"Installed new water heater same day as promised. Very professional and spent the time explaining how to manage and care for my water heater. Would higher recomend them."
"Note: Work not yet complete as we haven't moved in... We have used Appleton Campbell for many years. We are now moving to Culpeper County and are so very happy that they will be putting in a new HVAC system for us and servicing our system for many years to come. I have found them to be honest and hardworking with great customer service."
"SwiftPro was excellent. When our hot water heater went out (at nearly 20 years old, we were neither upset nor surprised!) we reached out to a few places but SwiftPro was the most responsive and had the price was fair. Zabi, the service technician was fantastic. I can’t say enough good things about him. He was prompt, provided excellent communication, took meticulous care with the work and work space, and was just a great person to talk to. The install went great and there was no aggressive sales tactics or upselling. Just a genuine cut and dry hot water heater removal and install experience. I highly recommend SwiftPro. Thanks Zabi!"
"Services were prompt, clean and efficient. Tech was knowledgeable and personable. Water heater was affordable. Estimate (free) was done on site - not guessing over the phone."
"Mr. Brian Langford made all the arrangements with the installation of our gas hot water heater from Lowe's via McCarthy plumbing. He was extremely helpful,patient, professional and available to answer all questions. Due to his approach to his work, we will be working with both companies in the future. Only concern I have is the warranty between Lowe's and AO Smith Hot water heaters. Once the heater is installed, Lowe's severs ties. If there is a problem with the hot water heater, you cannot return it to Lowe's although it was purchased through them, this is clearly stated on the Hot water heater in bold writing."
"My water heater was leaking, and within a few days of contacting this company a technician inspected the problem, sent me a price quote, scheduled a weekend installation, and the work was completed promptly, courteously, and for a reasonable price. Excellent customer service all around, and I highly recommend John Dexter."
Every type of water heater has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding those can help you decide the best type for your situation and budget.
Pros
Safer than gas or propane
Doesn’t require extensive venting systems
Lower upfront costs
Simpler to operate
No pilot light
Easier installation
More efficient heating than gas models
Available as point-of-use (POU) and whole-house units
Cons
Slower to heat water
Longer recovery time
Possibly higher operating costs
Doesn’t work during a power outage
Costs can increase without a 240-volt connection
You can use multiple tankless water heaters, but that doesn’t mean you should. Adding multiple tankless heaters adds considerable cost to your home in both parts and installation costs. Also, you’re adding many more points of failure in the system, making plumbing issues harder to diagnose. More heaters mean more maintenance, and insurers may want a word regarding the increased risk of water damage. A single, larger unit makes more sense in most situations.
You don’t have to replace expansion tanks at the same time as your hot water heater. You may be able to go six to 12 years or more before needing to replace your expansion tank. At $150 to $450, hot water heater expansion tanks are usually much more affordable than the cost of hot water tanks themselves, which average about $1,190.
Venting a gas water heater out of the roof is preferable in most cases. Heated exhaust gases naturally rise, so a vertical vent pipe is efficient. If you’re trying to vent through a pipe exiting a wall, the angle of the pipe may be more horizontal than vertical, making the venting system less effective. If you go through a wall, you may need to add a fan to ensure a successful expulsion of the gases outdoors.
Gas water heaters last between eight and 12 years on average. You can help them reach their maximum lifespan with regular cleanings, maintenance, and professional checkups, though don’t hesitate to swing for a full replacement if the total cost of repairs is greater than that of purchasing and installing a new unit.
The Sumerduck, VA 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.
Find out the average tankless water heater repair cost, what impacts pricing, and how to save. Get expert tips to plan your repair budget with confidence.
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.