Water Heater Installation in Hickory, NC

An aging tank nearing the end of its lifespan, a unit that's outgrown your household's hot water demand, or a decision to switch to tankless are all different reasons for a new water heater. A&B Plumbing handles water heater installation in Hickory, NC for homeowners, businesses, and organizations, helping you choose the right unit and installing it correctly the first time.

Signs It's Time for Water Heater Replacement

Water heater replacement usually becomes the better option, rather than another repair, when:

  • The tank itself is leaking or corroded, which can't be repaired
  • The unit is past 10 to 12 years old and showing multiple symptoms at once
  • Repairs are becoming frequent or the parts are getting harder to source
  • The household's hot water demand has outgrown the tank's capacity
  • You're switching from a tank system to tankless for space or efficiency reasons

We'll walk you through whether your current unit is a repair or replacement situation before recommending anything.

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New Water Heater Installation

New water heater installation means putting in a brand-new unit, whether that's replacing a failing tank, upgrading to a larger capacity, or switching to tankless. A&B Plumbing installs new water heaters using your home's or business's existing plumbing, gas, and electrical connections, sizing the new unit correctly for actual usage rather than just matching what was there before.

  • Choosing a Water Heater Installer

    Picking a water heater installer matters as much as picking the unit itself, since incorrect sizing, venting, or gas line work can shorten the lifespan of an otherwise good water heater. A&B Plumbing's plumbers are trained specifically on the brands we install, so the sizing and setup match the manufacturer's specifications rather than a generic install.

  • Navien Tankless Water Heater Installation

    We mainly install Navien tankless systems and are a certified Navien Tankless dealer and service center. We stock all parts for the Navien units we install, so if a part is ever needed down the line, it's already on hand rather than backordered.

  • Bradford White Tank Water Heater Installation

    For traditional tank systems, we mainly install Bradford White units. We're certified across most major water heater manufacturers, and our plumbers complete ongoing training so installation follows the manufacturer's documented specifications.

  • What to Expect From Hot Water Heater Installation

    Hot water heater installation with A&B Plumbing starts with confirming what your household or business actually needs: fuel type, tank size or tankless capacity, and venting requirements. From there, our plumbers remove the old unit, install the new one to code, and test it before we leave.

Why Hickory Homeowners and Businesses Choose A&B Plumbing

Homeowners and businesses throughout Hickory choose A&B Plumbing for:

  • A Small, Owner-Operated Team: A&B Plumbing is a three-person, owner-operated plumbing business with 30 years of experience, known locally as the plumber people can always count on.
  • Licensed, Insured, Fully Stocked: Our plumbers are fully licensed and insured, and trucks arrive stocked so most jobs move forward without a return trip for parts.
  • Manufacturer-Certified Installers: We're certified across most major water heater manufacturers, including as a Navien Tankless dealer and service center, so installations follow documented specifications rather than guesswork.
  • Four-Year In-House Apprenticeship: Every A&B plumber trains through our in-house four-year apprenticeship program before installing systems independently.
  • A+ Rated, 5-Star Reviewed: A&B Plumbing holds a BBB A+ rating and is Google 5-Star rated.
  • Financing and Member Pricing: Financing is available through Wistack and HouseCall Pro, and members of our maintenance and membership program receive discounted service.

Most Asked Water Heater Installation Questions

How long does water heater installation take?

A straightforward tank swap can often be completed in a single visit. Tankless installation can take longer if it requires new venting or gas line adjustments to meet the unit's specifications.

Should I replace my tank water heater with a tankless system?

It depends on your household's hot water usage, available space, and current fuel line setup. Tankless systems require different venting and gas capacity than tank systems, which we assess before recommending a switch.

Does switching to tankless require new venting?

Often, yes. Tankless units vent differently than tank-style water heaters, typically requiring dedicated venting sized to the unit's specifications rather than reusing a tank's existing vent. That's one of the main reasons a tankless installation can take longer or involve more scope than a straight tank swap, and it's something we assess before quoting the job.

Talk to A&B Plumbing About Your New Water Heater Installation

If your water heater is due for replacement, or you're ready to talk through switching to tankless, call A&B Plumbing. We'll help you choose the right unit for your home or business and install it correctly.