Get matched with top water heater pros in Philadelphia, NY

Q: What size breaker does a hot water heater need?

• <div><p>When wondering <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-breaker-for-water-heater.htm">what size of breaker for a water heater</a> is appropriate, the majority of hot water heaters need a 30-amp, two-pole breaker. Most residential water heaters use 240 volts and between 3,500 and 5,500 watts. If your appliance matches these measurements, a 30-amp breaker is likely perfect. Owners of point-of-use water heaters using 120 volts and between 1,500 and 3,000 watts often find that a 30-amp breaker is adequate. Water heaters that use more watts than average may need a 40-amp breaker. Smaller units that use fewer watts could potentially use a 20-amp breaker.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if my water heater needs replacement?

• <div><p>Unusual noises, lack of hot water supply, efficiency loss, and visible leaks are signs of necessary replacement beyond mere repair.</p></div>

Q: What size wire should I use for a 30-amp hot water heater?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/wire-guage-amp-chart.htm">standard copper wire gauge</a> to use with any 30-amp circuit is a 10-gauge wire. The National Electric Code specifies a 10-gauge wire with appliances like water heaters running on 30 amps. If you try to use a smaller gauge wire, such as a 12 gauge, with a 30-amp breaker, you run the risk of the wire overheating and melting or causing a fire. Because of the safety hazards, the gauge of the wire is not an area to try to cut costs when connecting a 30-amp breaker to a water heater.</p></div>

Q: Can you convert a gas water heater to electric?

• <div><p>You can convert a gas heater to electric, but it isn&rsquo;t as simple as swapping a plug or two. First of all, you need to make sure there&rsquo;s adequate power to the unit, as electric units require much higher power amounts versus gas. Then, you need to close off the gas lines and ventilation. Make sure you don&rsquo;t also need a permit for an electric water heater&mdash;some cities require it. Making the switch can cost upwards of<b> $1,500</b>.</p></div>

Q: Is replacing a water heater worth it?

• <div><p>Replacing an older water heater that requires frequent repairs is almost always worth it. If your fixture is nearing the end of its life span&mdash;around 10 to 20 years, depending on the model&mdash;replacing a water heater might save you money in the long run. Replacing a water heater generally costs less than repairing a fully flooded basement, and some high-efficiency units pay for themselves thanks to energy savings. Plus, installing a new water heater and upgrading to tankless will boost your home value and make your hot water more readily available, improving comfort for your family.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Philadelphia, NY

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Philadelphia, NY 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 Philadelphia, NY 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 November 10, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
Capital Chimneys and Masonry Repairs contacted me the same day i requested a quote, and were able to visit to provide a quote within day or so. They then visited, and completed the chinking on an outside wall, repaired a wall in the basement, and were able to install a gutter to ensure the water...
Capital Chimneys and Masonry Repairs
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Reviewed in July 2024
Jim was quick to respond to my query, answer all my questions about the project, describe exactly what would be done, arranged a time to do it and did it quickly and professionally. His price was excellent and his follow-up has been stellar. We are already discussing another project for him to...
J.M. Water Solutions, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2023
We love the job they did! They took care of all our water concerns since we live in a Ã¢ hollow. Very professional and true to their word. Hope they are in business for a long time!
David Browe Paving
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Reviewed in April 2023
I selected Stallmer and Sun based upon their certification from the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The program involves a free energy audit and subsequent work to prepare a home for heating with a heat pump. Heat pumps are low energy consumption with attendant low...
Stallmer & Sun Energy Efficiency Specialists, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
Dave replaced our water heater which was connected to our oil fired boiler, with a new electric hot water tank. We had no problems. Very professional installation.
Dave's Plumbing
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Reviewed in April 2019
Peaceful Valley Painting is fantastic! We had a huge interior painting job that included severely damaged walls, water damage, and removing improperly applied wallpaper. Peaceful Valley not only did a phenomenal job (you would never guess what bad shape the walls were once in now that the job is...
PEACEFUL VALLEY PAINTING
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Reviewed in December 2016
Called back same day and came next day at the time he said and fixed the heating elements in the electric water heater when he came. Was quick, neat, professional, and reasonable price.
PROFESSIONAL PLUMBING SYSTEMS & SERVICES
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Reviewed in July 2013
Called last winter with no heat and they were here within hours. Very skilled and had the furnace cleaned and repaired very quickly. Ran well for the rest of the winter. Called recently to get an outdoor faucet repaired and had to wait a few weeks. It was not an emergency, so that was...
East Hill Plumbing & Heating
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Reviewed in June 2011
They are nice people and they do a great job. The owner goes out of his way to make sure things are done the way you want it. They also do water damage. We use them every year.
ASHLEY'S CARPET CLEANING SVC
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Reviewed in May 2008
Mr. Aldorasi was a pleasure to work with. He returned my phone call a couple of days after I left a message for him (I had indicated that it was no rush, not an emergency). We set up a time in the next week. Although I had to cancel that appointment with little notice, John was very...
J C ALDORASI PLUMBING HEATING & GASFITTING
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Find Water heater pros in Philadelphia

JL Home Services

4.80(

)

•Approved Pro

JL Home Services

4.80(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

10 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Welcome to JL Home Services, proudly servicing Watertown, New York and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to complete your project to perfection. We look forward to building long lasting relationships with the customers that we serve. Call us today! You will not be disappointed!

"The gentleman performed all the tasks that I requested. He was polite and eager to help. I would hire him again if needed. An excellent representative for Home Adviser!"

Joseph D on January 2025

"The gentleman performed all the tasks that I requested. He was polite and eager to help. I would hire him again if needed. An excellent representative for Home Adviser!"

Joseph D on January 2025

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

31372 local quotes requested

NEW! Appliance Consultation – Just $35 Get expert advice before you spend on repairs or replacements. A Neli technician will evaluate your issue and help you decide if your appliance can be fixed—or if it’s time for a new one. Virtual Appliance Diagnosis and Repair - Just $45 Service Description: Diagnose or repair your appliance virtually—no need for anyone to enter your home. Neli’s certified technicians guide you step-by-step via secure video chat. How It Works: Book online at nelihome.com or call 833-876-0900 Connect with a tech through our video platform Diagnose or fix the issue in real time Get expert advice and confidence in your next steps What’s Included: Real-time video guidance from a certified technician Diagnosis of the issue OR full repair (when possible) Step-by-step guidance using your smartphone or tablet Safe, contact-free service - no one in your home Flexible scheduling—appointments available daily Perfect For: Appliance fixes HVAC troubleshooting DIY-savvy homeowners Saving time and money on service calls

"Super helpful"

Michele H on November 2025

"Super helpful"

Michele H on November 2025

Fletchers contracting

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Fletchers contracting

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Free onsite estimate

Local company with great customer service. Offering heating, air conditioning, generators, electrical, and water heater installs or repairs.

JL Home Services

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JL Home Services

No reviews yet

18 years of experience

JL Home Services is a professional veteran owned Handy Man company. Specializing in plumbing and HVAC repair and installation. We value customer service, integrity, transparency, and honesty. We have 16 years of property management and homeservices in the Louisiana and Albany area. Every customer's home is treated like our own.

We are a small contracting service that dose residential and commercial work. We offer free estimates in Jefferson county. Call for availability and prices

Redneck Construction

5.00(

)

Redneck Construction

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

I have a crew of four that is skilled in the trade.been in business 4 about 2yrs but have 20 yrs exp.

SPH Services LLC

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SPH Services LLC

No reviews yet

15 years of experience

Handyman work, General Contracting services, with over 25 years experience. Fully insured. Our motto "No job too big, no job too small" We are a small husband and wife owned business, therefore able to offer competitive pricing while keeping the quality of work high. We have a dedicated well trained crew.

Austin Bros. Contracting

No reviews yet

Austin Bros. Contracting

No reviews yet

28 years of experience

Get The Right Guy The First Time The Registered Trade Mark That Was Produced By Our Customers,Literally I Had Customers Insist On Taking My Truck and Putting The Logo On The Truck,Only After Hearing,and I Quote"I Should Have Hire You Guys The First Time, Hundreds of Times I Then Agreed To Letting That Logo On My Truck,Now On The Other Trucks .In Short We Have Plenty Of References That In Itself Says Everything !

Jaer Baer Enterprises

No reviews yet

Jaer Baer Enterprises

No reviews yet

13 years of experience

We are a family owned and operated business , That have the right skilled professionals to get all you your contractor needs accomplished !! We have teams in multiple areas and we do use some subcontractors .. We do offer some payment options , we to offer promotions and discounts !!

Showing 1-10 of 38

Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

When wondering what size of breaker for a water heater is appropriate, the majority of hot water heaters need a 30-amp, two-pole breaker. Most residential water heaters use 240 volts and between 3,500 and 5,500 watts. If your appliance matches these measurements, a 30-amp breaker is likely perfect. Owners of point-of-use water heaters using 120 volts and between 1,500 and 3,000 watts often find that a 30-amp breaker is adequate. Water heaters that use more watts than average may need a 40-amp breaker. Smaller units that use fewer watts could potentially use a 20-amp breaker.

Unusual noises, lack of hot water supply, efficiency loss, and visible leaks are signs of necessary replacement beyond mere repair.

The standard copper wire gauge to use with any 30-amp circuit is a 10-gauge wire. The National Electric Code specifies a 10-gauge wire with appliances like water heaters running on 30 amps. If you try to use a smaller gauge wire, such as a 12 gauge, with a 30-amp breaker, you run the risk of the wire overheating and melting or causing a fire. Because of the safety hazards, the gauge of the wire is not an area to try to cut costs when connecting a 30-amp breaker to a water heater.

You can convert a gas heater to electric, but it isn’t as simple as swapping a plug or two. First of all, you need to make sure there’s adequate power to the unit, as electric units require much higher power amounts versus gas. Then, you need to close off the gas lines and ventilation. Make sure you don’t also need a permit for an electric water heater—some cities require it. Making the switch can cost upwards of $1,500.

Replacing an older water heater that requires frequent repairs is almost always worth it. If your fixture is nearing the end of its life span—around 10 to 20 years, depending on the model—replacing a water heater might save you money in the long run. Replacing a water heater generally costs less than repairing a fully flooded basement, and some high-efficiency units pay for themselves thanks to energy savings. Plus, installing a new water heater and upgrading to tankless will boost your home value and make your hot water more readily available, improving comfort for your family.

The Philadelphia, NY homeowners’ guide to water heater services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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May 28, 2025May 28, 2025
How Much Does a Water Heater Gas Valve Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
Learn about the different factors that go into water heater gas valve replacement costs to see if you should DIY the project or call a pro.
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•
Jun 11, 2025Jun 11, 2025
How Much Does Water Heater Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
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.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Jun 3, 2025Jun 3, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Hot Water Heater? [2025 Data]
Running out of hot water too quickly or hearing strange noises when you call for hot water? Use this water heater repair cost guide to see what a fix will cost.
Jouviane Alexandre
•
Apr 14, 2025Apr 14, 2025
Can You Install a Water Heater Yourself? And Should You?
If you’re wondering if you can install a water heater by yourself, know that you should leave this job to a licensed plumber to avoid financial risk and safety risks.
Mitchell Grant
•
Apr 1, 2025Apr 1, 2025
Do I Need a Hot Water Heater Expansion Tank?
Hot water expansion tanks help protect your home by preventing an overflow of your water tank. Learn why you may need one, how much they cost, and their benefits.
Taylor Sansano
•
Oct 27, 2025Oct 27, 2025
Water Heater Frozen? How to Defrost a Water Heater
Worried your water heater might freeze this winter? Learn to spot the warning signs and how to safely thaw your tank or tankless system out if necessary.