Modern & Speedy FAQs

Here are some common questions we get asked fairly regularly. We love to serve our customers in every way, including helping you to understand all the ins and outs of general plumbing and water heater systems. If you have any questions or concerns about your plumbing or water heater needs, never hesitate to call us at (410) 570-4226! We available 24/7 and are ready to serve your pressing water heater needs.

Need help? Click to Call: 443-623-0709

What are the signs I need a new hot water heater?
Well, one clear indication is that you don’t have hot water! Is there water on the floor beneath your water heater? Is your water heater more than 8 years old? Unfortunately, no water heater is without a shelf life. The older your water heater gets, the more increased are the chances you may need to repair or replace it.

Can you get rid of my old water heater?
Sure thing, your old water heater will be removed, hauled away, and recycled -- at no cost to you. 

Should I replace or repair my water heater?
Factors include heavy use and age. If your water heater is older than 8 years old, there is the chance that you may need to replace it. And if the cost of repair is approaching the cost of replacement, it may be the better choice to simply replace it rather than put off the eventual inevitable, giving you confidence that you’ll have years of performance for years to come. The last thing anyone wants is a flood in the home due to an outdated water heater, because the cost in damages to your home could be much worse. Many people call Speedy as a preventative measure when they know their water heater is simply getting along in the years.

Is there anything I can do before calling?
​It would be great to let us know what kind of water heater you have. Is it an electric water heater? Gas? Solar? Tankless? Also, please let us know about the location of your water heater and the model number and serial number helps a lot too. This gives us a lot of useful information in determining what your needs are before coming out to your home. It may be that we can do a simple repair, and we may be able to save you the cost of replacement.

Do you provide financing? 
We accept checks, most major credit cards, and of course cash, and can assist you with financing if needed. That’s what’s up.

It looks like a valve is leaking! Can you help?
Sometimes a water heater will leak at the relief valve. This can be due to high water temperature or high water pressure. The relief valve will open up when the temp goes above 210 degrees or the water pressure goes over 150 psi. We can help you.   

What is that bubble-looking tank next to the water heater?
That’s called an expansion tank and it absorbs expanding water, which occurs when your water heats up. Yup, water heaters have been know to explode. In some parts of the country the plumbing code requires expansion tanks. When the water heats it expands and it has to go somewhere. Without an expansion tank the pressure could rise dangerously, and... boom.

What is a tankless hot water heater?
There are definite advantages to a tankless water heater system. 1) You get hot water on demand; 2) The energy use is typically lower; and 3) it takes up much less room by eliminating the need for a large tank. But there are also some disadvantages: 1) There are limitations if you have several needs for hot water going at the same time, especially when the weather is cold, placing a larger demand on the heating system; and 2) retrofitting to a tankless system can cost more, depending on a variety of factors that can be discussed surrounding your unique situation.

Can’t I install ‘my own dang water heater’?
Because we’re talking about water, and lots of it, in your home, you kinda should be a plumber :) All kidding aside, the installation of a hot water heater is not without its dangers and should be performed according to code and safety requirements! We're here because we’ve found that most people don’t want to endanger their home or standing with local laws! We’re friendly and affordable and we install the day you call.