What are the warning signs that a water heater is about to burst or explode?

• <div><p>While a water heater explosion is rare, it is a serious danger. Be aware of these critical warning signs:</p><ul><li><p><b>Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell:</b> This is a major red flag, especially for gas water heaters. It can indicate a gas leak, which could ignite and cause an explosion.</p></li><li><p><b>Leaking Pressure Valve:</b> If the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is leaking, it may not be able to properly regulate internal pressure, creating a risk of bursting.</p></li><li><p><b>Shaking or Rumbling:</b> Loud rumbling or shaking from the tank can be a sign of extreme pressure buildup.</p></li><li><p><b>Excessive Heat:</b> If the exterior of the water heater feels unusually hot to the touch, the unit may be overheating dangerously.</p></li><li><p><b>Rust-Colored Water:</b> This can be a symptom of severe internal corrosion that compromises the tank's integrity.</p></li></ul><p>If you notice any of these signs, especially a gas smell, you must act immediately. Shut off the gas supply to the water heater and call a professional plumber right away to prevent a potential disaster.</p></div>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Grandy, NC

Q: Is 20 years too old for a water heater?

• <div><p>If your water heater is about to celebrate the big 2-0, you may want to consider sending it off to greener pastures. While the water heater may seem to be working well, any conventional, tanked water heater over 10 years of age is at risk of failure. If your water heater is 20 years or older, your best move is to replace your aging heater before it completely breaks down.</p></div>

Q: How much do different types of water heaters cost?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s important to find the type of water heater that fits your needs and budget. Depending on the type of water heater, size, brand, and the type of energy you use to heat the water, costs range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Some of the most common types of water heaters include:</p><ul><li><p>Electric: $600&ndash;3,500</p></li><li><p>Gas: $700&ndash;$2,700</p></li><li><p>Propane: $700&ndash;$2,500</p></li><li><p>High efficiency: $1,500&ndash;$3,000</p></li><li><p>Indirect: $1,200&ndash;$3,500</p></li><li><p>Hybrid heat pump: $1,200&ndash;$3,500</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: Can I install a water heater by myself?

• <div><p>While possible, professional assistance is recommended to ensure compliance with local regulations and avoidance of avoidable risks.</p></div>

Q: What adds more value: a heat pump or gas water heater?

• <div><p>While heat pump water heaters are more expensive than gas-powered water heaters, the ROI is higher for heat pump units. Not only are heat pump water heaters more energy efficient, meaning immediate savings on your energy bill, but they also last longer than traditional gas versions, meaning you won't have to buy them as often.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Grandy, NC

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Grandy, NC is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Heater Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Water Heater Service companies in Grandy, NC is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Heater Service needs.

Last update on May 21, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Jeremy and his team did a great job. I live in Carova Beach and the water is horrible. They used a scientific approach to resolving a TDS of 1500 ppm with a high concentration of salt which was ruining the brass and copper fittings. Through testing my water and then designing a RO system to...
Advanced Water Systems of Coastal NC-VA, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2025
Abdul and Cyrus replaced by gas water heater swiftly and expertly. The shut off valves also needed to be replaced, as well as some other parts. They were patient, kind, informative, and kept everything very clean during the entire service call. To add to my nightmare, the main water shut off...
2020 Drain Clean & Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
Tony and his team came out and gave me Gutters on my house in one day. Tony came out twice to install drainage plastic pipes so it would devert the water. Highly recommend this company for your needs .
Home Genius Exteriors
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Reviewed in June 2021
I am an out of state condo owner. My tenant called when water heater broke, it was memorial day weekend. I had no idea what to do. Pipeworx was recommended on home advisor. I called and received prompt ,courteous service. The area where the heater was was small so he had to get a second one...
PipeWorx
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Reviewed in June 2021
Joe came right away to get us a free quote after a housing inspector stated we had a potential water leak around our garage door that needed to be fixed before closing. Joe investigate it right away, no leak, the builder used treated wood and a chemical reaction has started. We have our...
J L FIRESTONE CONSTRUCTION
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Reviewed in March 2021
Tidewater Pro Air is amazing at everything they do! Quality work, phenomenal customer service and fair prices make them #1 in my book. Not only did they replace our hvac system, they fixed a problem with our tankless hot water heater. I cannot recommend Tidewater Pro Air enough - they are...
Tidewater Pro Air
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Reviewed in March 2021
Mike came in with in very short time, assessed the situation, did the prep work and replaced leaking heater. Wow. We were back in order within two hours. Highly Professional and with a personal touch - - he called back the next day to see if all was ok. We appreciated meeting and working with...
McGee and Sons, The Gentleman Plumber
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Reviewed in October 2020
Needed a new water heater installed ASAP. They came the same day and within 2 hours we were read to go. Would definitely use them again.
All-State Plumbing
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Find Water heater pros in Grandy

Russell's American Mechanical

4.7(

1,070

)

Water Heater - Install or ReplaceTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Repair

Serving Grandy, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Pro advised that an electric tankless water heater was not the best route to go for my home. American Mechanical Installed a new 50 gallon water heater instead."

99 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by94%of homeowners

Tankless Water Heater - InstallWater Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Repair or Service

Serving Grandy, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Prompt reply, great work, set up an appointment and arrived on time. Worked to update plumbing to support the new water heater. I would highly recommend them."

Response time12 hrs

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by87%of homeowners

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Grandy, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Still waiting for parts after 7 days. TOMORROW IS A WEEK.. We have no water heater. My wife recently had surgery and needs higene.can we replace the water heater???? PLEASE"

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Grandy, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"We pay yearly but we have this is included with our rental property. They are pretty good on most things. We had a hot water heater replaced and they did an excellent job on that. They are very quick on their response. They dont come out here. It is all done on the internet. I just like the idea that one time service charge is so much better than trying to hiring someone to come in. It is more about convenience. It pays for itself."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Lockhart plumbing & drain cleaning

4.0(

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Grandy, NC and surrounding areas

We are a local plumbing company service if the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We are a smallChristian, family oriented, company rooted in the community dedicated to providing quantity affordable services.

Recommended by77%of homeowners

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Solar Tek Energy of North Carolina, Inc.

5.0(

)

Solar Water Heater System - Install

Serving Grandy, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

SolarTEK Energy of North Carolina is one of the largest solar integration companies in the Eastern United States and has been helping to make solar energy a reality in American homes since 1992

+17

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Fearless Home Service

5.0(

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Grandy, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

Fearless home services 10+ years experience in duties such as painting/plumbing/hvac/electrical very well maintained and efficient.

+31

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Wilsons Home Improvements

New to Angi

Tankless Water Heater - RepairWater Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Repair or Service

Serving Grandy, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Wilsons Home Improvements is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

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Handyman

New to Angi

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Grandy, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Our commitment to quality is evident from the beginning to the completion of your home improvement project. We will add beauty and value to your home. We are dedicated and we offer the most top quality work. You can be assured you're in good hands with Christopher working on your project. Call him today you'll be pleased you did. Thank you\n

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

While a water heater explosion is rare, it is a serious danger. Be aware of these critical warning signs:

Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell: This is a major red flag, especially for gas water heaters. It can indicate a gas leak, which could ignite and cause an explosion.
Leaking Pressure Valve: If the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is leaking, it may not be able to properly regulate internal pressure, creating a risk of bursting.
Shaking or Rumbling: Loud rumbling or shaking from the tank can be a sign of extreme pressure buildup.
Excessive Heat: If the exterior of the water heater feels unusually hot to the touch, the unit may be overheating dangerously.
Rust-Colored Water: This can be a symptom of severe internal corrosion that compromises the tank's integrity.

If you notice any of these signs, especially a gas smell, you must act immediately. Shut off the gas supply to the water heater and call a professional plumber right away to prevent a potential disaster.

If your water heater is about to celebrate the big 2-0, you may want to consider sending it off to greener pastures. While the water heater may seem to be working well, any conventional, tanked water heater over 10 years of age is at risk of failure. If your water heater is 20 years or older, your best move is to replace your aging heater before it completely breaks down.

It’s important to find the type of water heater that fits your needs and budget. Depending on the type of water heater, size, brand, and the type of energy you use to heat the water, costs range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Some of the most common types of water heaters include:

Electric: $600–3,500
Gas: $700–$2,700
Propane: $700–$2,500
High efficiency: $1,500–$3,000
Indirect: $1,200–$3,500
Hybrid heat pump: $1,200–$3,500

While possible, professional assistance is recommended to ensure compliance with local regulations and avoidance of avoidable risks.

While heat pump water heaters are more expensive than gas-powered water heaters, the ROI is higher for heat pump units. Not only are heat pump water heaters more energy efficient, meaning immediate savings on your energy bill, but they also last longer than traditional gas versions, meaning you won't have to buy them as often.

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