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Water Heater Installation
& Replacement in DC, MD & VA

Tank or tankless, gas or electric — Armada installs and replaces water heaters of all types and brands across the DMV. Same day service available, licensed plumbers, and upfront pricing before any work begins.

Licensed & Insured
Tank & Tankless
Same Day Available
Upfront Pricing
24/7 Emergency

Water Heater Experts Serving the Entire DMV

Whether your water heater has stopped working, is leaking, or simply needs to be replaced after years of service, Armada's licensed plumbers handle the full job — from recommending the right system for your home to hauling away your old unit and leaving you with reliable hot water the same day.

We install and replace all types of water heaters: traditional tank models, high efficiency tankless systems, hybrid heat pump water heaters, and commercial grade units. Gas, electric, or propane — we work with every fuel type and all major brands.

Tank, tankless, and hybrid heat pump water heaters
Gas, electric, and propane systems — all fuel types
Old unit removed and disposed of at no extra charge
Permits pulled, warranty registered, code compliant install

Water Heater by the Numbers

18%
Of a home's total energy use goes to water heating — the #2 energy cost
8–12
Year average lifespan for a traditional tank water heater
40%
Energy savings possible by upgrading to a tankless or heat pump model
1 Day
Typical installation time — hot water restored same day in most cases

Water Heater Types We Install

Every home and household is different. We'll help you choose the system that best matches your hot water needs, fuel source, space, and budget.

Traditional Tank Water Heater

The most common type — stores 30 to 80+ gallons of preheated water ready on demand. Available in gas and electric models. Lower upfront cost, straightforward installation, and reliable performance.

  • Gas or electric fuel options
  • 30–80+ gallon capacities
  • Lower purchase and install cost
  • Best for households with predictable hot water usage

Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater

The most energy efficient electric option available — uses heat pump technology to pull warmth from surrounding air instead of generating heat directly. Ideal for DMV homes with no gas access.

  • Up to 3× more efficient than standard electric
  • Qualifies for federal tax credits
  • Best for basements and garages with ambient air
  • Built in dehumidification benefit

Commercial & High Capacity Units

For larger homes, multi unit properties, or small businesses requiring high hot water output. We install commercial grade tank and tankless systems sized for demanding applications.

  • High output gas and electric models
  • Recirculation system options
  • Multi unit tankless configurations
  • Sized and permitted for commercial use

Signs Your Water Heater Needs to Be Replaced

Most water heaters give plenty of warning before they fail completely. If you're seeing any of these, it's time to call Armada.

Unit Is 10+ Years Old

Traditional tank water heaters last 8–12 years on average. If yours is a decade old, it's operating on borrowed time — efficiency has declined and the risk of sudden failure is significantly higher.

No Hot Water or Inconsistent Temps

Running out of hot water faster than usual, water that never gets fully hot, or temperatures that fluctuate during a shower are signs the heating element, thermostat, or burner assembly is failing.

Leaking or Pooling Water

Water pooling around the base of your tank is a serious sign. Small leaks from fittings can sometimes be repaired, but a corroded tank itself cannot — replacement is the only safe option.

Rusty or Discolored Water

Brown or reddish hot water is a sign that your tank is corroding from the inside. Once interior corrosion begins it cannot be reversed — and the rust can contaminate your home's hot water supply.

Popping, Rumbling, or Banging Sounds

Loud noises from your water heater are usually caused by sediment buildup on the heating element or tank floor. As the layer thickens, the heater works harder and harder — and becomes far more likely to fail.

Rising Energy Bills

As water heaters age, they lose efficiency and have to work harder to maintain temperature. If your gas or electric bills are creeping up without an obvious cause, your water heater may be the culprit.

We Install All Major Water Heater Brands

Armada works with every leading water heater manufacturer — so you get the system that's right for your home, not just what we have in stock.

Rheem
Tank & Tankless
Bradford White
Residential & Commercial
A.O. Smith
Tank, Tankless & Hybrid
Navien
Tankless & Combi Systems
Rinnai
Tankless Gas Systems
Noritz
Tankless Water Heaters
State
Residential & Commercial
Bosch
Tankless & Heat Pump

Water Heater Installation You Can Trust

The right installation matters as much as the right equipment. Here's what sets Armada apart for water heater work in the DMV.

Right Sized for Your Home

We assess your household size, hot water usage patterns, and fuel availability before recommending a system. An undersized unit leaves you cold; oversized wastes energy. We get the sizing right.

Licensed Plumbers Only

Water heater installation involves gas lines, electrical connections, pressure relief valves, and venting — all regulated work. Every Armada installation is performed by licensed plumbers, fully permitted and code compliant.

Same Day Service Available

No hot water isn't something you want to wait on. We stock the most common water heater models and can often install your new unit the same day you call — restoring hot water before the day is done.

Full Removal & Haul Away

We disconnect and remove your old water heater and dispose of it responsibly — no extra charge, no leaving you with a tank on the curb. Installation includes everything from start to finished cleanup.

Warranty Registered at Install

We register your new water heater's manufacturer warranty on the day of installation so you're fully covered from day one — and we stand behind our own labor with a workmanship guarantee.

Upfront, Transparent Pricing

You'll receive a written quote covering the unit, installation, haul away, and any needed permits or code upgrades — before we start. No surprises when the job is done.

Our Water Heater Installation Process

From your first call to hot water flowing again — here's what to expect when you work with Armada.

1

Call or Schedule

Contact us online or by phone. We'll assess your needs and schedule the earliest available appointment — often same day.

2

Assessment & Recommendation

Our plumber evaluates your current setup, household needs, and fuel source, then recommends the best system options with honest tradeoffs.

3

Upfront Quote

You receive a complete written quote — unit, installation, haul away, permits — before any work begins. You decide, no pressure.

4

Installation & Cleanup

We install your new water heater, remove the old unit, test everything, register the warranty, and clean up before we leave.

Water Heater FAQs

Answers to the questions DC, Maryland, and Virginia homeowners ask most about water heater installation and replacement.

A general rule of thumb: if your water heater is under 7 years old and the repair cost is less than half the cost of a new unit, repair makes sense. If the unit is 10+ years old, has a leaking tank, or requires a repair that costs more than 50% of replacement cost, replacement is almost always the smarter investment. We'll always give you both options with honest recommendations — not just the option that costs more.
A standard tank water heater replacement typically takes 2–3 hours from arrival to hot water flowing. Tankless installations can take 3–5 hours, especially if new gas lines or electrical upgrades are required. Hybrid heat pump installations run similarly to tankless. In most cases, you'll have hot water restored the same day we arrive.
For most DMV homeowners, yes — especially if you have natural gas service. Tankless units deliver endless hot water, use 30–40% less energy than traditional tanks, and last 20+ years compared to 10–12 for tanks. The higher upfront cost is typically recovered through energy savings within 5–8 years. They're ideal for households that run out of hot water, want to free up space, or are focused on long term energy savings.
For tank water heaters: 1–2 people typically need 30–40 gallons; 3–4 people need 40–50 gallons; 5+ people need 50–80 gallons. For tankless units, sizing is based on flow rate (gallons per minute) and temperature rise needed. The right size depends on the number of simultaneous hot water demands in your home. We'll assess your specific needs and recommend the correct size — avoiding the common mistake of replacing like for like when your household has grown.
Yes. The federal Inflation Reduction Act offers a 30% tax credit (up to $600) on qualifying tankless gas water heaters and up to $2,000 on qualifying heat pump water heaters. Maryland, DC, and Virginia also offer utility rebates through programs like Pepco, Washington Gas, and BGE for high efficiency water heaters. Eligibility depends on the specific model and installation details — we can help you identify what your new system qualifies for.
For tank water heaters: flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup, inspect the anode rod every 2–3 years and replace when depleted, and test the pressure relief valve annually. Set the thermostat to 120°F to balance comfort, efficiency, and safety. For tankless units: flush annually with a descaling solution to remove mineral buildup (especially important in the DMV with its moderately hard water), and clean the inlet filter screen every 6 months. Annual professional service visits help catch issues early and extend the life of any system.

Need a New Water Heater? We're Ready Today.

Same day installation available across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Tank, tankless, or hybrid — licensed plumbers, upfront pricing, full warranty.

Schedule Installation Call (202) 578-8764

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