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>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Hardwick, VT

Q: Are water heaters covered under a home warranty?

• <div><p>The good news is that most home warranty plans cover hot water heaters, regardless of whether you have a tank or a tankless model. Your hot water heater should be covered by your home warranty because it's considered an essential home appliance. </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: Are new water heaters better than old ones?

• <div><p>Newer models are packed with newer technologies that decrease energy consumption and increase output, giving you more bang for your buck in more bills than one. </p><p>If you&rsquo;re trying to decide whether you want to repair or replace your new heater, consider factors like your utility bills, repair costs, and even your carbon footprint to help you decide whether it makes sense to buy a new one instead.</p></div>

Q: Is it hard to install your own water heater?

• <div><p>It is very difficult and dangerous to install your own water heater, so we strongly recommend against tackling this as a DIY project. Not only will you need to wire your water heater, but you&rsquo;ll also need to connect plumbing to the intake and outlet. Sweating copper pipes and connecting wiring properly are skills most DIYers don&rsquo;t have, and even if you do feel confident you can do it, working with water and electricity always leaves the potential for electrocution. Hiring a local water heater installer is well worth the investment.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Hardwick, VT

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Hardwick, VT 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 Hardwick, VT 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 23, 2024

Reviewed in January 2024
Josh and his crew did a great job enclosing my porch. He was able to match both the exterior and interior with my existing cabin so it looks beautiful. He insulated it very well so it stays warm and toasty with just an electric heater. Very happy with his workmanship!
Josh's Handyman Service
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Reviewed in November 2023
Went really well! We had to leave our home right after it broke and Robert made Sure the water was not leaking and repaired the problem as soon as we received the replacement from the town
Robert Rathbone Handyman
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Reviewed in January 2021
Steppy and Terry are fantastic to work with! They are creative, thorough and dedicated. And, they bring enthusiasm to all aspects of the job and work collaboratively throughout. I was left in the lurch at the beginning of December by a prior contractor who bailed on my project due to "bad...
The Master Construction
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Reviewed in December 2020
I had the pleasure of working with Chris on 12/27/20. We had the unpleasant task of a major sewer line backup and overflow in an apartment building that I manage. The ceilings on the first floor had fallen in, and poo water was everywhere. He was absolutely no nonsense professional in getting a...
PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION
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Reviewed in October 2019
We had our roof leak.In LESS than 1 year. The rain was pouring onto a bedroom floor.In our air b and b suite.I repeatedly called Doug to address the problem. He did not return our calls. I also tried to reach him on FB. He finally left a message .A week later. His worker had the flu would come...
Scotch Pine Inc
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Reviewed in December 2016
<p>December 9, 2016</p> <p>It was 20 degrees outside this morning. I came downstairs to a comfortably warm house. I was wearing a Tshirt. My 13-year-old Avalon gas heater was keeping the house warm. I put wood on the embers of a fire in my 13-year-old Avalon woodburning stove, then fed the dog...
The Chimney Sweep II
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Reviewed in November 2013
Did a great job from the get go. <br /> Came to our house and looked over the job and later sent written estimate for <br /> rough in and installation of toilet and sink. <br /> Time and materials estimate was clear.. In the end, final cost came in below the estimate. <br /> This job was...
Middlesex Plumbing & Heating
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Reviewed in July 2013
So far the wall was removed - the outside area grated and water piping to remove water installed. As we were unable to stay for the completion of the job (the basement floor and the "water guard system") we left it to Matt and his crew to complete with complete confidence that it would be...
Northern Basement Systems
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Reviewed in December 2012
Fantastic. They came out to my house, took samples and tested on the spot. Showed me the results, had a sample filter in the vehicle and ran some water through to show me the difference. <br /> They showed up on time discovered that my well-saver was ware logged, and that would need to be...
CLEAR WATER FILTRATION
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Reviewed in August 2012
Zero issues. The representative showed up on time, fixed the problem, and then answered some of my questions regarding the installation of a full-system water filter. I had them come back to do the installation of the filter and that went fine too. Cost was reasonable - actually less than...
County Plumbing and Heating
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Find Water heater pros in Hardwick

BKR Plumbing & Heating

4.5(

)

Water Heater - Install or ReplaceTankless Water Heater - InstallWater Heater - Repair or Service+1 more

Serving Hardwick, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"He installed a heat pump for me last summer just before the heat wave hit us. It was raining the day he came and he still completed the install in a timely manner. It was great to have the A/C for the really hot days. I was even happier this winter when I used it for heat. It saved me the cost of about 400 gallons of oil for the winter and my electric bill on the coldest months was still a little cheaper than the oil would have been. He is also registered with efficiency Vermont and I was able to get a low interest loan to pay for it. Overall I had a great experience with BKR plumbing and heating."

14 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by54%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 Hardwick, VT 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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Vermont Precision Contracting

4.9(

)

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

Serving Hardwick, VT and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

Vermont Precision Contracting 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.

+17

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Green Mountain Skylights & Solar

5.0(

)

Solar Water Heater System - Install

Serving Hardwick, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We specialize in the sales, installation and servicing of Velux solar systems, skylights, sun-tunnels and roof windows. Use the sun to lower your carbon footprint and brighten up your home.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Thompson Bros HVAC

New to Angi

Tankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For BusinessWater Heater - Install or Replace+1 more

Serving Hardwick, VT and surrounding areas

At Thompson Bros, we believe in treating every customer like family. We stand behind our work, communicate clearly, and make sure every job is done right the first time. Whether it’s a sweltering summer day or a freezing winter night, you can count on us for dependable comfort and peace of mind.

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jake mott

New to Angi

Water Heater - Repair or Service

Serving Hardwick, VT and surrounding areas

15 years of experience \n

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

The good news is that most home warranty plans cover hot water heaters, regardless of whether you have a tank or a tankless model. Your hot water heater should be covered by your home warranty because it's considered an essential home appliance.

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.

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.

Newer models are packed with newer technologies that decrease energy consumption and increase output, giving you more bang for your buck in more bills than one.

If you’re trying to decide whether you want to repair or replace your new heater, consider factors like your utility bills, repair costs, and even your carbon footprint to help you decide whether it makes sense to buy a new one instead.

It is very difficult and dangerous to install your own water heater, so we strongly recommend against tackling this as a DIY project. Not only will you need to wire your water heater, but you’ll also need to connect plumbing to the intake and outlet. Sweating copper pipes and connecting wiring properly are skills most DIYers don’t have, and even if you do feel confident you can do it, working with water and electricity always leaves the potential for electrocution. Hiring a local water heater installer is well worth the investment.

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