Water Heater Replacement

Water Heater Replacement in Charleston, SC

When a tank starts leaking from the body, rust shows up in your hot water, or a 12-year-old unit needs its third repair, it’s time to replace it. Pineapple Plumbing offers same-day water heater replacement across Charleston and the Lowcountry. We take out your old unit and install a properly sized new one. You’ll get a written estimate first, and we’ll be honest if a repair will do the job.

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Water Heater

  • The tank is leaking from the body. A cracked or corroded tank can’t be repaired. A leak from a fitting, valve or drain spigot is usually fixable. See water heater repair.
  • Rust-colored hot water. This means corrosion has gotten past the anode rod and into the tank.
  • Age. Tank units typically last 8–12 years. If yours is over 10 and needs repeated repairs, replacing it usually costs less over time.
  • Rumbling noises and less hot water, even after a flush, which points to heavy sediment damage.
  • Repair costs are more than half the cost of a new unit.

Repair or Replace? How We Decide

Repair is usually the right call when the unit is under 8 years old, the tank isn’t leaking, and the problem is a replaceable part such as a heating element, thermostat, thermocouple, anode rod or pressure relief valve.

Replacement makes more sense when the tank body is leaking, the unit is over 10 years old and needs its second or third repair, repairs would cost more than half of a new unit, or rust shows that the tank is corroding inside.

We will never pressure you into replacing a water heater that has years of life left. You’ll see what we see and make the decision yourself.

Replacement Options

Like-for-Like Tank Replacement

This is the fastest and most affordable option, especially when you keep the same size and fuel type. It’s usually done the same day.

Upsizing

If your household now uses more hot water, we can install a larger tank, as long as the space and venting allow it.

Upgrading to Tankless

Replacement is a good time to consider going tankless. It takes more planning because of gas line, venting or electrical upgrades, and we’ll walk you through the full scope before you commit.

Our Replacement Process

  1. Diagnosis and recommendation: repair or replace, with the reasons.
  2. Written estimate before any work begins.
  3. Safe shutdown and removal: we shut off the gas or power and the water, drain the old tank and take it out.
  4. Permit and code-compliant installation: we pull the permit and add an expansion tank, update the venting or upgrade the relief valve discharge where code requires it.
  5. Testing and walkthrough: we check for leaks, set the temperature and show you the shutoffs.

Why Choose Pineapple Plumbing

  • Same-day water heater replacement across the Charleston area.
  • Available 24/7 for leaking or failed water heaters.
  • Licensed: SC Residential Plumbing License #RBP 44643. We pull the permit for every installation.
  • 22+ years of plumbing experience across our team.
  • Written estimates before work: the price we quote is the price you pay, with no hidden fees.
  • On-time arrival windows, and we call if anything changes.
  • Locally owned and veteran owned: not a franchise. Co-owner Austin Holcomb served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
  • Background-checked plumbers who use shoe covers and drop cloths and clean up before they leave.
  • Current offer: $100 off a new tank or tankless water heater installation with code HOTWATER100.

Water Heater Replacement Service Areas

We replace water heaters across Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, West Ashley, North Charleston, Goose Creek, James Island, and the rest of our service areas. Building new or adding a unit? See water heater installation.

Get a Free Estimate

Customer Support

Have a plumbing question or need service? Our friendly team is ready to help with honest advice and reliable solutions.
Call Center

+1 843-739-7438

Email Support

info@pineappleplumbingchs.com

Hours

Monday – Sunday

Open 24 Hours

Emergency Service - Available 24/7
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I should repair or replace my water heater?
Replace it if the tank body is leaking, the hot water is rusty, the unit is over 10 years old and needs repeated repairs, or the repair would cost more than half of a new unit. If the unit is under 8 years old and the problem is a single part, repair it.
Tank water heaters typically last 8–12 years, and tankless units last 15–20 years with regular maintenance. Humidity in Charleston garages and crawl spaces can speed up corrosion on external connections.
Yes. Pineapple Plumbing offers same-day water heater replacement in the Charleston area.
Can a leaking water heater be repaired?
If the leak comes from a fitting, valve or drain spigot, it can usually be repaired. If the tank itself is cracked or corroded, it has to be replaced.
It depends on your household, space and budget. Tankless costs more up front but lasts longer and uses less energy. A tank is the more affordable choice up front. We'll explain both options in your written estimate.
The price depends on the unit size, fuel type, where it's installed and any code upgrades needed. Pineapple Plumbing gives you a written estimate before starting any work, and the price we quote is the price you pay.
Book an Appointment

Water Heater Leaking or Out? Call Now

If your water heater is leaking, close the cold-water supply valve on top of the unit. Then turn off the gas valve, or the breaker on an electric unit. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility or 911. Then call (843) 739-7438. We’re available 24/7. Back to the Pineapple Plumbing homepage. You can also request service online.

Testimonial

Customer Experiences That Inspire Confidence

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Clay Wilklow profile picture
Clay Wilklow
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Austin was very helpful and knowledgeable. Took his time to explain my options and walk me through the process of my repairs.
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Richard Welliver profile picture
Richard Welliver
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Pineapple Plumbing recently installed an in‑ground gas line for a pool heater, and their work was exceptional. Their precision, professionalism, and depth of knowledge clearly differentiate them from others in the field. I’m eager to recommend them and continue using Pineapple Plumbing for future repairs and projects.
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Richard J profile picture
Richard J
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Austin from Pineapple Plumbing replaced my hot water heater. His courteous professional manner was second to none. Got same day service with top quality workmanship and service at a fair price. I give Pineapple Plumbing my highest recommendation!
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Kevin Hunholz profile picture
Kevin Hunholz
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They were great and very professional! Looking at the job once completed, you can tell they took their time! As well you can tell they did the job as if they were doing it for their own home, which goes a long way. Thank you!
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Jennifer Robinson profile picture
Jennifer Robinson
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Great people, fast response and excellent work! I highly recommend!
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Caroline Desjarlais profile picture
Caroline Desjarlais
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These guys are amazing! I called due to a clogged drain and they came out the next day. They even stayed until late evening to ensure the problem was resolved that day. All the technicians were friendly and communicated upon arrival. One of the owners even called to follow up from the visit. I have already recommended them to several people and will continue to highly recommend them to anyone in need of plumbing services.
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4pfcam_
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I had my water heater drained as it was having problems keeping my water hot Austin was great at communicating what needed to be done and identifying the problem throughly !
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D Jones profile picture
D Jones
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I just have to say first and foremost Austin was very professional, kind, knowledgeable,and listen to me.Before I called Pineapple Plumding another company came out, so to make a long story short they were going to charge me $700.00. Sent him on his way.And called Pineapple Plumding.Came out the same day.Austin Looked everthing over and sad Everthing is fine.I just saved $700.00 :) Thank You so much Austin and Pineapple Pluming.You will be my forever Plumbing company.Honest Companies do not come by much enymore. This Company is one and a million. Sincerely Mrs. Jones :)
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Amelia Something profile picture
Amelia Something
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So I posted a 5⭐️ review a month or so ago. I had all of my pipes re-done and some fixtures replaced by these wonderful people. Here we are a month later and somehow I have managed to loosen my kitchen sink. I txt them at noon, embarrassed I might add, to need help with something so frivolous. By 2 pm Austin showed up to my house to tighten it, all the while assuring me it was his pleasure and wouldn’t accept a dime from me, as it was a part of my warranty. I will forever suggest these guys to everyone I know and am so grateful they are who I chose when there are so many options out there🥰