Professional Water Heater Installation Services

Offering exceptional water heater installation solutions, our team is committed to providing top-quality services to meet all your needs in the plumbing industry.

Nothing ruins a morning faster than stepping into an ice-cold shower. You stand there for a second, confused, waiting for the hot water to kick in, and then it hits you. Something is wrong with your water heater. Maybe the tank finally gave out after years of service. Maybe the pilot light keeps dying on your gas water heater for no apparent reason. Either way, you need one of the top plumbing services in Alton on the line before tomorrow morning.

A Plus Plumbing & Drain Cleaning provides professional water heater installation throughout Alton, IL, and the surrounding Madison County communities. We handle everything from standard tank replacements to tankless water heater setups, and we do it right so you can get back to your normal routine without worrying about your hot water availability for years to come.

Why Your Old Water Heater Might Be Failing

Water heaters are built to last, but they do not last forever. Most tank style units hold up for about 8 to 12 years before the internal components start wearing down. The heating elements corrode over time, sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, and eventually the whole system becomes inefficient or stops working altogether.

There are some warning signs worth paying attention to. If your hot water runs out faster than it used to, that usually means the tank is not heating properly or sediment has taken up space where water should be. Strange noises coming from the unit, like popping or rumbling sounds, often indicate mineral buildup on the heating elements. Rusty water coming from your hot water faucet can signal internal corrosion, which means a leak is probably not far behind. And if you notice water pooling around the base of your old unit, the tank itself may have developed a crack or the pressure relief valve could be failing.

When it comes to water heater installation, you have two main options to consider. Traditional tank style heaters store and continuously heat a reservoir of water so it is ready when you need it. Tankless models heat water on demand as it flows through the unit, only using energy when you actually turn on a faucet.

Tank water heaters work well for most households. They cost less upfront, the installation process is straightforward, and they provide a steady supply of hot water for typical daily use. The downside is that once you drain the tank by running multiple showers or appliances at the same time, you have to wait for it to reheat.

A new tankless water heater takes a different approach. These units heat water instantly as it passes through, which means you never run out of hot water no matter how long someone stays in the shower. They also offer better energy savings over time because they are not constantly working to keep a full tank at temperature. The tradeoff is higher initial cost and more complex installation requirements. Tankless models need adequate ventilation, proper venting for gas units, and sometimes upgrades to your gas lines or electrical system.

What Goes Into a Proper Water Heater Installation

Installing a water heater involves more than just swapping out the old unit for a new one. There are several technical details that need attention to ensure the system operates safely and efficiently for years to come.

The water connections have to be done correctly. This includes the cold water supply line feeding into the unit, the hot water line distributing heated water throughout your home, and sometimes an expansion tank if your system requires one. We use appropriate fittings and make sure everything is sealed properly to prevent leaks.

Gas water heaters need careful attention to the gas supply and venting. The gas pipe connections must be secure with no chance of gas leaks, and the venting system has to meet local codes for exhausting combustion gases safely outside your home. Poor venting can lead to carbon monoxide buildup indoors, which is a serious safety hazard.

Electric units require proper electrical connections. The wiring needs to match the unit specifications, the circuit breaker has to be sized correctly, and there should be a ground wire in place for safety. Improper electrical work can create fire risks or cause the unit to malfunction.

Every installation should include a functioning pressure relief valve and discharge pipe. This safety component releases excess pressure if the tank overheats, preventing potential ruptures. The discharge pipe directs any released water safely to a floor drain or outside, rather than spraying hot water into the room.

We also pay attention to details like installing a drain pan under the unit to catch any minor leaks, setting the tank temperature to a safe and efficient level, and making sure the new heater fits the space properly. Skipping any of these steps creates problems down the road.

Common Mistakes With DIY Water Heater Installation

Some homeowners consider installing their own water heater to save money. While we understand the appeal, there are good reasons why professional installation makes sense for this particular job.

Water heaters involve multiple systems that can cause real harm if handled incorrectly:

• Gas connections done wrong can cause gas leaks and potential explosions

• Improper venting can allow carbon monoxide to accumulate inside your home

• Faulty electrical work creates fire hazards and risk of electrical shock

• Incorrect plumbing connections lead to leaks and water damage

• Missing or improperly installed relief valves can result in dangerous pressure buildup

• Failure to meet building codes can void warranties and create liability issues

Beyond the safety concerns, most manufacturers require professional installation to honor their warranty coverage. If something goes wrong with a unit you installed yourself, you might be stuck paying for repairs or replacement out of pocket.

Signs You Should Upgrade Instead of Repair

Sometimes it makes sense to repair your existing water heater rather than replace it. A bad heating element or a faulty control knob can often be fixed without buying a whole new unit. But there are situations where replacement is clearly the better choice.

Age is a major factor. If your water heater is more than 10 years old and having problems, putting money into repairs is usually not worthwhile. You are essentially investing in a unit that could fail completely within a year or two anyway.

The type of failure matters too. Internal tank corrosion cannot be fixed. Once the tank itself starts leaking, the only option is replacement. Similarly, if the unit has had multiple repair issues over a short period, continuing to patch it up costs more than just installing a new system. Energy efficiency is another consideration. Older water heaters use more energy than modern units. Upgrading to a newer model or switching to a tankless model can lower your utility bills noticeably.

Our Service Area and Availability

A Plus Plumbing & Drain Cleaning serves Alton and communities throughout Madison County, including East Alton, Wood River, Bethalto, Cottage Hills, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Godfrey, and Granite City. We know this area well because we live and work here ourselves.

Water heater emergencies do not wait for convenient times. That is why we offer 24/7 availability for urgent situations. If your water heater fails in the middle of the night or over the weekend, you can reach us for help. We also provide free estimates so you know exactly what you are getting into before any work begins.

We are a family owned business backed by over 15 years of hands-on plumbing experience. Our team shows up on time, explains what needs to happen, does the job right, and cleans up before we leave.

Other Services We Offer:

• Commercial Plumbing Services

• General Plumbing Services