Water Heater Services

No Hot Water? We Can Help.

Few things are worse than stepping into a cold shower on a Maine winter morning. When your water heater fails, you need someone who can diagnose the problem quickly and give you honest options — not pressure you into an expensive replacement you don’t need.

Acme Plumbing & Heating has been servicing water heaters throughout Portland since 2008. We work on all major brands, both tank and tankless systems, and we’ll always tell you if a repair makes more sense than a replacement.

Our Water Heater Services

Water Heater Repair

Many water heater problems can be fixed without replacing the entire unit:

• No hot water — Could be a faulty thermostat, heating element, or pilot light issue
• Not enough hot water — Often a sediment buildup or sizing issue
• Strange noises — Usually sediment in the tank — we can flush it
• Leaking — Sometimes it’s a valve or fitting, not the tank itself
• Rusty water — May indicate anode rod replacement is needed
• Pilot light won’t stay lit — Thermocouple or gas valve problems

We’ll diagnose the issue and give you a clear estimate before doing any work. If your water heater is past its useful life, we’ll tell you — but we won’t push a replacement if a repair will get you several more years of service.

Water Heater Replacement

When it’s time for a new water heater, we’ll help you choose the right system for your home and budget:

Tank Water Heaters

• Traditional, reliable technology
• Lower upfront cost
• Available in gas and electric
• 40-80 gallon capacities for most homes
• Typical lifespan: 10-15 years

Tankless Water Heaters

• Endless hot water on demand
• Higher upfront cost, lower operating costs
• Space-saving design
• Gas or electric options
• Typical lifespan: 20+ years

We install all major brands and stand behind our work with solid warranties.

Tankless Water Heater Installation

Thinking about going tankless? It’s not right for every home, but for many Portland families, it makes sense. Benefits include:

• Never running out of hot water (great for large families)
• Lower monthly energy bills (heat water only when needed)
• Longer equipment lifespan
• Small footprint (mounts on wall)
• Qualifies for some energy rebates

We’ll assess your home’s gas line capacity, electrical system, and hot water needs to recommend the right size. Undersized tankless heaters are a common problem — we make sure you get adequate capacity.

Water Heater Maintenance

Annual maintenance extends your water heater’s life and keeps it running efficiently:

• Tank flushing — Removes sediment that reduces efficiency and causes noise
• Anode rod inspection — This sacrificial rod protects your tank from rust
• Thermostat calibration — Ensures safe, efficient operation
• Safety valve testing — Critical for preventing dangerous pressure buildup
• Connection inspection — Checks for leaks and corrosion

Most water heaters should be flushed annually, especially in areas with hard water.

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

In the Portland area, here’s what we typically see:

Type	Average Lifespan	With Maintenance
Tank (gas)	8-12 years	12-15 years
Tank (electric)	10-15 years	15-18 years
Tankless (gas)	15-20 years	20+ years
Tankless (electric)	15-20 years	20+ years

If your water heater is over 10 years old and starting to have problems, replacement often makes more sense than repeated repairs.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention

Call us if you notice:

• Water not getting as hot as it used to
• Hot water running out faster than normal
• Rusty or discolored hot water
• Metallic taste or smell in hot water
• Puddles around the water heater base
• Strange rumbling, popping, or banging sounds
• Higher than usual energy bills
• Visible rust on the tank exterior

Water Heater Installation: What to Expect

When we install a new water heater, here’s our process:

1. Assessment — We evaluate your current setup, hot water needs, and fuel options
2. Recommendation — We explain your options with clear pricing
3. Scheduling — Most installations can be completed within a few days
4. Removal — We disconnect and haul away your old unit (included)
5. Installation — Proper connections, venting, and code compliance
6. Testing — We verify everything works before we leave
7. Education — We show you how to operate and maintain your new system

Most water heater installations take 2-4 hours. Tankless conversions may take longer if gas line or electrical upgrades are needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I repair or replace my water heater?

As a general rule: if repairs would cost more than half of a new water heater, or if your unit is over 10 years old and having problems, replacement usually makes more sense. We’ll give you honest advice either way.

Do you offer emergency water heater service?

Yes. If you have a leaking water heater or complete failure during cold weather, we’ll prioritize your call. A leaking tank is a time-sensitive issue.

Is a tankless water heater worth it?

It depends on your household. If you have a large family that often runs out of hot water, or if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, tankless often pays for itself. We’ll help you calculate whether it makes sense for your situation.

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Need water heater service?

Whether it’s a repair, replacement, or just a question about your system, we’re here to help. Contact us or call (207) 555-7890 for a free estimate.