Water Heater Replacement in Columbus and Central Ohio

A water heater that’s leaking, running out of hot water fast, or over 10 years old is a repair you don’t want to put off. Build a preliminary online estimate to compare tank and tankless options, or call (614) 382-0000 to talk to our plumbing team about what fits your household and budget.

Is this what you’re seeing?

• Water pooling around the base of your water heater
• Rusty or discolored hot water
• Hot water running out faster than it used to
• Popping or rumbling noises from the tank
• A water heater over 10 years old that’s never been replaced
• Wanting to switch from a tank to a tankless system for space or efficiency
• A pilot light that won’t stay lit or an electric unit tripping the breaker
• Not enough hot water for a growing household sharing one bathroom schedule

Honest pricing

Water heater replacement cost depends on the unit type (tank versus tankless), the tank size or tankless flow rate you need, fuel type (gas or electric), and whether your existing venting, gas line, or electrical setup needs modification for the new unit. Tankless conversions from an existing tank system usually cost more upfront due to venting and gas line changes. The Estimate Builder gives you a preliminary online estimate based on the unit type and household size you select. Final scope and price subject to verification once we’ve inspected your existing setup, since older homes sometimes need venting or electrical updates to meet current code. A like-for-like tank replacement in a home with adequate existing venting is typically the most straightforward and predictable job we quote.

What’s included / what’s not included

Typically included:
– Removal and disposal of the old water heater
– Installation of the new tank or tankless unit
– Connection to existing water, gas, or electrical lines
– Basic code-required updates like expansion tanks or shutoff valves where required
– Testing for proper operation and leak checks

Typically not included unless added to scope:
– Major gas line upsizing or electrical panel upgrades
– Extensive venting reroutes for tankless conversions
– Water softener or filtration system installation
– Permit fees, which vary by municipality (permits and inspections may be required)

Why water heaters fail faster in some Central Ohio homes

Central Ohio’s water hardness contributes to sediment buildup inside tank water heaters, which shortens their working life and can cause the rumbling or popping noises homeowners notice before a failure. Homes in Clintonville, Hilltop, and Whitehall built between the 1950s and 70s often still have original plumbing layouts that limit venting or space options, which matters when deciding between a tank replacement and a tankless upgrade. Newer builds in Dublin, New Albany, and Lewis Center more often have the space and gas capacity for tankless systems, which is why we see more tankless requests in those areas. Basements and utility closets across the region also see freeze-related pipe stress in winter, which can accelerate wear on fittings near the water heater. Multifamily buildings in the area’s growth corridors also present their own sizing challenges, since shared or stacked mechanical closets often limit unit size and venting routes more than a typical single-family basement would.

Our process

1. Online estimate or call. Use the Estimate Builder to compare tank and tankless options, or call (614) 382-0000.
2. Household assessment. We ask about household size, hot water usage, and your current setup to recommend the right unit.
3. On-site inspection. For replacements, we check your existing tank, venting, gas line, or electrical capacity.
4. Written scope and options. You get a clear comparison of tank versus tankless, with pricing for each, before you decide.
5. Permitting. Permits and inspections may be required depending on your municipality. We handle the paperwork.
6. Installation and test. We install the new unit, test for leaks and proper operation, and walk you through basic maintenance.

Related services

If your water heater issue turns out to be a broader plumbing concern, our team can assess the full system while on-site. Bathroom projects often coincide with water heater upgrades when households are increasing hot water demand, so see our bathroom remodeling page if you’re planning both. A kitchen remodel that adds a second dishwasher or larger soaking tub can also change your household’s hot water needs, so it’s worth mentioning any other planned projects when you request your estimate. Ready to compare options? Build your estimate or call (614) 382-0000.