Signs It's Time to Replace Your Gas or Propane 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 it 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.
  • It's making popping or rumbling noises. Sediment settles at the bottom of the tank, right on top of the burner, where it traps heat and wears out the tank faster.
  • The pilot light keeps going out. This can point to a failing gas control, thermocouple, or a venting problem.
  • You see soot or a yellow flame. A healthy burner flame is blue. Soot or a yellow flame means the heater isn't burning fuel properly and should be checked right away.

If you smell gas near your water heater, leave your home immediately and call your propane supplier, your gas utility, or 911 from outside. Don't flip switches or use anything that could create a spark.

 Repair or Replace? 

Parts like thermocouples, gas controls, and burners can often be replaced. 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 

Gas and propane water heaters reheat water much faster than electric models, so a gas tank can often keep up with a busier household than an electric tank of the same size. Cold Eastern Shore well water in winter still slows recovery, so proper sizing matters.

40 Gallons

A good fit for 1 to 3 people, or smaller homes and cottages.

50 Gallons

Our most common size, a good fit for most households of 3 to 4 people.

65 Gallons

Best for households of 5 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.

 Choosing the Right Venting 

Every gas and propane water heater needs to safely vent its exhaust outside. The right type depends on your home.

Standard (Atmospheric) Vent

Exhaust rises naturally through a flue and out a chimney or roof vent. These are the simplest and most affordable option, and they keep working during a power outage.

Power Vent

A fan pushes exhaust out through a PVC pipe in a side wall, so no chimney is needed. This makes them a good fit when there's no chimney or when the water heater needs to go somewhere a flue can't reach. Power vent models need electricity to run.

Direct Vent

These draw combustion air from outside and vent exhaust outside through a sealed system, with no chimney needed. They're a good fit for tight spaces and closets.

A note for older homes: If you've replaced an old furnace with a high-efficiency model, your water heater may now be venting alone into a chimney sized for two appliances. That can cause poor drafting and let exhaust spill back into your home. We check your venting on every job and recommend a fix, like a chimney liner or a power vent water heater, if needed.

 Propane or Natural Gas 

Most Eastern Shore homes outside town centers run on propane, while some areas have natural gas service. Water heaters are built for one fuel or the other, and a propane home needs a propane-rated unit or one that's properly converted. We make sure your new water heater matches your fuel, check your gas line and connections, and coordinate with your propane supplier if anything at your tank needs attention.

 Water Heaters Built for Eastern Shore Homes 

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, venting, gas supply, and water quality
  • Draining, removal, and disposal of your old water heater
  • Installation of your new tank, including water and gas connections, venting, and relief valve discharge line
  • Gas leak testing and a venting and draft check
  • 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 a gas or propane water heater last?

Most last 8 to 12 years. Hard water, sediment, 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. Jobs that need venting changes may take longer.

Will my gas water heater work during a power outage?

A standard (atmospheric) gas or propane water heater will. Power vent models need electricity to run their fan, so they won't work during an outage unless you have a backup generator.

Can a natural gas water heater run on propane?

Only if it's designed for propane or properly converted with the manufacturer's conversion kit. We make sure your new water heater matches your home's fuel.

My hot water smells like rotten eggs. Is it a gas leak?

Usually not. If the smell comes only from your hot water, it's almost always a reaction between your well water and the tank's anode rod, which we can fix. But if you smell gas in the air near your water heater or anywhere in your home, leave right away and call your propane supplier, gas utility, or 911 from outside.

Should I switch to a tankless water heater instead?

It depends on your home and how you use hot water. Tankless units last longer and never run out of hot water, but they cost more upfront and often need a larger gas line. We'll help you compare. Learn about tankless water heaters →

 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 Gas Water Heater Estimate