Water Heater Services
Repair, replacement, and installation for Snohomish County homes and businesses
Hot Water When You Need It
No hot water this morning? Puddle forming around your water heater? Whether it's a repair, a replacement, or time to upgrade, Stollwerck Plumbing & Sewer handles every type and brand — gas, electric, tank, and tankless. Every job is backed by our 1-year guarantee.
Most homeowners notice a water heater problem only when it's already failing: rusty water, popping noises, lukewarm showers, or water on the floor. Our licensed plumbers diagnose the issue and give you honest options — repair if it makes sense, replace if it doesn't.
Our Water Heater Services
Repair
Thermostat failures, heating element issues, pilot light problems, leaking T&P valves — we diagnose and repair gas and electric tank water heaters. If repair makes sense, we’ll fix it. If not, we’ll tell you.
Tank Water Heater Replacement
When your tank is past its lifespan or the repair cost exceeds half the replacement cost, we install a properly sized, code-compliant new unit — and haul away the old one.
Hybrid & Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat rather than generate it, cutting energy use roughly in half. Well-suited to the mild Pacific Northwest climate. Higher upfront cost, but significant long-term savings.
Tankless Water Heater Installation
Ready for endless hot water? Tankless units heat water on demand, last 15–20 years, and free up space in your garage or utility room. We’re Navien-certified installers.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention
The average residential water heater lasts 8–10 years. If yours is approaching that age or showing any of the signs below, it's time for a professional look.
Rusty Water
Brown or rust-tinted hot water often signals corrosion inside the tank — a sign of imminent failure.
Popping or Banging Sounds
Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank causes pops and rumbles when water heats. Annual flushing helps; severe buildup means replacement.
Lukewarm Output
Water that never quite gets hot — or runs out fast — usually means a failing heating element or thermostat.
Puddle Around the Base
Even a small puddle is bad news. Tank leaks rarely repair; replacement is almost always the right call.
Age Over 10 Years
A unit past 10 years is on borrowed time. Replacement before failure is much less stressful than during the holidays.
Repair vs. Replace Rule
If the unit is 10+ years old AND the repair quote exceeds half the cost of replacement, replace it.
Water Heater FAQs
How much does it cost to replace a water heater?
A standard 50-gallon tank water heater replacement typically runs $1,200–$2,000 installed, depending on the unit, fuel type, and whether any code upgrades are needed. Tankless installations run higher ($3,000–$5,000+) due to venting and gas line requirements, but last nearly twice as long.
How long do water heaters last?
Tank water heaters last 8–12 years on average. Tankless units last 15–20+ years with proper maintenance. Hard water and lack of maintenance shorten lifespan; annual flushing extends it.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
Use the 50% rule: if the repair cost exceeds half the price of a new unit AND the water heater is over 10 years old, replacement is usually the better investment. If it's younger and the repair is minor, fix it.
Tank vs. tankless — which is better?
Tank water heaters cost less upfront and work well for most households. Tankless costs more to install but provides endless hot water, takes up less space, and lasts longer. For larger households or homes with simultaneous hot water demand, tankless often makes sense. See our tankless page for a deeper comparison.
Why Choose Stollwerck?
- Commercially licensed — gas water heaters require a licensed plumber; we are
- Insured above state mandates — protection that exceeds Washington minimums
- 1-year guarantee — every install and repair backed for a full year
- Right-sized recommendations — we size to your household, not the biggest unit on the truck
Need Hot Water Now?
Call our Mukilteo office and get on the schedule today.