Water Heater
Water Heater | Plumbing | Philadelphia
Feel the difference a perfectly tuned water heater makes on a chilly Philadelphia morning. HEP’s seasoned technicians arrive with fully stocked vehicles, ready to swap out outdated units, flush sediment, or diagnose elusive leaks on the spot. We partner with trusted manufacturers, so whether you prefer a high-efficiency tankless system or a traditional model, you’ll enjoy energy savings and hot water that never quits—all backed by clear pricing and a satisfaction guarantee.
Call us the moment your shower turns lukewarm and we’ll spring into action, delivering true craftsmanship and a neighborly touch that’s become our trademark. From Center City rowhomes to Main Line estates, we handle every connection, vent, and valve with meticulous care, ensuring your entire plumbing network stays safe and sound for years to come.
FAQs
What types of water heaters do you install and service in Philadelphia?
We work on all major water-heating technologies, including natural-gas and electric storage tanks (20–120 gal), high-efficiency power-vent and direct-vent models, tankless/on-demand units, heat-pump hybrids, and indirect tanks tied to boilers. Our technicians are manufacturer-trained to handle brands commonly found in Philadelphia homes—Rheem, Bradford White, AO Smith, Navien, Rinnai, and more—and we stock most replacement parts on our trucks for same-day repairs.
How long does a typical water-heater replacement take?
For a straightforward like-for-like tank replacement, our crew can usually disconnect the old unit, obtain the required Philadelphia plumbing permit, install the new heater, fill, test, and haul away the old tank in 3–4 hours. Converting from tank to tankless or relocating the heater can extend the job to a full day because we may need to upgrade venting, gas lines, or electrical circuits and arrange an inspection by the City of Philadelphia’s L&I department.
Do I need a permit to replace my water heater in Philadelphia?
Yes. The City of Philadelphia requires a plumbing permit and, in most cases, an inspection whenever a water heater is replaced. As a licensed and insured Master Plumber, we handle all permitting and coordinate the L&I inspection for you. Skipping the permit can lead to code violations, denied homeowners-insurance claims, and, if the heater is gas-fired, potential safety hazards from improper venting.
What are common signs that my water heater needs repair or full replacement?
• Water around the base of the tank or visible rusting on the jacket • Popping or rumbling noises caused by sediment buildup • Hot water that looks rusty, has a metallic taste, or smells like sulfur • Inconsistent water temperature or drastically reduced hot-water volume • Pilot light will not stay lit (gas models) or breaker trips repeatedly (electric models) • Unit is 8–12 years old (tank) or 15+ years (tankless) and has never been serviced If you notice any of these issues, call us for an evaluation; we can often repair minor problems the same day, but advanced corrosion or leaking usually means replacement is more cost-effective.
How much does water-heater replacement cost in the Philadelphia area?
Prices vary by fuel type, capacity, and efficiency: • 40- to 50-gal standard gas or electric tank: $1,400–$2,100 installed, including permit and haul-away. • High-efficiency condensing gas tank: $2,300–$3,200. • Tankless gas (whole-house): $3,200–$4,800, depending on BTU and venting upgrades. • Heat-pump electric hybrid: $2,800–$3,600 after PECO efficiency rebates. Every home is different; we provide a written, flat-rate quote after a free on-site assessment so there are no surprises.
What maintenance can I do to extend the life and efficiency of my water heater?
1. Drain 2–3 gal from the tank every six months to flush out sediment that causes overheating and energy waste. 2. Have the anode rod inspected every 3–4 years and replaced when more than 50 % depleted; this prevents internal corrosion. 3. Set the thermostat to 120 °F—hot enough to prevent bacterial growth but low enough to reduce scaling and energy costs. 4. Insulate the first 5 ft of hot-water piping and, on older tanks, add an R-10 fiberglass jacket. 5. Schedule an annual professional check-up: we test safety valves, combustion efficiency (gas), and element resistance (electric). Regular maintenance can add 3–5 years to the life of your heater and keep energy bills down.