Water lines & fixtures
Replace a water heater when the tank itself leaks, when it's past about ten to twelve years old and failing, or when repairs keep adding up. A like-for-like gas or electric tank swap is often done in a few hours; switching fuel, moving the unit, or going tankless or heat pump takes longer and costs more. Expect a permit and code updates such as a properly piped relief valve and, in many homes, an expansion tank.
When to replace instead of repair
| Situation | Usually |
|---|---|
| Water leaking from the tank body | Replace now |
| Older than about ten to twelve years and needing repairs | Replace |
| Rusty hot water coming from the tank | Likely replace |
| Never enough hot water for the household | Replace with a larger or tankless unit |
| Pilot, element or thermostat fault on a newer tank | Repair |
Gas, electric, tankless or heat pump?
| Type | Good for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Gas tank | Homes with gas; fast recovery | Needs venting; a fuel change means new gas piping |
| Electric tank | Simple installs, no venting | Higher running costs than gas or heat pump |
| Tankless | Continuous hot water, saving space | Higher upfront cost; often a larger gas line and new venting; yearly descaling |
| Heat pump | Lowest running cost for electric homes; BGE rebates | Needs space around it, a 240-volt circuit in most cases, and a condensate drain |
Sizing a new water heater
Many Baltimore rowhomes and smaller houses use a 40-gallon tank; larger households often need 50 gallons or more. A good plumber sizes the unit by its first-hour rating (how much hot water it delivers in a busy hour) and how many bathrooms run at once, not just by copying the old tank.
What a code-compliant replacement includes
- A permit and inspection, which the licensed plumber arranges
- A temperature and pressure relief valve with a discharge pipe run down toward the floor or a drain
- An expansion tank where the water system is closed, for example by a pressure-reducing valve
- Correct venting and a draft check for gas units, plus a sediment trap on the gas line
- A drain pan where a leak would damage a finished floor or ceiling
- Removal and disposal of the old tank
See plumbing permits in Baltimore and nearby counties.
Getting a new tank into a rowhome basement
Narrow basement stairs and low ceilings are common in Baltimore rowhomes. Ask the plumber to confirm the new unit's height and diameter will fit through the access, whether a shorter "lowboy" tank is needed, and how the old tank will come out.
What affects the price
Tank size and type, any change of fuel, venting, gas line or electrical upgrades, the permit, an expansion tank, basement access and haul-away all affect the price, as does an after-hours call when an old tank fails. Ask for an itemized quote. Our Baltimore plumber cost guide explains what drives plumbing prices.
How to get water heater installation and replacement in Baltimore
- Call 443-863-5471. Tell us what's happening and where you are. Calls are answered 24/7.
- We connect you. You're put through to a licensed, independent local plumber who handles this kind of job in your area.
- Get a clear quote. The plumber explains the problem and the price before any work starts.
- You decide. Approve the work, and the plumber completes it with any permit your city or county requires.
Plumbers in Baltimore Today is a free referral service; we don't perform plumbing work ourselves. How it works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a water heater replacement take?
A like-for-like tank swap is often done in a few hours. Changing fuel type, moving the unit, or installing a tankless or heat pump model usually takes longer.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Maryland?
In most Maryland jurisdictions, yes. The licensed plumber normally pulls the permit, and the installation is inspected.
How long do tank water heaters last?
Typically around eight to twelve years. Flushing the tank and replacing the anode rod can extend that.
Are there rebates for a new water heater?
BGE has offered rebates on qualifying ENERGY STAR heat pump water heaters. See heat pump water heaters for current details.