

Contact us to schedule your annual water heater maintenance — we serve all of Vancouver, Battle Ground, and Clark County.

Tank vs. Tankless: Quick comparison

Tank Water Heaters (Traditional):

• Cost: $800-$2,500 installed
• How it works: Stores 30-80 gallons of heated water
• Lifespan: 8-12 years
• Space: Large floor space required
• Energy: Continuously heats stored water (less efficient)
• Hot water: Limited to tank size, then wait for recovery
• Best for: Lower upfront budget, smaller households, simple replacement

Tankless Water Heaters (On-Demand):

• Cost: $2,500-$4,500 installed
• How it works: Heats water instantly as it flows through
• Lifespan: 20+ years
• Space: Wall-mounted, minimal space
• Energy: Only heats when needed (30-40% more efficient)
• Hot water: Unlimited supply at 7-10 GPM flow rate
• Best for: Long-term savings, high usage homes, limited space

Which should you choose? Depends on your budget, space, household size, and how long you plan to stay in your home. We provide honest recommendations based on your specific situation — not which system gives us higher profit.

Want a detailed comparison for your home? We offer free consultations to help you make the right choice.