An Upper Marlboro water heater that stops heating or leaks usually has a failed part or a sediment problem that a plumber can fix, whether the house is in town or out in the wider postal area. A tank leaking through its shell has to be replaced. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Upper Marlboro.
The Town of Upper Marlboro is tiny, with 652 residents, and it has been the Prince George's County seat since 1721. Most homes with an Upper Marlboro address are outside the town, in an unincorporated postal area of about 77 square miles that mixes horse-farm countryside with growing developments. The median home dates to about 1982, so heaters range from fairly new to well worn.
What to do now
- If the tank is leaking, close the cold-water valve feeding it.
- Turn off the breaker for an electric unit, or set the gas control to off.
- If you smell gas, leave the house first, then call 911 and your gas utility from outside; for a propane heater, call 911 and your propane supplier.
- If your home is on a private well and the heater lost water pressure too, mention it, since the well equipment may be involved.
- Read the size, fuel type and manufacture date off the label.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Electric heater gives no heat | Element, thermostat or high-limit reset |
| Gas or propane burner will not stay lit | Thermocouple, pilot assembly or gas control |
| Hot water runs out quickly | Sediment or a failed lower element |
| Dripping relief valve line | Worn valve, high pressure or overheating |
| Water at the base | Fittings, drain valve or a failed tank |
Cost factors
Price depends on the part, the fuel and the heater's location, plus travel to outlying properties. WSSC Water operates mains in the Upper Marlboro area, but service on rural parcels can differ, so check your bill. Gas service varies too: Washington Gas and BGE each serve parts of the county, and some outlying homes rely on propane or electricity. Prince George's County says water heater replacements need a permit and all plumbing permits are issued by WSSC, and gas or propane heater replacement must be done by a gasfitter holding the required license. The Town of Upper Marlboro points to the county's DPIE for building permits. Evening or weekend visits usually cost more, and a heater tucked into a crawlspace or a tight closet adds labor compared with an open basement or garage install.
Water Heater Repair questions in Upper Marlboro
Does a water heater job here need a permit?
What if my water heater runs on propane?
What is the popping or rumbling sound in my tank?
What should I have ready when I call?
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