Water Heater Repair & Replacement
Repair or replace?
The rule of thumb: if your heater is under 8 years old, repair almost always makes sense. Common repairs include thermocouple/igniter on a gas unit (under $200), heating element on an electric unit (under $250), or T&P relief valve and anode rod ($149–$199). Past 10 years, replacement is usually the smarter spend — efficiency, warranty, and reliability all tilt toward a new unit.
Tank vs tankless
A 40 or 50-gallon tank is what most Upstate SC homes already have. It's the cheapest install, holds 40–50 gallons of hot water ready to go, and lasts 8–12 years. A tankless unit ("on-demand") heats water as you use it — never runs out, lasts 18–20 years, takes up almost no space, and saves about 25% on energy. The trade-off: tankless costs more to install ($1,599–$2,899 vs $899–$1,499) and may require gas-line or electrical upgrades. We'll walk you through both options at quote time.
What's included in a replacement
- Removal and disposal of the old unit
- New heater (stocked sizes 40, 50, 65, 75, 80 gallons; tankless on order)
- New flex connectors, ball valves, T&P relief valve, expansion tank if required by SC code
- Drip pan and drain line if installed in living space
- Code-compliant venting on gas units
- Permit if your municipality requires one (Abbeville, Greenwood, Anderson all do for new installs)
- Pressure test and full hot-water test before we leave
- Manufacturer warranty (typically 6 years on tank, 10–15 on tankless) plus our 2-year labor warranty
Signs your water heater is dying
- Hot water runs out faster than it used to
- Rust-colored water from hot taps (anode rod or tank corrosion)
- Popping or rumbling sounds (sediment buildup)
- Water around the base of the tank (leak — almost always means replacement)
- Pilot light won't stay lit (thermocouple — usually repairable)
- Heater is older than 10 years
What this won't cost you
Diagnostic is included in the repair price. No separate "trip fee" added on after. The quoted price is the final price. If your install requires a new gas line, vent, or electrical circuit, we'll tell you in writing before we start — never as a surprise on the invoice.