Water Heater Repair & Installation
From emergency water heater repairs to complete replacements, Green Tech Plumbing installs, repairs, and services gas, electric, tankless, heat pump, and commercial water heaters throughout Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs. To get a quote call or email us any time.
Our Water Heater Services
Choose the service you’re looking for below.
Water Heater Help & Information
- Gas Water Heaters
- Electric Water Heaters
- Tankless Water Heaters
- Heat Pump Water Heaters
- Commercial Water Heaters
- No hot water
- Not enough hot water
- Water heater leaking
- Pilot light won’t stay lit
- Strange noises
- Rust-colored water
- Water heater smells like sulfur
- High energy bills
- Water takes too long to heat
- Water heater won’t ignite
Repair when:
- Less than 8–10 years old
- Minor leak
- Thermostat
- Heating element
- Gas control valve
Replace when:
- Tank leaking
- Rust inside tank
- Frequent repairs
- High utility bills
- Over 12 years old
Does It Make Sense to Repair a Water Heater?
Whether it makes sense to repair a water heater depends on its age, the problem, and the cost of the repair. Some water heater repairs are relatively inexpensive, while others can quickly reach the point where replacement is worth considering.
A good example is a failed gas control valve. The part alone can cost $250–$400 depending on the make and model of the water heater, assuming the correct part is still available. Parts for some big-box-store water heaters can be harder to find. On top of the cost of the part, you’ll need to factor in roughly an hour to an hour and a half of labor. The repair itself isn’t especially complicated, but the water heater has to be completely drained before the old gas control valve can be removed.
If the water heater is only three or four years old and otherwise in good condition, repairing it will usually make more sense. If it’s already eight to ten years old, the decision becomes harder. The repair may solve the immediate problem, but there’s no way to know whether the tank will last another two weeks or another two years. At that point, you have to decide whether putting several hundred dollars into an older water heater is worth the risk.
Other water heater repairs can cost considerably less. A leaking fitting may take an hour or less to repair, while routine services such as flushing a water heater typically take about an hour.
Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace a water heater is up to the homeowner. A plumber can diagnose the problem and explain the options, but the age of the water heater, the cost of the repair, and the remaining life of the unit should all be considered before putting more money into it.
New Water Heater Installation Costs
The cost of a new water heater installation depends on more than just the price of the water heater itself. The type and size of the unit, the existing plumbing, venting, and the amount of work needed to complete the installation can all affect the final price. Replacing a conventional tank water heater with a similar model is usually the most straightforward option, while switching to a tankless water heater, heat pump water heater, or a different style of gas water heater may require additional work.
The area around the water heater also matters. Some installations require changes to gas lines, water piping, venting, electrical connections, expansion tanks, or condensate drains. Return lines for hot water recirculation may need to be moved or reconnected, and older installations sometimes need additional work to meet current plumbing or mechanical codes. Even the size of the new water heater can make a difference. A 50-gallon water heater, for example, may have different space or installation requirements than an existing 40-gallon unit.
For these reasons, water heater replacement costs can vary from one home to another, even when the same water heater is being installed. The prices below are based on typical 40-gallon residential water heater installations and provide a good starting point for comparing conventional atmospheric vent and power vent water heaters. Once we see the existing installation and determine what work is needed, we can provide a more accurate price for your home.
Water Heater Replacement & Installation Costs
We believe water heater pricing should be straightforward. Below are typical prices for residential 40-gallon water heater replacement and installation. Your final cost may vary depending on the size of the water heater and whether additional plumbing, venting, gas line, electrical, or code-related work is needed.
Atmospheric Venting Pricing
- 40 Gallon Bradford White Atmospheric Vent Heater
- Professional Installation
- Expansion Tank
- New Shut Off Valves
- Includes Haul Away Of Old Heater
Power Venting Pricing
- 40 Gallon Bradford White Power Venting Heater
- Professional Installation
- Expansion Tank
- New Shut Off Valves
- Includes Haul Away Of Old Heater
Water Heater Repair & Replacement FAQs
Answers to some of the most common questions we hear about water heater repair, replacement, and installation.
Once per year. However, if it has been five years or more since the last flush, attempting to flush it may actually do more harm than good.
Yes, we will haul away your old water heater for you as part of the service.
A typical water heater installation takes around two and a half to three hours to complete. However, the time can vary depending on the unit’s location and whether any plumbing lines need to be moved for access.
If your water heater is leaking and needs to be replaced, your best bet is typically to stick with a comparable size—for example, replace a 50-gallon, 40,000-BTU heater with another of the same capacity. The only exception is if you have recently upgraded your fixtures or renovated a bathroom. For instance, if you installed a 70-gallon Japanese soaker tub, your existing 40-gallon water heater will no longer be sufficient.
A regular conventional water heater lasts about 8–10 years. Its lifespan also depends on the harshness of the water, whether the tank has had maintenance, and whether the anode rod has ever been replaced.
Need Water Heater Repair or Replacement?
Whether your water heater needs a simple repair or it’s time for a complete replacement, Green Tech Plumbing can help. We provide water heater repair, replacement, and installation throughout Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs. Contact us today to schedule service or request an estimate.
