Age is the biggest factor. Traditional tank water heaters generally last 8 to 12 years. If your unit is over 10 years old and needs a major repair, replacement is usually the most cost-effective choice. Other signs you need a replacement include rusty or discolored water, rumbling, knocking or popping noises, a leaking tank, or if the unit simply can’t produce enough hot water for your home anymore. MAS Plumbing provides honest assessments for homeowners from Arlington Heights to Bartlett. We can replace your old water heater in as little as three hours call MAS Plumbing at (630) 884-4201 to schedule your water heater replacement

If your water heater tank is actively leaking, turn off the water supply to the tank immediately (usually a valve on the cold-water pipe above the unit) and shut off the power or gas supply. Next, connect a hose to the drain located near the bottom of the water heater and proceed to drain the water out of the tank to a nearby floor drain or sump pit. If you need assistance, an expert at MAS Plumbing is available 24/7 to safely take you through the process. A leaking tank usually cannot be repaired and requires a full replacement. Call us right away for emergency or same-day service; we have trucks ready to dispatch to Bloomingdale, Roselle, and the neighboring communities.

Whether you live in Schaumburg, Streamwood, or anywhere in the surrounding suburbs, our local water supply has moderate hardness. This causes calcium and mineral sediment to build up at the bottom of your water heater tank over time. This buildup forces your unit to work harder to heat the water, increasing your energy bills and shortening the tank’s lifespan. At MAS Plumbing, we recommend an annual flush on newer installations to remove this sediment and keep your system running efficiently.

The right size depends on your household size, number of bathrooms, hot water usage, and whether you choose a tank or tankless model. Many Chicago homes use 40- or 50-gallon tank water heaters, but larger households or homes with high-demand fixtures may need more capacity. A plumber can calculate your peak hot water demand and recommend the right size.

Yes! Tankless water heaters are incredibly popular in our service area. Because they heat water on demand, you never run out of hot water, and they take up significantly less space in your basement or utility closet. While the upfront installation cost is higher, they are highly energy-efficient and can last up to 20 years, compared to the 8-12 years a typical tank heater lasts making them a great long-term investment for Chicagoland homeowners.

A standard tank-to-tank water heater replacement usually takes approximately 3-4 hours. If we are upgrading your system from a traditional tank to a tankless unit, the process takes longer (typically a full day) because we often need to modify the gas lines, venting, and plumbing connections. Rest assured, MAS Plumbing will ensure your job is done right the first time. Call our customer service team at (630) 884-4201 for more information on tank and tankless water heater options.

Running out of hot water faster than usual can be caused by a few different issues: a broken heating element (in electric heaters), a faulty gas thermocouple, or heavy sediment buildup taking up space in the tank. Given the hard water in the northwest suburbs, sediment taking up volume inside the tank is a very common culprit. It could also simply mean your family has outgrown the capacity of your current tank. MAS Plumbing has been working with Chicagoland families for decades to make sure they have the perfect hot water system for their needs.

Absolutely. When you hire MAS Plumbing for a water heater replacement, the price includes the safe disconnection, heavy lifting, and environmentally responsible disposal of your old unit at local recycling centers. We leave your home completely clean and your new system ready to go. No wonder we’ve been the best in the business for over 25 years.

We highly recommend using a metal drain pain regardless of where your hot water tank is located. These pans are fantastic backups in the event that your water heater develops a leak. In many cases, the pan can be funneled to a sump pump. If your water heater is located in an interior area – not a basement – the use of a drain pain is essential. Ask your MAS Plumbing professional for more information.

Yes. with installation of a new water heater, regular annual maintenance may including flushing the tank can extend the life of your water heater by several years. Periodically checking the anode rod, testing the temperature and pressure relief valve, inspecting venting, checking for leaks, and confirming safe gas or electrical operation are important safety checks and preventative measures your MAS team can also perform as part of annual flush and check visit.

For safety and code compliance, water heater installation should be handled by a licensed plumbing professional. Gas, venting, combustion air, pressure relief piping, electrical connections, and drainage all need to be installed correctly. For safety and peace of mind, hire a licensed plumber for your water heater installation and replacement. MAS water heater plumbers are licensed by the state of Illinois.

A rotten egg smell may be caused by bacteria and minerals in the water inside the tank reacting with the water heater’s anode rod. That smell is often caused by a reaction between bacteria in the tank, minerals in the water, and the water heater’s anode rod. The rod is still important because it protects the tank from rust, but some rod materials are more likely to contribute to odor than others. Options for smelly hot water include:

The delay usually depends on the distance between the water heater and the fixture, pipe layout, pipe insulation, and whether the home has a hot water recirculation system. A plumber can recommend options such as pipe insulation, a recirculation pump, or fixture-specific improvements. A tankless water heater is also an option for delivering fast, “instant hot” water.