We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers' needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs, and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work, and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job. We will treat your home as we would treat our own. Give ZZ Connections, Inc. a call today, we look forward to working with you!
"ZZ Connections replaced the gas water heater in my home on schedule and at a very reasonable price. The crew arrived on time, they were very professional and completed the job in a timely manner. The supervisor completed an inspection and talked with me about the gas heater, what to expect and assisted me with closing the job and requirements for permits. I would recommend their services and I will continue to call on them for future inspections."
Sherri C on August 2022
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers' needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs, and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work, and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job. We will treat your home as we would treat our own. Give ZZ Connections, Inc. a call today, we look forward to working with you!
"ZZ Connections replaced the gas water heater in my home on schedule and at a very reasonable price. The crew arrived on time, they were very professional and completed the job in a timely manner. The supervisor completed an inspection and talked with me about the gas heater, what to expect and assisted me with closing the job and requirements for permits. I would recommend their services and I will continue to call on them for future inspections."
Sherri C on August 2022
We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Jaime did a great job. He is clearly knowledgeable and used high quality copper pipes and a State Pro heater. It’s working great. "
Lisa S on May 2025
We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Jaime did a great job. He is clearly knowledgeable and used high quality copper pipes and a State Pro heater. It’s working great. "
Lisa S on May 2025
Michael Bonsby HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical – Trusted HVAC Contractor in Northern Virginia Michael Bonsby is your go-to HVAC and plumbing company serving Northern Virginia with dependable service, competitive pricing, and expert solutions. Specializing in air conditioning installation, heating repair, HVAC maintenance, and residential plumbing services, we help homeowners and businesses stay comfortable year-round. Whether you’re looking for fast AC repair in Fairfax, furnace replacement in Arlington, or a reliable HVAC maintenance plan in Loudoun County, our certified technicians deliver high-quality workmanship backed by decades of experience. We proudly serve communities throughout Northern Virginia with personalized solutions for all your indoor comfort needs.
Michael Bonsby HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical – Trusted HVAC Contractor in Northern Virginia Michael Bonsby is your go-to HVAC and plumbing company serving Northern Virginia with dependable service, competitive pricing, and expert solutions. Specializing in air conditioning installation, heating repair, HVAC maintenance, and residential plumbing services, we help homeowners and businesses stay comfortable year-round. Whether you’re looking for fast AC repair in Fairfax, furnace replacement in Arlington, or a reliable HVAC maintenance plan in Loudoun County, our certified technicians deliver high-quality workmanship backed by decades of experience. We proudly serve communities throughout Northern Virginia with personalized solutions for all your indoor comfort needs.
At RightNOW Plumbing, we specialize in water heater repair & installation. We are Northern Virginia's premier water heater experts and the area's leading Tankless installer. We have established ourselves as the go to company for quality work and outstanding customer service. Whether it is a repair, installation or conversion to tankless, we will leave you with a smile when the job is done. We are ready to take on any water heater project and deliver results you will be proud of. We know that it takes more than just materials, tools, and skill to deliver outstanding results. That is why we are committed to unsurpassed customer service. We will not be satisfied until you are, that is our promise.
"RightNow Plumbing reliably provides competent, scrupulous, trustworthy service. Recently I engaged Andy to service our well-water acid neutralizer tank, because I questioned the reliability of service by another company 13 months earlier. Andy tested our water and found that its pH value was 6.97, which was consistent with previous readings over the past six months when he did other work for us. Because our well-water pH is essentially neutral, Andy explained the acid neutralizer tank is not necessary. He offered two options: 1) remove the tank (thus leaving us with only the water softener tank) or 2) empty it, which option I selected. He also reduced the cost of the service call. Andy’s approach starkly contrasts with the other company that for years took advantage of an unsuspecting customer by charging almost $300 to “service” the tank and unnecessarily adding expensive calcite. For competent, scrupulous, trustworthy service, call RightNow Plumbing. Posted May 14, 2025"
Paul C on May 2025
At RightNOW Plumbing, we specialize in water heater repair & installation. We are Northern Virginia's premier water heater experts and the area's leading Tankless installer. We have established ourselves as the go to company for quality work and outstanding customer service. Whether it is a repair, installation or conversion to tankless, we will leave you with a smile when the job is done. We are ready to take on any water heater project and deliver results you will be proud of. We know that it takes more than just materials, tools, and skill to deliver outstanding results. That is why we are committed to unsurpassed customer service. We will not be satisfied until you are, that is our promise.
"RightNow Plumbing reliably provides competent, scrupulous, trustworthy service. Recently I engaged Andy to service our well-water acid neutralizer tank, because I questioned the reliability of service by another company 13 months earlier. Andy tested our water and found that its pH value was 6.97, which was consistent with previous readings over the past six months when he did other work for us. Because our well-water pH is essentially neutral, Andy explained the acid neutralizer tank is not necessary. He offered two options: 1) remove the tank (thus leaving us with only the water softener tank) or 2) empty it, which option I selected. He also reduced the cost of the service call. Andy’s approach starkly contrasts with the other company that for years took advantage of an unsuspecting customer by charging almost $300 to “service” the tank and unnecessarily adding expensive calcite. For competent, scrupulous, trustworthy service, call RightNow Plumbing. Posted May 14, 2025"
Paul C on May 2025
We have over 20 years of experience in the business. Here at First Choice Plumbing & Remodeling we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Our basement flooded when both of our sump pumps failed. Tommy showed up quickly and replaced/installed both and saved our bacon! Terry also replaced a kitchen sink and front spigot. Both are skilled, professional gentlemen and we'll continue to call on First Choice moving forward. We couldn't be more pleased. Nice work, guys!"
Jen C on May 2025
We have over 20 years of experience in the business. Here at First Choice Plumbing & Remodeling we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Our basement flooded when both of our sump pumps failed. Tommy showed up quickly and replaced/installed both and saved our bacon! Terry also replaced a kitchen sink and front spigot. Both are skilled, professional gentlemen and we'll continue to call on First Choice moving forward. We couldn't be more pleased. Nice work, guys!"
Jen C on May 2025
Beacon Home Services is a family owned and operated electrical & plumbing contractor. Our experienced plumbers & electricians have been providing superior services to the Northern Virginia Area since 2002. Our Master technicians are fully licensed and have more than enough experience to insure your satisfaction with our services. We have proven our ability to satisfy customers by reinventing the service industry and putting customer service at the top of our list! Customer safety is also very important to Beacon Home Services. That's why all our employees have gone through background checks so you can be sure that you're in good hands with Beacon Home Services.
"They did a good job. But their prices are on the higher end."
Joe A on June 2025
Beacon Home Services is a family owned and operated electrical & plumbing contractor. Our experienced plumbers & electricians have been providing superior services to the Northern Virginia Area since 2002. Our Master technicians are fully licensed and have more than enough experience to insure your satisfaction with our services. We have proven our ability to satisfy customers by reinventing the service industry and putting customer service at the top of our list! Customer safety is also very important to Beacon Home Services. That's why all our employees have gone through background checks so you can be sure that you're in good hands with Beacon Home Services.
"They did a good job. But their prices are on the higher end."
Joe A on June 2025
We have over 10 years of experience in the business. Here at Kozan Construction, LLC, we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"The original project I hired them for was to replace leaky faucets in both the kitchen and bathroom. Frank, the owner, was responsive and professional. They scheduled the work promptly and showed up on time. Unexpected issues were discovered that required a second trip and additional work. They communicated everything clearly and the additional costs were handled separately and transparently. They also cleaned up after the work was done. I would hire them again."
Ruxandra B on June 2025
We have over 10 years of experience in the business. Here at Kozan Construction, LLC, we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"The original project I hired them for was to replace leaky faucets in both the kitchen and bathroom. Frank, the owner, was responsive and professional. They scheduled the work promptly and showed up on time. Unexpected issues were discovered that required a second trip and additional work. They communicated everything clearly and the additional costs were handled separately and transparently. They also cleaned up after the work was done. I would hire them again."
Ruxandra B on June 2025
Snell Heating & Air Conditioning, is your go-to choice for protecting your family's safety and comfort. If you need furnace or air conditioner repair, we have many service vehicles and technicians in the Northern Virginia area so we can get to you quicker. We offer same day and next day service in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Oak Hill, Great Falls, Centreville, Chantilly, Burke, Springfield, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Falls Church, Reston, Herndon, all of Fairfax County. Sterling, Ashburn, Cascades & majority of Loudoun. Check out our complete list of cities served. With our unique 7-7-7 service you get the same low rate from 7AM to 7PM, 7 days/week! Snell also specializes in routine maintenance and service, and if you need a new system, or want to learn about getting a new system, we can get you all the information you need to make a smart decision. Call us today and let us earn your business! We accept all major credit cards and offer flexible financing.
"Customer service is always great, appointments easy to make quickly, all technitions are knowledgeable, respectful and answer my questions thoroughly. They arrive on time and call when they are on their way. Prices are comparable and coupons make them lower."
Angela lanza L on January 2024
Snell Heating & Air Conditioning, is your go-to choice for protecting your family's safety and comfort. If you need furnace or air conditioner repair, we have many service vehicles and technicians in the Northern Virginia area so we can get to you quicker. We offer same day and next day service in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Oak Hill, Great Falls, Centreville, Chantilly, Burke, Springfield, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Falls Church, Reston, Herndon, all of Fairfax County. Sterling, Ashburn, Cascades & majority of Loudoun. Check out our complete list of cities served. With our unique 7-7-7 service you get the same low rate from 7AM to 7PM, 7 days/week! Snell also specializes in routine maintenance and service, and if you need a new system, or want to learn about getting a new system, we can get you all the information you need to make a smart decision. Call us today and let us earn your business! We accept all major credit cards and offer flexible financing.
"Customer service is always great, appointments easy to make quickly, all technitions are knowledgeable, respectful and answer my questions thoroughly. They arrive on time and call when they are on their way. Prices are comparable and coupons make them lower."
Angela lanza L on January 2024
We are in the industry providing plumbing and fire protection systems to residents and businesses in and around Maryland for over 22 years. During all this time we were working to improve customer satisfaction before, during and after the service based on our agile management, trained team and quality materials. Now, years of experience in the market allows us to guarantee that our work will be of the highest quality.
"Family Fire Service did a great job replacing my water heater! They were quick, attentive, and thorough. Excellent work! "
Hassan C on May 2025
We are in the industry providing plumbing and fire protection systems to residents and businesses in and around Maryland for over 22 years. During all this time we were working to improve customer satisfaction before, during and after the service based on our agile management, trained team and quality materials. Now, years of experience in the market allows us to guarantee that our work will be of the highest quality.
"Family Fire Service did a great job replacing my water heater! They were quick, attentive, and thorough. Excellent work! "
Hassan C on May 2025
Raymond is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.
Raymond is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.
You'll need an expansion tank if your home has a closed water system, which is standard in newer homes or those with backflow preventers or pressure regulators. Expanding hot water has nowhere to go in closed systems, creating potentially damaging pressure. The expansion tank provides space for this expanded water, protecting your plumbing system and water heater from premature failure. Many local building codes now require expansion tanks, and some water heater warranties may be voided without one.
For a standard 50-gallon water heater, a two-gallon expansion tank is sufficient. This sizing assumes normal household water pressure between 40 and 60 psi. If your home has higher water pressure (60 to 80 psi), consider upgrading to a slightly larger tank for added protection. The expansion tank's purpose is to accommodate the increased volume that occurs when cold water heats up, which is proportional to your water heater's capacity.
Watch for signs like dripping water around the tank, fluctuating water pressure throughout your home, or unusual noises in your plumbing system. A properly functioning expansion tank should feel light when tapped on the bottom—if it feels heavy or waterlogged, the internal bladder has likely failed. Other indicators include frequent triggering of your temperature and pressure relief valve, visible corrosion on the tank, or unexplained increases in your water bill, suggesting hidden leaks.
Most expansion tanks have a service life of five to 10 years, though some may last up to 12 years or more with proper maintenance. Factors affecting lifespan include water quality, system pressure, installation quality, and tank construction. Hard water areas often see shorter lifespans due to mineral buildup. Regular maintenance checks can help identify potential issues before complete failure. When your water heater is due for replacement, it's wise to replace the expansion tank simultaneously, even if it hasn't failed yet.
A 30-gallon water heater needs an expansion tank if your home has a closed plumbing system. The need for an expansion tank is determined by your plumbing system type rather than water heater size. Even smaller water heaters create thermal expansion when heating water. If your home has a backflow preventer, pressure regulator, or check valve on the main water line, you have a closed system that requires an expansion tank. Check your local plumbing codes, as many jurisdictions now mandate expansion tanks regardless of water heater size.