Water Heater Replacement & Installation
A new unit sized for your household and installed to code.
Learn More
Serving Homeowners for 30+ years
Water Heater Services in Chicagoland and Columbus, OH
Small things, like adjusting the temperature, are fine to do yourself. But most repairs mean working on a gas line or high-voltage wiring, and that’s a job for a pro. Our technicians are trained on gas, electric and tankless units, and they’ll explain your options before any money changes hands.
- 450+ 5-star Google reviews mention our water heater work
- Upfront Pricing
- Guaranteed Work
Understanding the Options
Water Heater Services We Provide
Water Heater Repair
We find what’s cutting off your hot water, like a bad heating element or a pilot that won’t stay lit, and fix it.
Learn More
Water Heater Maintenance & Flush
A yearly flush clears out the mineral buildup that wears tanks down and makes them noisy.
Learn More
Tankless Water Heaters
Installation, repair and descaling for units that heat water only when you need it.
Learn More
Commercial Water Heaters
Service for restaurants, offices and other businesses that can’t run without hot water.
Learn MoreEmergency Service
For a leaking tank or a cold shower that can’t wait until tomorrow.
Know the Signs
No Hot Water, a Leak, or a Noisy Tank?
Most water heaters give warning signs before they quit. Here’s what to watch for, from mild to serious, and what each sign usually means:
Hot water runs out faster than it used to
Sediment is taking up space in the tank, or a heating part is wearing out.
Water never gets hot enough, or swings between hot and cold
A thermostat, heating element or gas burner isn’t working right.
Popping or rumbling sounds when the tank heats up
Minerals have settled on the bottom of the tank. Water trapped under them boils and pops.
Rusty or cloudy hot water, or hot water that smells like rotten eggs
The inside of the tank is corroding, or bacteria are reacting with the metal rod that protects it from rust.
Water pooling around the base of the tank
A loose connection, a leaking relief valve or a crack in the tank itself.
The further down this list you are, the sooner you should call. And if you ever smell gas near the unit, leave the house and call your gas company first.
How We Decide
Repair or Replace Your Water Heater? How We Decide
A problem doesn’t always mean you need a new water heater. Before we recommend anything, we look at three things: how old the unit is, what’s actually wrong and what the repair would cost compared to a new one. You see the math, and you make the call.
When a Repair Is Enough
A repair usually makes sense when:
- The unit is less than 8 years old
- The problem is one part, like a thermostat, heating element or valve
- The tank itself isn’t leaking
In those cases, replacing the part gets your hot water back without paying for a whole new unit.
When It’s Time to Replace
Replacement usually makes more sense when:
- The unit is more than 10 to 12 years old
- Water is leaking from the tank itself, which can’t be repaired
- The repair would cost close to half the price of a new unit
- You keep calling for the same problem
If we recommend a new unit, we’ll show you exactly why.
Choosing a Unit
Tank or Tankless?
Both work well. The right one depends on your home and how much hot water you use. We install and service both types from all major brands, including Bradford White, Rheem, A.O. Smith and Rinnai.
If your home can’t support tankless, we’ll tell you before you spend a dime.
Tank water heaters
- Keep a full tank of water hot, so it’s ready the moment you turn on the tap
- Cost less up front and are simpler to install
- Heat water only when you need it, so it never runs out
- May need a gas line or electrical upgrade first
The J. Blanton Difference
Why Choose J. Blanton for Water Heater Services?
Every technician is trained and equipped to handle any water heater issue safely.
Weekend and Night Dispatch
Night and weekend appointments are available, and we can often get to you the same day.
Upfront Pricing
Your technician will explain your options and provide a flat rate before any money changes hands.
Guaranteed Work
We stand behind every job we perform. If the problem comes back, so do we.
Financing
Ask about financing optionsFix It With Financing As Low As 0%
We’ve partnered with trusted lenders, so you can get the service you need now and pay on your terms.
Subject to credit approval. Rates and terms vary.
Customer Stories
Water Heater Services Reviews
★★★★★
“Thank you to Kevin for explaining every step of the maintenance process. I appreciated that he gave me a heads up that the plastic cap on my 30-year-old water heater was at risk of cracking due to age, so I could decide whether to proceed with flushing. He was friendly, courteous, and patient.”
★★★★★
“Casey M. is a very friendly and professional technician. He explained every step of the way what was involved with installing our new water heater. He cleaned up after himself and walked me through what to expect out of our new water heater. I would gladly have this technician back in our home to service our plumbing needs.”
★★★★★
“Was honestly dreading the cost of a new water heater, but J. Blanton Plumbing got it replaced the same day here in Upper Arlington, and it didn’t break the bank like I thought it would. Definitely calling them again for any future stuff.”
Running a Business? We Handle That Too
A business goes through far more hot water than a home, and running out can mean closing for the day. Our commercial water heater service is built for larger, higher-demand systems.
Annual Protection Plan
Join the No Drip Club for a Yearly Water Heater Flush
The No Drip Club is J. Blanton Plumbing’s membership program. Members get:
- Two free maintenance visits a year, including a water heater flush and maintenance, plus a whole-home plumbing tune-up
- 10% off service and equipment
- A 5-year labor warranty on covered work
- No emergency fees, trip charges, or after-hours charges
Got Questions?
Water Heater Services FAQs
Once a year is a good rule for most homes.
Once a year is a good rule for most homes. If you have hard water, a flush every six months helps keep mineral buildup from wearing the tank down. A yearly visit also lets a technician test the relief valve, which keeps pressure in the tank at a safe level.
It depends on the unit’s age, what’s wrong and what the repair costs compared to a new unit.
It depends on the unit’s age, what’s wrong and what the repair costs compared to a new unit. A repair usually makes sense for a unit under 8 years old with one failed part. If the tank is leaking, the unit is more than 10 to 12 years old or the repair costs close to half the price of a new one, replacement usually makes more sense. We show you both options before you decide.
Most tank water heaters last about 8 to 12 years.
Most tank water heaters last about 8 to 12 years. Tankless units can last 20 years or more with regular descaling. Hard water and skipped flushes shorten both, because minerals build up and wear out the tank and parts faster.
Mineral buildup, also called sediment.
Mineral buildup, also called sediment. Minerals in the water settle at the bottom of the tank over time. That buildup causes popping or rumbling sounds, makes hot water run out faster and can lead to leaks as it wears the tank down. A yearly flush is the simplest way to prevent it.
It depends on the type of water heater, its age, what’s wrong and which parts it needs.
It depends on the type of water heater, its age, what’s wrong and which parts it needs. Gas, electric and tankless units all need different work. Our technician finds the problem first and gives you a flat rate before any work starts. Give us a call and we’ll walk you through it.
Call a plumber, not a handyman.
Call a plumber, not a handyman. Water heater work often means handling gas lines, exhaust venting and high-voltage wiring, and it has to meet local code. A mistake can lead to a gas leak or a carbon monoxide problem. Our technicians are trained on gas, electric and tankless units, so give us a call.
Get Started Today
Ready to Stop Taking Cold Showers?
We’ve been fixing water heaters since 1993, and we’ll tell you honestly whether yours needs a repair or a new unit. One call gets it handled.
24/7 Emergency ServiceNights, weekends and holidays.
Call Now