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
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.
"Great communication"
Jennifer R 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.
"Great communication"
Jennifer R 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
At GK Plumbing Services we are extremely passionate about the work that we do. You can depend on us to provide a high quality service at a fair and honest price. We understand that the future of our business depends upon our reputation and that is why customer service is by far our highest priority. If you are looking for a professional you can trust, please call today to schedule a no obligation estimate!
"Went through a home warranty service. Greg Kibler never came back to finish the plumbing job. He assessed the situation and said he would come back later in the day and never did. He didnt follow up the next day either. He took my $75 dollars through Venmo. Watch out for GK Plumbing Services."
James W on March 2025
At GK Plumbing Services we are extremely passionate about the work that we do. You can depend on us to provide a high quality service at a fair and honest price. We understand that the future of our business depends upon our reputation and that is why customer service is by far our highest priority. If you are looking for a professional you can trust, please call today to schedule a no obligation estimate!
"Went through a home warranty service. Greg Kibler never came back to finish the plumbing job. He assessed the situation and said he would come back later in the day and never did. He didnt follow up the next day either. He took my $75 dollars through Venmo. Watch out for GK Plumbing Services."
James W on March 2025
We are the water heater experts with over 25 years of experience we offer exceptional residential service, we are gas certified, we specialize in water heater installation and service. Locally owned and operated for quick response to your water heater needs. We never use subcontractors for any work performed and only install manufactures brand water heaters unlike the two big box stores.
"Gave a no drama estimate and even stopped by to check to make sure larger water heater I requested was going to fit before starting the work. During the site visit, Water Heater Services Rep found an issue that would need to be brought up to code - this resulted in a minor increase in price from original estimate. The other contractor that we had bid on the contract was more than twice the price with a lot of extras added on to the contract. It is a water heater for goodness sakes."
Mike H on April 2025
We are the water heater experts with over 25 years of experience we offer exceptional residential service, we are gas certified, we specialize in water heater installation and service. Locally owned and operated for quick response to your water heater needs. We never use subcontractors for any work performed and only install manufactures brand water heaters unlike the two big box stores.
"Gave a no drama estimate and even stopped by to check to make sure larger water heater I requested was going to fit before starting the work. During the site visit, Water Heater Services Rep found an issue that would need to be brought up to code - this resulted in a minor increase in price from original estimate. The other contractor that we had bid on the contract was more than twice the price with a lot of extras added on to the contract. It is a water heater for goodness sakes."
Mike H on April 2025
Appleton Campbell is the local name you can count on for all of your plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical needs.
"Yes the job was completed and worked. The plumber that they sent out was not professional."
Gail D on February 2025
Appleton Campbell is the local name you can count on for all of your plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical needs.
"Yes the job was completed and worked. The plumber that they sent out was not professional."
Gail D on February 2025
We are a locally owned and operated company with over 10 years of industry experience.We specialize in plumbing, snow removal and property management. Licensed class c contractor. Offices in northern Virginia and Shenandoah county Virginia
"Fantastic customer service. Came within 30 mins of calling them on a Wednesday evening. Cleared the shower/tub drain in 20 minutes and showed me how to prevent it from happening again."
Chris P on June 2023
We are a locally owned and operated company with over 10 years of industry experience.We specialize in plumbing, snow removal and property management. Licensed class c contractor. Offices in northern Virginia and Shenandoah county Virginia
"Fantastic customer service. Came within 30 mins of calling them on a Wednesday evening. Cleared the shower/tub drain in 20 minutes and showed me how to prevent it from happening again."
Chris P on June 2023
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the 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.
"Very good plumber."
Omar A on June 2025
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the 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.
"Very good plumber."
Omar A on June 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
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
Were dedicated to providing our clients with the very best in service, installation, and repair for all phases of your plumbing needs. We specialize in a variety of residential and commercial services and take pride in the attention to detail put into each of the projects we're involved with. We're known for our quality work and the integrity of our business. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our clients, and guarantee your satisfaction.
"I have used their services several times, they exceeded all my expectations, they were reliable,honest and their workmanship was outstanding. I highly recommend them."
Robert S on March 2025
Were dedicated to providing our clients with the very best in service, installation, and repair for all phases of your plumbing needs. We specialize in a variety of residential and commercial services and take pride in the attention to detail put into each of the projects we're involved with. We're known for our quality work and the integrity of our business. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our clients, and guarantee your satisfaction.
"I have used their services several times, they exceeded all my expectations, they were reliable,honest and their workmanship was outstanding. I highly recommend them."
Robert S on March 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.