When plumbing issues strike, they often do so unexpectedly and can be quite disruptive. Recently, we received a call from a customer in Tewksbury, MA, who faced a pressing problem: their gas water heater was leaking and they did not have any hot water. This situation required swift action to prevent further damage and restore hot water service to the residence. Here’s a closer look at the problem, the job site conditions, the job details, and why replacing the gas water heater was the best solution in this scenario. For more information about our services or gas water heater replacement in Tewksbury, MA, contact us at MillTown Plumbing today!
Leaking Gas Water Heater
The owner of a residential building in Tewksbury faced a hot water crisis when a gas water heater started leaking. The water heater in question was a tanked 40-gallon system from 2012. The issue had become apparent when the customer noticed water leaking both from the top and bottom of the unit and the building tenants were experiencing no hot water. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the customer reached out to us, MillTown Plumbing, for a prompt solution.
Gas Water Heater Options: Repair or Replacement
The building owner’s property was in Tewksbury, MA, and the gas water heater was essential for providing hot water to the residence. The fact that the unit was leaking from multiple points indicated a significant problem. Given that the water heater was nearly a decade old, repair options were weighed against replacement. MillTown Plumbing’s technicians presented the customer with multiple options to address the leaking gas water heater issue. These options included repairing the leak or replacing the entire system. After careful consideration, the customer decided to proceed with a replacement. The old 40-gallon gas water heater was replaced with a new Bradford White unit, complete with the addition of an expansion tank.
The installation included the replacement of venting and an emergency shutoff valve if needed, ensuring that the new gas water heater was up to code and operating safely. We installed the Amtrol 30 expansion tank to prevent system pressure build-up, extending the heating system’s overall longevity. We used a 3/4 piping domestic lines water piping kit to finish the installation.
Why Replacement Was the Best Solution
In this particular scenario, the decision to replace the gas water heater was the most prudent one. Repairing the existing unit would have provided only a temporary solution due to its age and multiple leaks. Opting for the replacement of the entire system with a dependable Bradford White 40-gallon tank, along with essential upgrades like the expansion tank, guarantees an immediate resolution to the leak and ensures reliable hot water service for years to come.
Gas Water Heater Replacement in Tewksbury, MA
The gas water heater replacement in Tewksbury, MA, underscores the need to address plumbing issues promptly. Consulting experienced professionals and evaluating the long-term benefits of replacement can yield a cost-effective and reliable hot water solution. For expert advice and service, contact us today!
Water heaters are essential appliances in our homes, providing us with hot water for showers, cooking, and cleaning. However, they can sometimes develop issues, and one of the most common problems homeowners encounter is a leaking water heater. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the reasons behind water heater leaks, signs to watch out for, and steps to address the issue. Whether you have a traditional tank water heater or a tankless one, understanding the basics of how they work can help you maintain and repair them effectively. If your water heater is leaking, contact us today at MillTown Plumbing for water heater repair.
Understanding the Basics
Before we dive into the specifics of water heater leaks, it’s essential to understand the basics. Water heaters can run on various fuel types such as gas, propane, oil, and electricity. Regardless of the type, water heaters work by using a heating element to raise the water temperature inside the tank or heat exchanger. There are two main types of water heaters: tank and tankless.
Tank Water Heaters: These heaters store and heat a specific amount of water in a tank. They maintain the water temperature constantly, ensuring hot water is readily available when needed.
Tankless Water Heaters: Also known as on-demand water heaters, these systems heat water on the fly, providing hot water instantly when you turn on the tap.
Signs of a Leaking Water Heater
Detecting a water heater leak early is crucial to prevent further damage. Look out for these telltale signs:
Puddles of water around the base of the heater
Damp walls or floors nearby
Reduced hot water supply
Strange noises coming from the heater
Corrosion on water heater connections
The pressure relief valve leaking
Broken drain valve on water heater
Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?
Several factors can lead to water heater leaks. Here’s a list of common reasons:
Sediment buildup in the tank
Corrosion on the tank’s interior
High water pressure
Loose or damaged connections
Aging water heater
Temperature and pressure relief valve issues
The Importance of Prompt Action
Ignoring a leaking water heater is not just an inconvenience; it can have serious consequences for your home and your finances. Here’s why taking prompt action to address a leaking water heater is absolutely crucial:
Water Damage: A leaking water heater can cause extensive damage to your home’s structure and materials.
Mold and Mildew: Excess moisture from the leak can foster mold and mildew growth, compromising air quality and posing health risks.
Reduced Energy Efficiency: A leaking water heater works inefficiently, leading to higher energy bills and potential long-term damage.
Escalating Repair Costs: Delaying repairs can turn a minor leak into a major issue, increasing the cost of fixing or replacing the unit.
Safety Concerns: Leaks can create safety hazards, including gas buildup in gas water heaters or electrical hazards in electric units.
Loss of Hot Water: A worsening leak can result in a complete water heater failure, disrupting your daily routines and necessitating immediate attention.
Steps to Diagnose and Address Leaks
If you suspect your water heater is leaking, follow these steps:
Turn off the power: For electric heaters, switch off the circuit breaker. For gas heaters, set the gas valve to the “pilot” position.
Shut off the water supply: Turn off the cold water inlet valve to stop water from entering the heater.
Drain the tank: Connect a hose to the drain valve and empty the tank into a floor drain or outside.
Inspect for leaks: Carefully examine the tank, connections, and relief valve for signs of leakage.
Address the issue: Depending on the cause, you may need to replace a faulty part, tighten connections, or call a professional for repairs.
When to Seek Professional Help
While some water heater issues can be DIYed, it’s important to know when to call in the experts. If you’re unsure about the severity of the problem or lack the necessary skills and tools, don’t hesitate to contact professionals like us, MillTown Plumbing for water heater maintenance and repair services.
Is Your Water Heater Leaking
In conclusion, a leaking water heater is a common problem that should not be ignored. Understanding the basics of how water heaters work and being aware of the signs and causes of leaks can help you take prompt action. Remember that timely maintenance and professional help, such as the services offered by MillTown, can extend the life of your water heater and ensure a continuous supply of hot water in your home. Don’t wait until it’s too late – address water heater leaks promptly to avoid costly repairs. For more information about water heater repair services, contact us today!
When it’s the middle of winter in Billerica, Massachusetts, it’s cold. Really cold. Such cold weather puts a strain on your water heater trying to warm up the frigid water coming from the street. Older water heaters may not be able to keep up, and that’s exactly why this customer called MillTown Plumbing. As a family, they relied on having hot water regularly, but also efficiently. The solution for that was a water heater replacement in their Billerica, MA home.
Water Heater Inspection
As mentioned above, this family’s water heater wasn’t necessarily broken. However, it wasn’t working as efficiently as they needed it to. Older water heaters have a more difficult time producing hot water as efficiently and effectively for modern standards. So, this Billerica family decided it was time to replace.
Old Reliance water heater
Symptoms of a Failing Water Heater
Water heaters typically last for 10 years or longer. If your water heater is on its way out, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
Water leaks
Not enough hot water
Discolored water
Strange sounds
Low water pressure
Benefits of a Water Heater Replacement
After installing a replacement water heater, here are some of the benefits you can expect to enjoy!
Reliable hot water for the foreseeable future
More hot water
Quieter operation
Lower energy consumption
Water Heater Replacement Process in Billerica, MA
After arriving in Billerica with the proper equipment, MillTown’s qualified plumbers were ready to start the replacement process.
Old Water Heater Removal
Before removing anything, MillTown’s licensed plumbers turned off the water to the home. They followed this up by draining the water from the water heater tank and connecting plumbing.
Water heater drain valveWater pumpDraining water filled with sediment
The cold water supply pipe was shut off via a valve above the hot water heater. The old water was drained into the yard from the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater.
Electricity had to be shut off as well, and this water heater’s power supply was turned off via the home’s electrical panel. To disconnect the wiring to the furnace, the wiring had to be cut. Prior to doing so, a test light voltage detector was used to ensure there was no more current running through the wiring.
Preparing the Space for the Replacement Water Heater
The old valve controlling the cold water supply was not operating exactly as MillTown’s plumbers would have liked. This valve was updated and replaced with a new valve for better future operation.
Cold water supply valve
To make service easier in the future, MillTown’s licensed electrician installed a switch to power the water heater on and off.
Power switch for water heater
New Water Heater Installation
Once the replacement water heater was put into place, the plumbers were ready to start connecting the existing plumbing. Teflon tape and thread sealing paste was used on the threads that connected the home’s plumbing to the water heater.
Water heater fittings with thread sealant
To connect the old plumbing, new copper piping was cut to length. Ninety-degree brass fittings allowed the offset joints to be connected.
Once the plumbing and electrical wiring had been connected, a pipe for the pressure relief valve was routed. It was run towards the floor, no higher than 12” off the ground per code.
Water Heater Replacement Billerica MA MillTown Plumbing
After the pressure relief valve was plumbed, the water to the house was turned back on. The cold water supply valve was slowly opened and the pressure relief valve was left open. Once water began coming out of the pressure relief valve, the water heater tank was full.
Final Steps
After the tank had been filled, the faucets were purged of any air that may have gotten trapped inside the plumbing during the replacement process.
To make sure that the water heater was receiving power, the heating units on the side of the tank were checked for power. This was done using the same test light to check for live wires after turning off the water heater in the beginning.
Billerica Water Heater Replacement Contractor
Here at MillTown, we provide cost-effective, permanent solutions to keep your home in tip-top shape. We commit to your satisfaction and offer high-quality, same-day service. Our technicians are clean, courteous, and respectful of your home. It is why Massachusetts and New Hampshire homeowners have trusted us for over 35 years. Contact us today if you are a local Billerica homeowner interested in water heater replacement, repair, or maintenance!
I cannot recommend Milltown based on their practices and up charged quote they gave me. To even get a quote, they charge you $85 to come out and evaluate what needs to be done. I needed a hybrid water heater replacement, installation, and piping that had to be brought up to code.Of the 12 contractors who quoted the job, Milltown was the highest by far at $6,991, which is about double the average ($3,400) and $1900 over my second highest quote. This outrageously inflated price included the $750 state rebate for a water heater priced at $1,349. The $6,392 remaining is for the rest of the associated parts and labor.As for the $85 evaluation fee, it completely feels like a scam. If you choose their inflated service, they put the $85 fee towards the service cost but if not, you’re left with that bill. To me this feels as if they are preying on the “sunk cost fallacy” so you don’t waste your $85. Either way, they get a profit; it’s a win-win situation for them. There is no way I can recommend them. There are cheaper options in the area for the same work. Please be diligent and learn from my mistakes. Don’t get a quote from them. Don’t hire their services. I hope this will save you the headache.
I had a badly blocked shower drain. Called Milltown in the morning, and the call was handled in a friendly and professional manner. The call-back to schedule a next-day appointment was also quick, pleasant, and courteous. A subsequent call informing me that my appointment could be squeezed in same day was most welcome, and when the plumber arrived, she quickly and efficiently resolved the issue. Everyone was very pleasant to interact with. Thanks!
Kenny P. Is a top notch plumber! He arrived on time and was incredibly professional. Our situation was quite unique and he was very patient with our problem. Kenny is an incredible representative of Milltown. He would not give up until he solved our issue- all the while working with a smile and great demeanor. Booties on his shoes, left the sink and area cleaner than it was when he arrived. We are SO greatful to him and will be telling everyone to call Milltown! A++++++ for Kenny !!!!!!!
The Gentleman Ralph who came to my home and installed the toilet did a Great job! He was very knowledgeable of what needed to be done , and performed the installation efficiently and with superior professionalism. During and after the job was completed Ralph kept me informed of the services of Milltown. No pun intended I was truly " relieved " after completion of the installation.
I've used Miltown several times now. Each technician has been extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They've resolved every issue in a timely manner. Scheduling an appointment is very easy and the answering service is very helpful in getting this accomplished. Highly recommend!!
I got a toilet replacement and the charged me almost 3,000. I won't them to anyone. They're way to expensive and come to find out its still leaking. Like seriously, if your going to charge the most do the job correctly without any mistakes!!!!!!!!! I won't recommend them to anyone. Call a local plumber would be the better option. On top of that they charged me 2,000 for traveling fees, like your located in Chelmsford - Lowell. I couldn't gave you 40 bucks for gas. They pretty much robbed me.
Making an appointment was fast and easy. Mike arrived exactly on time, and diagnosed the problem very quickly, but still checked other possibilities just to be sure. On the day of the repair, Mike and his partner arrived again on time, with booties in hand. They introduced themselves, interacted playfully with our curious child, and explained exactly what they would be doing. At the end of the day, they provided a full summary of the work, including many before & after photos. They provided some information on next steps, and emailed everything to me on the spot. 100% will use them again!
The pros are Milltown was very professional. They were clean, prompt and the quality of work was good. The cons are they were VERY expensive. I was able to talk them down by approximately 40% and it'd be better if the initial price were reasonable.
Matt and his assistant arrived on time and carefully assessed my exhaust fan replacement. As the fan in place was over 10 years old Matt provided me with the different options I had for how to replace the unit and how it would look when finished. We discussed my options and Matt went to work. Unfortunately it meant Matt needed to access the fan from the attic which was extremely hot and pretty much a crawl space. The job was well done, they were very professional and cleaned up when finished. I would definitely recommend Mill Town for professionalism and fast scheduling. And I would absolutely recommend Matt for electrical work!! Thank you Mill Town!
I needed my kitchen faucet replaced on Friday as we are entertaining the next day. Milltown responded to my inquiry immediately. Customer service was excellent. The technician was there the next day. He was professional in his manner and extremely friendly. He resolved the problem and provided me with insightful information.In my opinion the price was a high but you get what you pay for so yes I recommend Milltown.Shawn M
Outstanding overall experience! They worked with me to meet a critical deadline (thank you Kevin) Great communication, they pick up the phone when i called, return calls promptly, arrive on time as promised and do great work (thank you Josh and Danny) and follow up after the job is completed. I am very happy and will be sure to call them again when i need additional work!
Mathew came to do an electrical safety inspection. He was early, polite and professional. He gave me a fair estimate of work that I need done in my house and was thorough in his inspection - even giving me some extra advice on smoke detectors in my home and explained some issues that I've been having.Definitely will use MillTown again.
Such a pleasure to work with this competent, knowledgeable, and polite team! They follow through on their promises, handle the issue, and clean up after themselves. I only knew that Milltown did plumbing, but I’ll be using them to handle everything I can now that I see their full range of services! Shout out to Izzy and Kenny for being so lovely and helpful!
I had 2 experiences with Mill Town recently.I had a new gas hot water heater installed in my home and was shocked at the price of $3,000 - but proceeded due to lack of how water. No complaints about the tech, he was considerate and nice. But shortly after the install the safety relief valve started to leak. They came back and put an expansion tank on system which made no sense since one had not been needed in the 25 years we had been there. It continued to leak and they then told me the town water pressure was too high and a pressure reducer would be needed. Again, pressure had been the same over the 25 years we had been there (yes I measure it) - and the town water department confirmed same. I refused to accept that and had to travel. When I returned the leak had stopped so I did not pursue further.2nd experience was have leaky tub drain fixed. The only offered to replace the entire drain and not repair it - a bit disappointed about that. The price was a bit high, but the work was high quality.Milltown has great customer service. I feel their prices are high (why 3 stars only) but they are a premium plumbing service so you know things will be done right.
I was delighted to have called Milltown Plumbing and Heating into my home to clean and service my furnace for the very first time (with this company). The technician did an exceptional job and was extremely skilled at what he did, explaining the furnace cleaning step-by-step to ensure the owner knew the process. He ran down his checklist and completed all the electrical checks and readings to reassume me that, even though my furnace was an older model, it was still up and running. I would not hesitate to refer friends and family to Milltown Plumbing and Heating moving forward.
Izzie was the plumber who diagnosed our toilet problem and provided 3 quotes. She was great. She Was 99% sure she could resolve the plug with snake and a fair price. she was very friendly polite and resolved the plug quickly. I would highly recommend her.I was also very pleased with the customer service that Milltown provided. They called to confirm appointments, notify me of change in time due to tech that called in sick and notified me when the plumber was on the way. Very friendly and respectful of my time. Also a fair price to unplug my toilet. Thank you Milltown!!
Liam came in Monday morning to provide us the quote on EV charger. He explained everything in details about the installation & provided us the quote. Quote was reasonable & we agreed to move forward. He came back next day with his co-worker & install the charger. Everything went so smooth. He was very professional & answered all our questions. We are very happy with their work. Will definitely use them again for future needs. Keep up the good work Liam👍🏼
I’ve had very extensive work done by Milltown electricians, hvac and plumbing (hot water and boiler, basement bathroom plumbing and pump installation, whole basement electrical installation) The company has great communication and responsiveness. They are on time, get out quickly to my home and they stand behind their work. With the large scope if projects we have hired them for it is inevitable that something needs attention after the invoice has been paid. Many companies make excuses or find a way to charge an additional cost. They did not do this. This makes me feel they are trustworthy.Additionally, all of their employees (I’ve probably met 5 at this point) speak highly of the company and how it treats them. I like supporting companies that treat their employees fairly and with respect.We joined their membership program and have staved lots of money with it. I have had so many disappointing experiences trying to remodel or maintain my home. It’s nice to finally not have to think about who to call when we have maintenance or projects that need to be done. Great job Milltown!
The Milltown Plumbing team was very professional in all aspects of their work. I had a great experience and am glad that I chose them for their services. They got the job done instantly with no problems which made it a smooth and worry free experience. While encountering finance issues, the team also responded in a professional manner and addressed the issue. They also make your heating options very clear and do not seek to confuse you on getting a service that you do not need done. I highly recommend them if you need heating, AC or draining services done on your home/property!
You really do get what you pay for. Yes they can be pricey but it is worth it. Pedro is the man. I was attempting a DIY repair and learned my lesson trying to play plumber I turned a mole hill into a mountain, ended up with broken fittings and broken pipe and ultimately no toilet for a few days I tried looking at videos and reading tutorials to try and figure out how to remedy my self inflicted disaster. Eventually i bowed my head, checked my ego, threw in the towel and called in the professionals and what a Pro Pedro was man. Not only did they get someone in fast but Pedro was super personable, friendly, very respectful and most importantly clearly a master at his trade who knew what he was doing and truly cared about doing a great job. It’s wonderful seeing someone have true pride in their work and passion for what they do. He accomplished his task quickly and cleanly and left me with 100% confidence in the quality and durability of this repair. I have had so many bad experiences with trade folks but never with Milltown you really do get what you pay for and next time I know to leave it to the Pros. Thanks again for the save Pedro you the man.
Called Milltown for regular maintenance on our gas boiler. Nathan B did a super thorough inspection, then explained our options in a professional and friendly way. I really appreciated the time he took to go over the results of his inspection with me. We chose to do a meaningful repair that we'd been putting off. Price for the repair was very competitive with a quote we'd gotten a year earlier from a different plumbing/HVAC company. Since we started using them last spring, quality of service from Milltown has always been excellent and this was no exception.
My review is more for Pedro my tech, than Milltown. Pedro was amazing! He took the time to walk me through not only my issue, but also just general utility care I should know as a homeowner. He was personable, and really took the time. And it was greatly appreciated! I’d have him back for all my plumbing needs! I think nearly $600 was a little steep to replace a hose spigot… But I was willing to pay it because of the service Pedro provided.
Less than eight hours after I first called Milltown with a dead water heater and no hot water, I now have a brand new unit working perfectly. The technician, Jonathan, and the supervisor with him were wonderful. I am so grateful that I didn’t have to wait several days, and that these folks were so nice to work with. And the dispatcher, Ralph, was very helpful as well. I am very happy right now!
Our shower started leaking the week before I was having surgery. Milltown sent Darrin out to assess our situation . Darrin recommended we completely replace our shower unit . We agreed. He was able to get things expedited and was in our home working on it two days after my surgery. He was kind, knowledgeable, worked cleanly, and efficiently. His partner James was also very good. Thank you Milltown for sending such a good crew.
I was already a Milltown customer for both plumbing and water heater services, so I didn’t hesitate to contact them for some needed electrical work at my 100+ year old house. Based on my experience with this company, I expected good service. The service I received from the Electrical Team was OUTSTANDING!. Matthew H was so helpful during the estimating process, and in his recommendations, and patiently answered all of my questions. On the scheduled work days, Matthew and his team always arrived on time, and were as professional and courteous as they could possibly be. This is a two-family home, and the amount of work that they have completed on time, as promised, has been amazing. So organized, and informative every step of the way, and I’m thrilled with the results. The peace-of-mind I now have in knowing that the work was done correctly by licensed professionals like Matthew and his team is so important, especially for electrical services. I highly recommend Matthew H and the whole Milltown electrical crew!March 23rd: For the last package of work, Matt and Dan came back to install all of the new ceiling light fixtures, all NINE of them. Each new fixture was replacing a really old one that was not LED compatible. The installation was fast, and perfect, and they even cleaned up each area as they went!. Service doesn’t get any better than this. Milltown is the best!!
Customer service was good. They set up an appointment for the day after my call, even though it was not an emergency request. Technicians Pedro and James were friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful in explaining the repair and costs. I decided not to wait on getting another quote, since the price was within the range I expected. They had their tools right there. After struggling to fix the clog myself for months, the drain finally flows again! I definitely recommend this company for their professional team and quick response.
When plumbing issues strike, they often do so unexpectedly and can be quite disruptive. Recently, we received a call from a customer in Tewksbury, MA, who faced a pressing problem: their gas water heater was leaking and they did not have any hot water. This situation required swift action to prevent further damage and restore hot water service to the residence. Here’s a closer look at the problem, the job site conditions, the job details, and why replacing the gas water heater was the best solution in this scenario. For more information about our services or gas water heater replacement in Tewksbury, MA, contact us at MillTown Plumbing today!
