40 Gallon
Tank · Gas or Electric
Best for: Smaller households, condos and townhomes
A common size for one to three people with moderate hot water use and one or two bathrooms.
Get an estimateOur Specialty
Water Heater Replacement in Northern Virginia
PlumberBee specializes in residential water heater replacement for homeowners throughout Northern Virginia. We help you choose the right unit, deliver and install it, test the system and haul away the old water heater, with one clear process from estimate to cleanup.
- Tank & tankless
- Gas & electric
- Old unit removal included
Water Heater Replacement at a Glance
PlumberBee provides residential water heater replacement throughout Northern Virginia. Every replacement includes the new water heater, delivery, professional installation, an inspection of the existing connections, system testing, removal of the old unit and cleanup of the work area.
- Service area
- Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria and Loudoun County
- Water heater options
- 40 gallon, 50 gallon, high-efficiency and tankless
- Included
- Unit, delivery, installation, testing, old unit removal, cleanup
- How to start
- Call +1 (571) 283-5253 or request an estimate online
Water Heater Options
Four Options, One Simple Process
Most Northern Virginia homes are a good fit for one of these four options. We confirm the right one for your home before we give you an estimate.
50 Gallon
Tank · Gas or Electric
Best for: Most single-family homes
A popular choice for three to five people, larger tubs, or households that run showers and appliances back to back.
Get an estimateHigh Efficiency
Condensing gas or heat pump
Best for: Lower long-term energy use
Uses less energy to heat the same water. A good fit when you plan to stay in the home and want lower operating costs.
Get an estimateTankless
On-demand · Wall-mounted
Best for: Continuous hot water and saved floor space
Heats water as you use it instead of storing it. Often requires gas, venting or electrical changes, which we review first.
Get an estimateSigns
Signs You May Need a New Water Heater
Water heaters rarely fail without warning. These are the most common signs that replacement is the right next step.
It is 8 to 12 years old or older
Tank water heaters wear out from the inside. If yours is in this range, plan the replacement before it fails.
Water around the base
Moisture or pooling near the tank can mean the tank is leaking, which cannot be repaired.
Rusty or discolored hot water
Rust-colored hot water can point to corrosion inside the tank.
Rumbling or popping sounds
Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank makes noise and reduces efficiency.
Running out of hot water faster
A tank that no longer keeps up may be failing, or may be too small for your household.
Corrosion on fittings or the tank
Rust on connections, valves or the tank body is a common sign of an aging unit.
Sizing
40 Gallon vs. 50 Gallon
Tank size decides how much hot water is ready at once. A tank that is too small runs out during busy mornings. One that is too large heats water you never use.
Beyond gallons, look at the first-hour rating on the unit’s label. It tells you how much hot water the heater can deliver in an hour of heavy use, and it is often the better number for comparing models.
| Feature | 40 Gallon | 50 Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Typical household | 1 to 3 people | 3 to 5 people |
| Bathrooms | 1 to 2 | 2 to 3 or more |
| Common in | Condos, townhomes, smaller homes | Single-family homes |
| Space needed | Smaller footprint | Taller or wider tank |
| Good sign you need it | Hot water rarely runs out | Back-to-back showers run cold |
Tank vs. Tankless
Tank or Tankless?
A tank water heater stores and keeps a supply of hot water ready. A tankless water heater heats water only when you open a tap, so it does not run out as long as demand stays within its flow rate.
Replacing a tank with a new tank is usually the most straightforward option. Switching to tankless can be a great upgrade, but it may need changes to the gas line, venting or electrical service. We check your home and explain the difference in scope before you decide.
| Feature | Tank | Tankless |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Stores heated water | Heats water on demand |
| Hot water supply | Limited by tank size | Continuous, up to its flow rate |
| Space | Floor space for the tank | Compact, wall-mounted |
| Installation | Usually a direct replacement | May need gas, venting or electrical changes |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Typical lifespan | About 8 to 12 years | Often longer, with regular maintenance |
What’s Included
Everything Included in Your Replacement
No piecing together a delivery, an installer and a haul-away. One PlumberBee visit covers the whole job.
New water heater
A new unit sized for your household and matched to your fuel type.
Delivery
We bring the new water heater to your home.
Professional installation
Installed by an experienced plumber, start to finish.
Connection inspection
We check the existing water, gas or electrical, and venting connections.
System testing
We fill, fire up and test the new unit before we leave.
Old unit removal
We disconnect and haul away your old water heater.
Work area cleanup
We leave the utility area clean.
The Process
How Water Heater Replacement Works
Four steps from your first call to hot water.
- 1
Request your estimate
Call +1 (571) 283-5253 or send the form. A photo of your current water heater and its label helps us prepare.
- 2
Get a clear recommendation
We confirm the size, fuel type, venting and location, recommend the right unit and give you an estimate before any work begins.
- 3
Installation day
We shut off and drain the old unit, remove it, install the new water heater and connect water, gas or electric, and venting.
- 4
Testing and cleanup
We fill the tank, check for leaks, confirm it heats properly, haul away the old unit and clean up the area.
Limited-Time Water Heater Offer
Get 10% Off Water Heater Replacement
Replace an aging or failing water heater with a professionally installed new unit, delivered, tested and with your old tank hauled away. Mention this offer when you request your estimate.
Why PlumberBee
Why Choose PlumberBee for Your Water Heater
Upfront communication
You know what the job includes before work begins, and you can reach us directly with questions.
Professional installation
Every replacement is installed, connected and tested by an experienced plumber.
Local service
PlumberBee is a local Northern Virginia company that knows the area’s homes and neighborhoods.
Clean, respectful work
We protect your space, haul away the old equipment and clean up before we leave.
Licensed & insured
PlumberBee is licensed and insured, with 13+ years of plumbing experience.
Replacement-focused
We focus on replacements, so the process is practiced, predictable and efficient.
Service Areas
Water Heater Replacement Across Northern Virginia
PlumberBee replaces water heaters in communities across Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria and Loudoun County. Choose your area to learn more.
Water Heater Replacement FAQ
How much does water heater replacement cost in Northern Virginia?
The cost depends on the type and size of the water heater, the fuel type, and whether any venting, gas, water or electrical connections need to change. PlumberBee reviews your current setup and gives you an estimate before any work begins.
How long does a water heater last?
Many tank water heaters last roughly 8 to 12 years. Tankless water heaters often last longer with regular maintenance. Water quality, usage and maintenance all affect lifespan.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
If the tank itself is leaking, it needs to be replaced. If the unit is around 10 years old or older and having problems, replacement is usually the better investment. A newer unit with a single failed part may be worth repairing.
What size water heater do I need?
A 40-gallon tank is common for one to three people, and a 50-gallon tank suits many households of three to five. The number of bathrooms and how often hot water is used at the same time also matter. We recommend a size after reviewing your household.
Can I switch from a tank to a tankless water heater?
Often, yes. Switching to tankless may require changes to the gas line, venting or electrical service. We review your home first and explain what the switch would involve.
Does PlumberBee replace gas and electric water heaters?
Yes. PlumberBee replaces both gas and electric water heaters and usually matches the new unit to the fuel type your home already uses.
Do you remove and dispose of the old water heater?
Yes. Removal of the old water heater is included with every PlumberBee water heater replacement.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?
Many Northern Virginia jurisdictions require a permit for water heater replacement. Ask us about the requirements for your address when you request your estimate.
Which areas does PlumberBee serve for water heater replacement?
PlumberBee serves homeowners throughout Northern Virginia, including Fairfax, Fair Oaks, Fairfax Station, Falls Church, East Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria, Ashburn, Sterling, Leesburg and Hamilton.
Other Replacement Services
Sump Pump Replacement
Replace a failing or aging sump pump before the next heavy rain reaches your basement.
Hose Bibb Replacement
Replace leaking, stuck or freeze-damaged outdoor faucets with a new hose bibb.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
Swap a jammed, leaking or humming garbage disposal for a new unit, installed and tested.
Faucet Replacement
Kitchen and bathroom faucet replacement, including new supply lines and a leak check.
Get Your Estimate
Ready to Replace Your Water Heater?
Claim Your Current Water Heater Offer
Request your estimate online or call PlumberBee. We will confirm the details and schedule your visit.