Signs It's Time to Replace Your Electric Water Heater 

It's 8 to 12 years old or older. Most tank water heaters wear out in this range, and sooner on hard or acidic well water.

Water is leaking from the bottom of the tank. A leak from the tank itself usually means the tank has rusted through and can't be repaired.

Your hot water looks rusty. Rust-colored hot water, when your cold water is clear, often means the inside of the tank is corroding.

You run out of hot water faster than you used to. Sediment buildup or a failing heating element can shrink your usable hot water.

It's making popping or rumbling noises. That's usually sediment baked onto the bottom of the tank.

You keep replacing heating elements. Frequent element failures often point to scale buildup from hard water.

 Repair or Replace? 

Not every problem means you need a new water heater. Electric water heaters have parts that can often be replaced, like heating elements and thermostats. If your tank is younger and not leaking, a repair may be the smarter choice. If it's older or the tank itself is failing, replacement is usually the better investment. We'll give you an honest recommendation either way.

Choosing the Right Size 

Electric water heaters reheat water more slowly than gas models, and cold Eastern Shore well water in winter slows them down even more. So sizing matters: too small, and you'll run out of hot water during busy mornings.

6 to 20 Gallons: Point-of-Use

Small tanks that mount under a sink or in a closet. They're a good fit for a bathroom or kitchen far from your main water heater, a garage or workshop sink, or a small guest space. They also cut down the wait for hot water at faraway fixtures.

30 to 40 Gallons

A good fit for 1 to 2 people, or smaller homes and cottages with one bathroom.

50 Gallons

Our most common size, a good fit for most households of 2 to 4 people.

65 Gallons

Best for households of 4 or more people, homes with a large soaking tub, or families that run several showers back to back.

We'll recommend a size after looking at your household, your fixtures, and how you use hot water.

 Hybrid (Heat Pump) Electric Water Heaters 

A hybrid water heater uses heat pump technology to pull heat from the surrounding air, which makes it far more efficient than a standard electric tank. For all-electric homes, it can significantly lower the cost of heating water. Hybrids need enough open space around them and a drain for condensate, so we'll check your installation location during the estimate.

 Water Heaters Built for Eastern Shore Homes 

All-electric homes. Many homes on the Shore have no propane or natural gas. A properly sized electric tank is often the simplest, most reliable choice for these homes.

Flood-prone properties. In low-lying areas and waterfront homes, we can install your water heater on a raised platform, along with a drain pan, to help protect it from water damage.

Crawl space and closet installs. Many Shore homes don't have basements, so the water heater sits in a closet, garage, or utility room. We'll make sure your new tank fits the space and meets code.

Second homes and rentals. A tank that sits hot in an empty weekend home wastes electricity. We'll show you how to use vacation mode or turn the heater off safely while you're away.

Power outages. Storms can knock out power on the Shore, and an electric water heater won't heat without it. If you have a backup generator, we'll let you know whether it can handle your water heater's electrical load.

 Well Water and Your Water Heater 

This is where we differ from most plumbers. Eastern Shore well water is tough on water heaters, and we can fix the cause, not just replace the tank.

Hard water leaves scale on heating elements, which makes them burn out and wastes energy.

Iron and sediment settle in the bottom of the tank, reducing capacity and causing noise.

Acidic water can speed up corrosion inside the tank and in your pipes.

Rotten egg smell in your hot water. If your hot water smells like sulfur but your cold water doesn't, the cause is usually a reaction between your well water and the tank's anode rod, the metal rod inside that protects it from rust. We can fix it by replacing the anode rod with a different type and treating the water if needed.

When we install your new water heater, we can test your water and recommend treatment if you need it, so your new tank lasts.

Learn About Water SoftenersSchedule A Water Test

 What's Included in Your Installation 

  • An on-site assessment of your space, electrical connection, and water quality
  • Draining, removal, and disposal of your old water heater
  • Installation of your new tank, including water connections, electrical connection, and relief valve discharge line
  • A drain pan and raised platform where needed
  • Any required permits
  • Testing and a walkthrough of your new water heater

 Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does an electric water heater last?

Most last 8 to 12 years. Hard water, iron, and acidic well water can shorten that, while regular flushing and water treatment can help it last longer.

How long does a replacement take?

Most replacements are completed in a few hours, and you'll usually have hot water again the same day.

What size electric water heater do I need?

Most households of 2 to 4 people do well with a 50-gallon tank. Larger families or homes with big tubs may need 65 gallons. We'll recommend the right size for your home.

Why does my hot water smell like rotten eggs?

This is common with well water. It's usually caused by a reaction between minerals and bacteria in your water and the tank's anode rod. Replacing the anode rod and treating your water typically solves it.

Should I switch to a tankless water heater instead?

It depends on your home. Electric tankless units need a lot of electrical capacity and can struggle with cold winter well water. For many all-electric homes, a properly sized tank is the better fit. Learn about tankless water heaters →

Will my electric water heater work during a power outage?

No. It needs electricity to heat water, though the water already in the tank will stay warm for a while. If you have a backup generator, we can tell you whether it can handle your water heater.

 Ready for Reliable Hot Water? 

Whether your water heater is leaking, failing, or just getting old, we'll help you choose the right replacement and install it the right way.

Request An Electric Water Heater Estimate