Water Heater Repair and Replacement in Hampton Roads
No hot water, unreliable temperatures, or a water heater that cannot keep up? Smith & Keene provides water heater repair, replacement, and installation for homeowners across Hampton Roads. Our plumbers can assess your existing system and help you choose the next step for your home.
We work with electric and natural gas water heaters, with traditional tank and tankless options available. Whether you need help with a problem or want to plan a replacement, contact our team to get started.
Get help with water heater problems
A change in your hot water does not automatically mean you need a new water heater. The cause could involve a component, the water supply, or the unit itself. An inspection helps identify the problem before you commit to a repair or replacement.
- No hot water or water that only gets lukewarm
- Hot water running out sooner than it used to
- Temperatures that fluctuate during normal use
- New popping or rumbling sounds from the tank
- Moisture, dripping, or pooling around the water heater
When you schedule service, tell us what changed, when it started, and whether it affects every hot water fixture or just one. If you have the model information or know the unit’s age, those details can also help.
Should you repair or replace your water heater?
Repair may make sense when the problem is limited to a replaceable component and the rest of the water heater is in good condition. Replacement may be the better investment when the tank itself has failed, problems keep returning, or the system no longer meets your household’s needs.
The decision should consider the diagnosis, repair cost, equipment condition, and any remaining warranty coverage. If your household regularly runs out of hot water, it is also worth reviewing capacity rather than simply replacing the old unit with the same size.
Choose a water heater that fits your home
Smith & Keene installs electric and natural gas water heaters and helps homeowners compare traditional tank systems with tankless options. The right choice depends on your hot water use, available space, existing connections, and budget.
Traditional tank water heaters
A tank water heater stores heated water for use throughout the home. When comparing models, consider both tank capacity and the first-hour rating, which describes how much hot water the unit can deliver in an hour starting with a fully heated tank. Your busiest period of use matters more than household size alone.
Tankless water heaters
A tankless water heater heats water as it flows through the unit. It can provide hot water continuously within its capacity, but simultaneous showers and appliances still need to be considered when sizing the system. Converting from a tank may also require changes to the installation.
Ask our team whether a tankless water heater is a good fit for your home.
What affects the cost of replacement?
The price depends on the equipment selected and the work needed to install it. Unit capacity, fuel type, access to the installation area, and changes to plumbing, electrical connections, or venting can affect the estimate.
An installation estimate lets you compare the proposed equipment and scope of work before making a decision. Smith & Keene offers free estimates for installation and replacement; schedule a service appointment if you need an existing problem diagnosed.
Water heater service across Hampton Roads
Smith & Keene serves homeowners on the Southside and Peninsula, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Yorktown, and Williamsburg.
Our company has served Hampton Roads since 1947. We are licensed and insured, and our technicians are Smith & Keene employees. You can also ask about our plumbing maintenance agreements, which include water heater care based on the plan selected.
- Virginia Beach
- Norfolk
- Chesapeake
- Portsmouth
- Suffolk
- Hampton
- Newport News
- Yorktown
- Williamsburg
Water heater questions
Does a leak mean I need a new water heater?
Not every leak comes from the tank itself. Nearby piping, connections, or valves may be involved. The source needs to be identified before deciding whether a repair is possible or the water heater needs to be replaced.
Can I switch from a tank to tankless?
It may be an option, but the installation needs to be evaluated first. Hot water demand, available fuel or electrical supply, venting requirements, and installation space all affect which system will work for your home.
Do you offer water heater maintenance?
Yes. Smith & Keene’s plumbing maintenance agreements include checking water heater operation and flushing a standard tank water heater. The Premium plan also includes flushing one tankless water heater. Review the current plan details with our team to choose the appropriate coverage.
Schedule your water heater service
Need reliable hot water again? Call Smith & Keene at (757) 231-7571 to schedule service. If you are planning a new water heater, request a free installation or replacement estimate.