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
All Around Services is a top-rated, family-owned Class A plumbing company proudly serving Spotsylvania, VA and surrounding areas. Known for our reliability, honest communication, and high-quality workmanship, we bring a master plumber to every job—no shortcuts, no surprises. We take the time to educate our customers and treat every home with care and respect. Let us show you why so many homeowners on Angi trust us for their plumbing needs.
"Drew is professional and does great work!! I have used All Around Services for lots of jobs and has always been done right!! "
Marcia M on June 2025
All Around Services is a top-rated, family-owned Class A plumbing company proudly serving Spotsylvania, VA and surrounding areas. Known for our reliability, honest communication, and high-quality workmanship, we bring a master plumber to every job—no shortcuts, no surprises. We take the time to educate our customers and treat every home with care and respect. Let us show you why so many homeowners on Angi trust us for their plumbing needs.
"Drew is professional and does great work!! I have used All Around Services for lots of jobs and has always been done right!! "
Marcia M on June 2025
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.