Water Heater Repair in Burtonsville, MD

What happens when you call

You'll be connected with an independent plumber who covers Burtonsville and the US 29 corridor. Be ready to say whether the heater is gas or electric, how old it is, and what's going on: no heat, short supply, noise, a smell or water on the floor. With that, the plumber can tell you whether it sounds like a part replacement or a tank at the end of its life, and when a visit can happen.

What affects the cost

• Which part failed, from a thermocouple or element to a gas control valve
• Sediment that needs flushing before new parts are installed
• Stuck drain valves or corroded connections on an older tank
• Where the heater sits and how easy it is to reach
• Whether a permit is needed because the heater is being replaced

Burtonsville conditions

Burtonsville's median home was built around 1985, per census-based figures, so most houses have gone through at least one heater, and the date on the current tank is the number to check. WSSC Water provides water and sewer, though Montgomery County assigns every property a water and sewer category, so confirm your service if you're on the community's rural edge. WSSC's report lists residual chlorine, UV disinfection at its plants and an orthophosphate corrosion inhibitor. The region's water is moderately hard, which is enough to leave sediment in a tank over the years.

On the plumbing side, the customer owns the water service line from the property line into the house, so a leak at the main shutoff inside is yours to repair. Gas water heater replacements in Montgomery County must be done by a plumber or gasfitter registered with WSSC Water under a WSSC permit.

Washington Gas serves Montgomery County, and Burtonsville sits on the Howard County edge, so check the name on your gas bill. If you smell gas, leave the house before doing anything, then call 911 and Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427), option 1; if a different utility appears on your bill, call that company instead.

Before the plumber arrives

• Shut the cold-water valve if the tank is leaking
• Turn off power or set the gas control to off
• Note the age and model on the label
• Clear space around the heater