"He was able to quickly diagnose that the water leak from the water heater was a result of a ruptured tank, resulting in the need to replace the entire water heater."
"Service guy came as scheduled. Sent his "service" requirements to home base Home base calls back and lists, a very long list of what needs to be done and a very long list of what is not covered and what each item costs. The overall cost was outrageous and they weren't willing to give it to me in writing. Everything I had to pay for was overpriced, of course! They told me my other option would be to purchase my own water heater and they would reimburse me for what there water heater would cost, but no reimbursement for Labor, building permit, or any upgrades required by the local building department. The requirements of the building department were minimal. I went to Home Depot and had them do the installation and saved many hundreds of dollars. Lesson learned, have AHS do simpler repairs that don't require municipal building department approval. Have AHS pay for the equipment, and purchase installation from a trusted local installer."
Planetary Systems has been designing and installing renewable energy systems since 1994, and has over 1600 operational systems from .5kw to 22kw, worldwide. We have always been and remain committed to tested and reliable, yet cutting edge technologies to advance local power generation capabilities. We firmly believe all electrical power should be locally generated and using as much energy as practically feasible from wind, solar, hydro-electric and other renewable sources. \n Planetary Systems offers our own battery technology, integrated power solutions, and the best available products available in the world marketplace.\n\nOur offerings are based on value-added products, not bargain basement prices, and include complete testing, design and integration of systems plus expert technical assistance.
We believe setting the correct expectations. Being a 'nuts and bolts' company we don't maintain a store front. We would rather pass the financial savings on to you, giving our undivided attention.\n
If you dream it, we can build it. What's the biggest difference between us and them? We build to last! We offer a full line of Green and Energy Star Certified products, backed by our labor and manufacturer's lifetime transferable warranties. Credit Cards Welcome Financing Available OAC.
We recommend you turn off the unit, the power, and the water supply as soon as you notice a leak. Your water heater tank should have a dedicated shut-off valve located on the cold inlet pipes. If the valve is broken or inoperable, use the shut-off valve to your home's main water supply to stop the flow to the entire house.
Avoid touching valves or pipes directly without confirming if they are hot. Wear gloves and other safety gear to keep from coming into contact with hot levers or components when turning off your leaking water heater.
Signs your electric water heater is failing include inconsistent water temperature, reduced hot water supply, longer heating times, or discolored water (rusty or cloudy). Unusual noises like popping or rumbling suggest sediment buildup, while leaks or corrosion around the tank signal structural damage. If your unit is over 10 to 15 years old and experiencing frequent issues, it may be time to replace it.
The time it takes to install or replace a water heater depends on the type of heater and the complexity of the job. A professional can typically replace a standard tank-style water heater in one to three hours. However, if the work area is tight, such as a small closet or crawl space, the job could take four to five hours. Replacing an existing tankless unit takes about two to three hours, while upgrading from a tank-style to a tankless water heater is more complex and can take four to six hours. The project will take longer if you are switching fuel sources, such as installing a gas heater which can add about an hour to the timeline, or if the unit needs to be relocated.
Due to the high temperature, using stainless steel vent pipes for your tankless water heater’s exhaust vent is best. Also, it is safe to use a flexible vent duct as the exhaust fan. If installing the exhaust fan yourself, make sure you are using heat-resistant silicon to connect the exhaust vent and the duct on your water heater.
Several signs indicate your water heater may be failing or in need of replacement. Key indicators include:
Age: A water heater older than ten years is approaching the end of its typical lifespan.
Water Quality: If you notice rusty or discolored water from your hot water faucets, or a foul odor similar to rotten eggs or sulfur, it can signal internal corrosion.
Unusual Noises: Banging, rumbling, or popping sounds from the tank often mean sediment has built up, causing the unit to overheat.
Leaks: Any water pooling around the base of the tank or visible leaks are clear signs of failure.
Performance Issues: A decline in performance, such as water not getting hot enough, taking longer to heat up, low water pressure, or decreased efficiency, suggests the unit is struggling.
Visible Damage: Obvious rust and corrosion on the exterior of the tank can indicate a more serious internal problem.
While these signs often point to replacement, some issues may be fixable. It's best to consult a professional plumber to diagnose the problem before investing in a new unit.
The Broadus, MT homeowners’ guide to water heater services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Looking to replace or upgrade your water heater? Use this water heater replacement cost guide to see what the work will cost and what factors affect your total.
A water heater flush costs $160 on average but can vary based on the unit size, type, labor, location, and more. Keep reading to learn how much you could pay.
Wondering how much a water heater expansion tank costs? Use this cost guide to get an accurate estimate and learn how to choose the right one for your home.
Who can install a water heater for you? Look to hire a water heater installation pro or a licensed plumber for this job because of the challenges involved.
The average lifespan of water heaters is 6 to 15 years for conventional models and up to 20 for tankless ones, but it can be less if they are not properly maintained.