What are the signs that a water heater is failing or needs to be replaced?

• <div><p>Several signs indicate your water heater may be failing or in need of replacement. Key indicators include:</p><ul><li><p><b>Age:</b> A water heater older than ten years is approaching the end of its typical lifespan.</p></li><li><p><b>Water Quality:</b> 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.</p></li><li><p><b>Unusual Noises:</b> Banging, rumbling, or popping sounds from the tank often mean sediment has built up, causing the unit to overheat.</p></li><li><p><b>Leaks:</b> Any water pooling around the base of the tank or visible leaks are clear signs of failure.</p></li><li><p><b>Performance Issues:</b> 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.</p></li><li><p><b>Visible Damage:</b> Obvious rust and corrosion on the exterior of the tank can indicate a more serious internal problem.</p></li></ul><p>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.</p></div>

How long does it take to replace an electric water heater?

• <div><p>The amount of time it takes to replace an electric water heater will depend on the skill level of the individual who is replacing it. For example, if you replace it yourself–and you don’t have much experience–you can expect the project to take a full day. </p><p>However, if you have a certified plumber or water heater contractor install your new water heater, it can take as little as 2 to 3 hours.</p></div>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Harbinger, NC

Q: Can I run a 30-amp water heater on a 40-amp breaker?

• <div><p>Yes, this would be an appropriate choice. In order to comply with the National Electric Code&rsquo;s rules, you'll need to install a circuit breaker that's 125% larger than the intended load. In this case, you'll multiply 30 amps by 1.25 to find the necessary breaker size. Plugging that equation in for your 30-amp water heater will leave you with a 37.6-amp breaker. If your current <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/water-heater-keeps-tripping-breaker.htm">water heater keeps tripping the breaker</a>, it might be time to talk to a plumber or electrician about upgrading your water heater's setup.</p></div>

Q: How can I cut down my water bill?

• <div><p>A single shower consumes an average of over 17 gallons, while brushing your teeth with the water running uses up to four unnecessary gallons. Watering the lawn spreads hundreds of gallons of water across the yard each time. Limiting water usage in these areas can significantly cut down your water bill. </p></div>

Q: Can a water heater be replaced in a day?

• <div><p>Yes, a water heater can be replaced in a day and can take between two and three hours to install from start to finish. Even if you encounter extra tasks that need to be completed, the job can still be completed in one day.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Harbinger, NC

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Harbinger, 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 Harbinger, 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 January 08, 2025

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 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 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 February 2021
They had no one that would come out to repair my system. Outside air temp. was 35 degrees and inside my home was 58 degrees. Had to get my neighbor to repair my heat system. This company led me on for two days. They said I could use their reimbursement program. They have gotten some one out in...
Choice Home Warranty
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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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Reviewed in March 2020
Went beyond the plumbing fix and fixed the water-damaged cabinet itself.
Bear Mechanical, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2019
Excellent. I contacted the company on several occasions. First I needed a new water heater, and a smaller capacity water heater was recommended instead of a much more expensive higher capacity. Works great and no issues with water demand. Then I had some issues with exterior faucets, and they...
R Blivens Plumbing
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Reviewed in January 2019
I arrived at my vacation house and found the hot water heater not working. As I arrived on the Christmas holiday weekend and had guests arriving I was concerned about the repair. I called Absolute Plumbing (I have used them in the past). I received an immediate call back from Sara. She arranged...
Absolute Plumbing Inc
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Reviewed in December 2018
Installed a new shower after removing old jacuzzi tub. Also made repairs to hidden water damaged floor. Excellent work with no delays. Highly Recommended.
Ohana Plumbing and Home Repair
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Find Water heater pros in Harbinger

Russell's American Mechanical

4.7(

1,072

)

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

Serving Harbinger, 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."

30 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by94%of homeowners

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

Serving Harbinger, 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 time1 day

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by88%of homeowners

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

Serving Harbinger, 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 by81%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,689

)

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

Serving Harbinger, 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 Harbinger, 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 Harbinger, 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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Wilsons Home Improvements

New to Angi

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

Serving Harbinger, 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 Harbinger, 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

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.

Yes, this would be an appropriate choice. In order to comply with the National Electric Code’s rules, you'll need to install a circuit breaker that's 125% larger than the intended load. In this case, you'll multiply 30 amps by 1.25 to find the necessary breaker size. Plugging that equation in for your 30-amp water heater will leave you with a 37.6-amp breaker. If your current water heater keeps tripping the breaker, it might be time to talk to a plumber or electrician about upgrading your water heater's setup.

A single shower consumes an average of over 17 gallons, while brushing your teeth with the water running uses up to four unnecessary gallons. Watering the lawn spreads hundreds of gallons of water across the yard each time. Limiting water usage in these areas can significantly cut down your water bill.

Yes, a water heater can be replaced in a day and can take between two and three hours to install from start to finish. Even if you encounter extra tasks that need to be completed, the job can still be completed in one day.

The amount of time it takes to replace an electric water heater will depend on the skill level of the individual who is replacing it. For example, if you replace it yourself–and you don’t have much experience–you can expect the project to take a full day.

However, if you have a certified plumber or water heater contractor install your new water heater, it can take as little as 2 to 3 hours.

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