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Water heater service
No hot water, a leaking tank or a heater on its last legs. We repair what can be repaired and replace what cannot, sized right for your household.
Hot water, sorted
When hot water stops, the cause can be as simple as a pilot light or a failed thermostat, or as serious as a tank that has rusted through. We diagnose the heater first and tell you honestly whether a repair is worth it given the age and condition of the unit.
If replacement makes sense, we help you choose the right type and size for your home, then install it with proper venting, gas or electrical connections, expansion protection and a working relief valve. The old unit leaves with us.
Warning signs
Water heaters usually give warning signs before they fail completely.
Showers that turn cold sooner than they used to can mean sediment buildup, a failed element or a heater too small for the house.
Moisture or a puddle under the tank can come from a fitting or relief valve, or from the tank itself starting to fail.
Noise while the heater runs usually means sediment has settled on the bottom and the burner is heating through it.
Discolored water only from the hot side can mean the inside of the tank is corroding.
How it works
We test the gas or electrical components, check the tank and venting and find out why hot water stopped.
You hear whether a repair makes sense for the heater’s age and condition, with prices for each option.
New units are set with correct venting, connections, relief valve piping and expansion protection where needed.
We fire the heater, check for leaks and show you the shutoff and temperature setting before we leave.
Why Empire
Not every water heater problem needs a new unit, and not every old heater is worth fixing. We give you a straight answer based on what we find. When you need a new heater, we size it to your household and install it properly so it lasts.
Our licensed master plumber and gas fitter handles gas water heaters, including the gas connection and venting.
We ask how many people, bathrooms and fixtures you have, so a new heater keeps up with real use.
If a thermostat, element or valve will fix it, we repair it rather than selling a new heater.
We remove and dispose of the old water heater, so you are not left with a tank in the basement.
Questions
Do not see your question? Call (443) 630-9804 during office hours and talk to a licensed plumber.
It depends on the age of the heater, the problem and the tank’s condition. Parts like thermostats, elements and valves are usually worth replacing. A leaking tank is not repairable. We look at your unit and give you both options with prices so you can decide.
Size depends on how many people live in the home, the number of bathrooms and when you use the most hot water. A heater that is too small runs out during busy mornings. We ask about your household and recommend a size that fits real use.
Turn off the cold water supply valve at the top of the heater. For a gas heater, turn the gas control to off or pilot. For electric, switch off the breaker. Then call us. A small leak from a fitting can be minor, but a leaking tank needs replacing.
Sediment from the water settles on the bottom of the tank. As the burner heats, trapped water under the sediment boils and pops. Flushing can help on a heater in good shape. On an older unit, heavy sediment is often a sign it is near the end.
Often yes, especially during a remodel or replacement. Moving it means new water, drain and gas or electrical connections and proper venting in the new location. We look at the space and tell you what is involved and the price.
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Request an estimate
Call (443) 630-9804. We will tell you whether to repair or replace, and the price, before any work starts.
