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When a water heater fails, it usually fails on a busy morning. A-1 Sewer Service installs tank and tankless water heaters for homes and businesses around Iowa City and the Corridor. We check the gas supply, venting and space before recommending a unit, so the one you get fits the house and the way you use hot water. Call (319) 600-4224 or use the contact page.
A tank heater keeps a set amount of water hot and ready. A tankless heater heats water only when a tap is open. Neither is right for every house. Here's how they compare.
| Tank water heater | Tankless water heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water supply | Limited to what's in the tank | Continuous while a tap is open |
| Space needed | Floor space for the tank | Mounts on a wall |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Install work | Usually a straight swap | Often needs gas line and venting changes |
| Best fit | Smaller households, simpler installs | Busy households, tight utility rooms |
Households where several people shower back to back, or where the tank keeps running out, often do better with tankless. If a straight swap of the existing tank is what makes sense, we'll say so.
We start by looking at what you have now: the size of the old unit, the gas line or electrical supply, the venting and the room around it. Then we recommend a unit and give you a price. On install day we drain and disconnect the old heater, set the new one, connect water, gas or power and venting, and fill and test it. We check for leaks and make sure the water reaches temperature before we leave.
These two things decide whether an install is simple or involved. A tankless unit usually needs a larger gas supply than a tank, and it often vents differently. If your gas line or vent has to change, we'll explain why and include it in the price up front, so there are no surprises halfway through.
Most tank heaters last somewhere around 8 to 12 years. Watch for water leaking from the bottom of the tank, rusty or discolored hot water, popping or rumbling sounds as it heats, or hot water that runs out faster than it used to. A tank that's past ten years old and showing any of these is worth replacing before it fails. A leaking tank is an emergency, and our emergency plumbing page explains what to shut off while you wait.
Eastern Iowa water is hard. The minerals settle at the bottom of a tank as scale, which insulates the water from the burner, makes the heater work harder and causes that rumbling sound. Flushing a tank now and then slows the buildup. Tankless units collect scale too, inside the heat exchanger, so they need periodic descaling.
Older houses, finished basements and apartments often put the water heater in a closet or a corner that's barely big enough for it. Because a tankless unit hangs on the wall, it often fits where a new tank won't. We work with the space you have and tell you what's realistic before you buy anything.
We install water heaters in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, Cedar Rapids, West Liberty, Kalona and the Amana Colonies. For fixture work and other plumbing, see the plumbing page.
Finished work from across Eastern Iowa. Drag the slider to compare.
“First time using A1 and I can’t say enough positive. Andy came within the hour that I called to unclog a basement floor drain. He was very thorough and checked to make sure the blockage was not coming from more than one area. He cleaned it out in a short time, got things moving and had good suggestions to help minimize future problems. Reasonable charges for good work and an honest pleasant person. Highly recommended.”
“Fantastic service! Called, told him the bottom of my water heater is leaking, sent him pics of everything and he was out the next day replacing it at a reasonable price! Highly recommend 👌 Thank you!”
“10 Stars if I could. Coming from someone who builds systems and processes for a 9 figure company, Andy does it all right and keeps it simple. Easy to find in search, stands out in reviews, easy to see why. Answered the phone 8am first try, flexible to when I needed, arrived within hours of first contact. Followups easy in text. Got pertinent info, walked the house, got to work, fixed it and another issue after quick run to store for parts. More than reasonable price. In my phone for next time if I ever need it! Thanks Andy!”
It depends on the type and size of unit and whether the gas line or venting has to change. We'll give you a price after looking at your setup, before any work starts.
A straight tank-for-tank swap is usually done in a single visit. A tankless conversion with gas or venting changes takes longer. We'll tell you what to expect when we quote it.
Usually, yes. Many tankless units vent differently than a standard tank, which is one reason we look at the existing setup before recommending one.
Sometimes. Utility companies and manufacturers run rebates on efficient models from time to time. Check with your gas or electric provider, and ask us when we quote the job.
Main sewer lines, kitchen sinks, floor drains and bathroom drains.
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Learn moreA camera look inside the line, with the problem marked on the ground.
Learn moreFixtures, disposals, sump pumps, downspout lines, leaks and sewer repair.
Learn more24/7 response for sewer backups, burst pipes and failed sump pumps.
Learn moreTank and tankless heaters, with gas and venting checked first.
You’re on this pageIf your water heater is leaking, noisy or running out of hot water, call A-1 Sewer Service at (319) 600-4224 or send a message through the contact page.
Drain cleaning and plumbing from our shop off Bay Ridge Ave on the south side of Iowa City.
