Water Heater Repair & Replacement in Northern Virginia
Tank and tankless, gas and electric water heater repair and replacement. Ask about same-week replacement for a leaking or failed water heater, subject to equipment availability and scheduling.
Fast, correct water heater work.
A failing water heater rarely picks a convenient time. Mercy's Plumbing repairs and replaces tank and tankless water heaters — gas and electric — for homes and businesses throughout Northern Virginia. Because we hold both a Master Plumber and Master Gas Fitter license, we can handle the plumbing, the gas line, and the venting on a single visit.
Water heater services we provide
- Water heater repair — pilot light, thermostat, heating element, and leak issues
- Tank water heater replacement (gas and electric)
- Tankless / on-demand water heater installation and replacement
- Gas line sizing and venting for new water heater installs
- Expansion tank installation and pressure relief valve service
- Water heater flushing and sediment maintenance
- Same-week emergency replacement for leaking or failed units*
*Subject to equipment availability and scheduling.
Signs your water heater needs attention.
Usually a repair
- Pilot light won't stay lit
- Inconsistent or lukewarm water temperature
- Minor leak at a fitting or valve
- Unusual noises that started recently
Usually a replacement
- Rusty, discolored, or metallic-smelling hot water
- Leak coming from the tank body itself
- Unit is 8-12+ years old (tank) or approaching end of life
- Rumbling, popping, or sediment buildup
Licensed water heater expertise you can trust.
- Licensed Master Plumber and Master Gas Fitter on every gas water heater job
- Straightforward explanation of repair vs. replacement, in plain language
- Tank and tankless, gas and electric — all major brands
- Code-compliant venting, gas line, and expansion tank work
- Clean installation with old unit removed and hauled away
Water heater installs completed by Mercy's Plumbing.
These are actual photos from plumbing jobs completed by Mercy’s Plumbing — no stock photos, no AI-generated project images.






Water heater repair & replacement FAQs.
How do I know if my water heater needs to be repaired or replaced?+
Common signs you need repair include a pilot light that won't stay lit, inconsistent temperature, or minor leaks at a fitting. Signs you likely need replacement include rusty or discolored hot water, a rumbling or popping tank, a leak from the tank body itself, or a unit older than 8-12 years. A technician can confirm which situation you're in during a quick inspection.
How long do water heaters typically last?+
A standard tank water heater typically lasts 8-12 years, while a well-maintained tankless water heater can last 15-20 years. Water quality, usage, and maintenance all affect actual lifespan.
Should I choose a tank or tankless water heater?+
Tank water heaters cost less upfront and are simple to replace like-for-like. Tankless (on-demand) water heaters take up less space, can last longer, and provide continuous hot water, but typically cost more to install, especially if gas line or venting changes are required. We'll walk you through the tradeoffs for your home.
Do you replace both gas and electric water heaters?+
Yes. We repair and replace gas, electric, tank, and tankless water heaters. Because our Master Gas Fitter is on staff, we can also handle gas line adjustments a new water heater might require.
Can you replace a leaking water heater quickly?+
A leaking water heater is urgent. Call or text us and we'll do our best to schedule a same-week replacement, subject to equipment availability and scheduling.
Do you haul away the old water heater?+
Yes, removal and disposal of your old water heater is part of a standard replacement job.




