Service Detail
Water Heater Installation & Repair
Gas, electric & tankless. With upfront pricing and no-obligation estimates in Catonsville, MD.
Whether your water heater is leaking, making strange noises, or simply not keeping up, we’ll diagnose the problem and give you an honest price before we touch anything. No commissions, no pressure. Just straight talk from a team that’s been doing this for 23 years.
Choose Your System
Types of Water Heaters
Every home is different. We’ll help you pick the right system for your household size, budget, and hot water demands.
Gas Water Heaters
The workhorse of most Baltimore-area homes. Gas units heat water quickly and operate at lower energy costs than electric alternatives.
- Faster recovery time between uses
- Lower monthly operating costs
- Works during power outages
Best for: Larger households with existing gas lines and high hot water demand.
Electric Water Heaters
Reliable, affordable to install, and available in every home. Electric units are a smart choice when gas isn’t available or practical.
- Lower upfront installation cost
- No gas line or venting required
- Consistent, dependable performance
Best for: Homes without gas service and smaller to mid-size households.
Tankless Water Heaters
On-demand hot water, no storage tank. Tankless units heat water only when you need it. Saving energy and space in your home.
- Endless hot water on demand
- 20+ year lifespan (nearly double tank units)
- Compact, wall-mounted design
Best for: Homeowners wanting long-term efficiency and unlimited hot water.
Know Your Options
Repair or Replace?
Most tank water heaters last 10 to 12 years. If yours is approaching that age and showing symptoms, replacement is often the smarter investment. Here’s how to tell.
Signs You Can Repair
- Unit is less than 8 years old
- Pilot light keeps going out
- Thermostat is malfunctioning
- Heating element has failed (electric)
- Minor sediment buildup or noise
- Pressure relief valve needs replacing
Signs It’s Time to Replace
- Unit is 10+ years old with recurring issues
- Visible rust or corrosion on the tank
- Water pooling around the base
- Hot water runs out much faster than before
- Energy bills have increased noticeably
- Multiple repairs in the past 2 years
Not sure which category you fall into? We’ll assess your unit at no obligation and give you an honest recommendation. Even if that means a $15 part instead of a $3,000 replacement.
Don’t Ignore These
6 Warning Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention
1
No Hot Water
The most obvious sign something’s wrong. Could be a failed heating element, broken thermostat, or a gas supply issue.
2
Rusty or Discolored Water
Brown or reddish water from your hot tap usually means corrosion inside the tank. Left unchecked, it leads to leaks.
3
Rumbling or Banging Noises
Sediment hardens at the bottom of the tank over time, forcing the unit to work harder and making alarming sounds.
4
Visible Leaks or Puddles
Water around the base of your heater signals a crack or failing connection. This can cause serious water damage fast.
5
Foul or Metallic Smell
A rotten egg smell usually means bacteria in the tank. A metallic taste suggests the anode rod has deteriorated.
6
Skyrocketing Energy Bills
An aging or sediment-filled unit works much harder to heat the same amount of water, driving up your monthly costs.
How It Works
From Call to Completed: 4 Simple Steps
01
Call or Schedule Online
Reach us at (410) 242-3111 or book through our online scheduler. We’ll confirm a convenient time. Often same-day for urgent situations.
02
On-Site Assessment
Our technician inspects your water heater, identifies the issue, and explains what’s happening in plain language. No jargon, no mystery.
03
Upfront Estimate
You get a detailed written estimate before any work begins. The price we quote is the price you pay. No surprises, no hidden fees.
04
Installation or Repair
We complete the job right the first time, clean up after ourselves, and walk you through everything. Most installations are finished in a single visit.
Transparent Pricing
Honest Numbers, No Surprises
Every home is different, so exact costs depend on your system type, installation complexity, and local code requirements. Here are typical ranges for the Baltimore County and Howard County area:
Tank Water Heater Replacement
$1,800 to $3,200
Includes removal of old unit, new installation, and all connections. Gas and electric options available.
Tankless Water Heater Installation
$4,500 to $6,500
Includes unit, gas line or electrical upgrades if needed, venting, and a full system test. Long-term energy savings offset the higher upfront cost.
You’ll always receive a detailed, written estimate before we begin. Our technicians are salary-paid. Never on commission. So the recommendation you get is always in your best interest, not ours.
Common Questions
Water Heater FAQ
How much does water heater installation typically cost?
Tank water heater replacements in the Baltimore area typically run $1,800 to $3,200, while tankless installations range from $4,500 to $6,500. The final price depends on the unit type, your home’s existing plumbing and gas/electrical setup, and any code requirements. We always provide a detailed written estimate before starting work.
How long does installation take?
A standard tank water heater swap takes 2 to 4 hours. Tankless installations may take 4 to 8 hours depending on whether gas line or electrical upgrades are needed. Most jobs are completed in a single visit.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
As a rule of thumb: if your unit is under 8 years old and the repair is straightforward (thermostat, element, valve), repair usually makes sense. If it’s 10+ years old, showing rust or leaks, or you’ve had multiple repairs recently, replacement is typically the smarter investment. We’ll give you an honest assessment either way.
Is a tankless water heater worth the extra cost?
For many homeowners, yes. Tankless units last 20+ years (vs. 10 to 12 for tank units), use 24 to 34% less energy, and provide unlimited hot water. The higher upfront cost is offset by lower energy bills and a much longer lifespan. They’re especially worthwhile for households with high hot water demand.
Do you offer financing options?
Yes. We understand that an unexpected water heater replacement can strain your budget. We offer financing options to help spread the cost into manageable monthly payments. Ask our team about current terms when we provide your estimate.
Do I need a permit for water heater installation?
In Baltimore County and Howard County, a plumbing permit is required for water heater installations. As a Master Licensed plumber, Les handles all permit requirements and inspections as part of the job. You don’t need to worry about any of the paperwork.
Why is my water heater leaking?
It may be the temperature-and-pressure valve, loose connections, or a failing expansion tank. Or the tank itself has corroded through, which means replacement. We’ll diagnose the source before it causes water damage.
What size water heater do I need?
It depends on household size and peak demand. As a rough guide, a 40 to 50 gallon tank suits most families, while tankless is sized by flow rate. We’ll calculate it precisely for your home.
Do you offer emergency water heater service?
Yes. No hot water or an active leak can’t wait. Call (410) 242-3111. We service heaters, boilers, and related systems across Baltimore and Howard County.
What Our Neighbors Say
Real Reviews from Real Homeowners
★★★★★
“Our water heater died on a Saturday morning. Metcalf had someone at our house within two hours and a new unit installed by dinner. The price was exactly what they quoted. Not a penny more. Incredible service.”
★★★★★
“I appreciated that the technician explained everything clearly and didn’t try to upsell me on a tankless when my regular tank was fine to repair. Honest and professional. Exactly what you want in a plumber.”
★★★★★
“Third time using Metcalf. This time for a tankless install. They handled the gas line upgrade, permits, everything. Clean work, fair price, and the endless hot water is life-changing. Highly recommend.”
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Your Water Heater Problem Ends Today
No-obligation estimates. Upfront pricing. A team that’s been earning trust since 2002.
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