Water Heater Replacement in Upper Marlboro, MD

Upper Marlboro at a glance

The incorporated town is tiny, but the Upper Marlboro mailing area covers about 77 square miles, mixing horse-farm countryside with growing subdivisions. Most calls with this address come from outside town limits. The median home dates to about 1982. WSSC Water runs mains serving the Upper Marlboro area, but outlying rural parcels may be set up differently, so water and sewer service varies by address. Gas is the same: both Washington Gas and BGE serve parts of the county, and rural roads may have no gas mains, with homes on propane or electric.

Newer subdivisions in Westphalia and similar areas often have heaters in finished basements or garages, and a straight swap is usually simple there. Older farmhouses and homes in the historic town can need more work around the heater, from replacing old valves to updating the vent. On a large property, mention the distance from the road and any gates when you call so the plumber can plan the visit. If the home is on a private well, say so as well, since the plumber may want to look at the pressure tank and any filter while there.

What to do right now

1. Close the cold water valve above the heater if it's leaking.
2. Turn off the gas control or the electric breaker.
3. If you smell gas, leave the house instead. Call 911 and your gas utility from outside, or 911 and your propane supplier if you use propane.
4. Protect flooring and stored items from water.
5. Note the heater's fuel, size and age from the label.
6. Check your bills so you can tell the plumber who supplies your water and gas.

Symptom guide

What affects cost

• Fuel: natural gas, propane or electric
• Size, efficiency and whether you go tankless
• Venting and gas line changes
• Code items such as an expansion tank or pan
• Travel and access on larger rural properties
• WSSC permit and disposal of the old unit