Sample site by Owlworth. Hartwell Plumbing is a made-up business.

Water heater repair and replacement

No hot water, a puddle under the tank, or a heater older than your kids. Jake fixes the ones worth fixing, replaces the ones that are not, and tells you which is which before you spend a dollar.

Same-day replacement on most 40 and 50-gallon gas tanks.

Water heater prices

2026


Water heater starting prices
Diagnose and repairthermocouple, element, gas valve, thermostat from$189
Flush and anode checkonce a year in hard Central Texas water from$149
40-gallon gas, replacedinstalled, permit, old one hauled away from$1,650
50-gallon gas, replacedthe most common size around here from$1,850
Tankless, gasincludes new venting and gas line sizing from$3,900

Repair or replace?

Answer two questions and you get Jake’s usual call. He confirms it in person before any work starts.

How old is it?
What is it doing?

Jake’s usual call

Pick an answer above

Two taps, and you will see what Jake would most likely tell you on the phone.

Tank water heater with the data label, relief valve, gas control and drain valve marked Data labelSerial number Reliefvalve Gascontrol Drainvalve

How old is your water heater?

The age is hiding in the serial number on the data label, usually on the upper half of the tank. Most brands put the month and year in the first few characters, and every brand does it a little differently.

The easy way: take a photo of the label and text it to Jake. He replies with the age and whether it is worth fixing.

Text Jake a photo of the label

Tank or tankless

Both work well. The right one depends on your budget, your family and how long you plan to stay.

Tank and tankless water heaters compared
Compared Tank Tankless
Price installed From $1,650 From $3,900
Lasts about 8 to 12 years 18 to 20 years
Hot water 40 or 50 gallons, then it refills Endless, a few fixtures at a time
Space A closet or the garage Wall-mounted, about the size of a suitcase
Best for Most homes, smaller budgets Big families, long showers, staying put

What every replacement includes

No add-ons at the end. If it is needed to pass inspection, it is in the price.

  • City permit and inspection, pulled by Jake
  • New shutoff valve, flex lines and T&P discharge pipe
  • Expansion tank and drain pan when code calls for them
  • Gas leak test and a full burn check before he leaves
  • Old heater drained, carried out and recycled
  • Six years from the manufacturer, one year on Jake’s labor

Water heater jobs, in their words

  • ★★★★★

    Our water heater died on a Sunday. Jake picked up himself, walked me through shutting the water off, and had a new one in Monday morning. Hauled the old one away too.

    Dan K. Georgetown, Sep 28, 2026

  • ★★★★★

    Two other companies said replace it. Jake looked at the label, said it was only six years old, and swapped the thermocouple for under $200. Still working great.

    Teresa M. Hutto, Aug 30, 2026

Water heater questions

How long does a replacement take?

Most tank swaps take three to four hours. Jake usually finishes the same day he starts, including the inspection paperwork.

Can I switch from tank to tankless?

Usually, yes. Gas tankless units need a larger gas line and new venting, which is part of the $3,900 starting price. Jake checks both before he quotes.

My heater is leaking. What do I do right now?

Turn the cold water valve on top of the heater to off, then turn the gas knob to Pilot or flip the breaker for an electric one. Then call Jake.

Do you install heaters I buy myself?

Yes. The labor price is the same, and the one-year labor warranty still applies. The manufacturer warranty is between you and the store.

Cold shower this morning?

Call Jake before noon and most tank replacements are done the same day.