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Hot Water Problems? We Fix and Install All Types.
Few things disrupt your daily routine faster than losing hot water. Whether your water heater is leaking, not heating, or has failed completely, Worley’s gets the problem solved quickly — often the same day you call.
We repair all types of water heaters and install new tank, tankless, and heat pump water heater systems sized to your household’s needs. Our plumbing team has been serving the Virginia Peninsula since 2016, and we approach every job the same way: diagnose accurately, price honestly, and fix it right the first time.
Tank vs. Tankless vs. Heat Pump Water Heaters
Choosing the right water heater depends on your household size, hot water usage patterns, available space, and budget. Here’s how the three main options compare:
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Traditional Tank Water Heaters
The most common type in Peninsula homes. A tank water heater stores 40–80 gallons of hot water and keeps it heated around the clock. They’re affordable to install, work with any home’s existing plumbing, and are straightforward to repair.
Pros: Lowest upfront cost, simple installation, reliable technology. Cons: Higher monthly energy costs (heats water 24/7 even when you’re not using it), takes up floor space, runs out of hot water during heavy usage.
Typical lifespan: 8–12 years.
Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters
Tankless units heat water as it flows through the unit — no storage tank needed. You get continuous hot water without waiting for a tank to refill. They’re compact, wall-mounted, and use 24–34% less energy than conventional tank heaters for homes that use 41 gallons or less per day.
Pros: Endless hot water, lower energy bills, compact size, longer lifespan. Cons: Higher upfront cost, may require gas line or electrical upgrades, flow rate limitations in very large homes.
Typical lifespan: 15–20 years.
Heat Pump Water Heaters (Hybrid)
Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from the surrounding air into the water — similar to how a heat pump HVAC system works. They’re the most energy-efficient option, using up to 60% less electricity than standard electric tank heaters.
Pros: Lowest operating cost, qualifies for federal tax credits (up to $2,000), works well in Virginia’s climate. Cons: Higher upfront cost, needs adequate surrounding air space, slightly slower recovery rate.
Typical lifespan: 12–15 years.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair or Replacement
Age
Tank water heaters last 8–12 years on average. Check the manufacturer date on your unit’s label. If it’s approaching or past this range, start planning for replacement before it fails unexpectedly.
Rusty or discolored hot water
Rust-colored water from your hot taps (but not cold) usually means the inside of your tank is corroding. Once rust starts, a leak isn’t far behind.
Rumbling or popping sounds
Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank hardens over time and causes popping or rumbling as the burner heats through the sediment layer. This reduces efficiency and accelerates tank deterioration.
Water pooling around the base
Any water around your heater’s base needs immediate attention. It could be a failing pressure relief valve (repairable) or a cracked tank (replacement needed).
Not enough hot water
If you’re running out of hot water faster than you used to, it could be a failing heating element, a broken dip tube, or sediment reducing your tank’s effective capacity.
Frequent repairs
If you’ve had your water heater repaired more than twice in the past year, the money is better spent toward a new unit.
What to Expect from Worley’s Water Heater Service
For repairs
We diagnose the problem, explain what’s wrong and what it costs to fix, and complete the repair — usually in a single visit. If the repair cost approaches replacement value, we’ll tell you upfront so you can make an informed decision.
For installations
We evaluate your household’s hot water needs, recommend the right type and size, provide a detailed written quote, and install the new system. We handle all removal, disposal, plumbing connections, code compliance, and testing. Most tank replacements are completed in 4–6 hours. Tankless and heat pump installations may take a full day depending on the work involved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Heaters
How long do water heaters last?
Tank water heaters typically last 8–12 years. Tankless units last 15–20 years. Heat pump water heaters fall in the 12–15 year range. Regular maintenance — particularly annual flushing to remove sediment — can extend life at the upper end of these ranges.
Is a tankless water heater worth the extra cost?
For most Peninsula households, yes. The higher upfront cost is offset by lower monthly energy bills and a significantly longer lifespan. Tankless units are especially worthwhile if you have a large family or frequently run out of hot water. For smaller households with modest hot water needs, a standard tank heater may still be the most cost-effective choice.
What size water heater do I need?
For tank heaters, a general guideline: 1–2 people need 30–40 gallons, 3–4 people need 40–50 gallons, and 5+ people need 50–80 gallons. Tankless units are sized by flow rate (gallons per minute) rather than storage capacity. We’ll calculate the right size based on your household’s actual usage patterns during our consultation.
Do you offer same-day water heater replacement?
In many cases, yes. A failed water heater is an urgent issue, and we keep common tank sizes in stock for quick turnaround. If you need a specific model or a tankless/heat pump unit, there may be a short lead time, but we’ll work to minimize your wait.
Can I switch from tank to tankless?
Yes. We handle the full conversion, including any gas line upgrades, new venting, and electrical modifications needed. We’ll walk you through what’s involved and give you a clear cost comparison during your consultation.
Are there tax credits for water heaters?
Heat pump water heaters that meet energy efficiency requirements qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Standard tank and tankless units don’t typically qualify, though some ENERGY STAR models may be eligible for utility rebates.
Schedule Water Heater Service With the Pros at Worley’s
For water heater installation, repair, and maintenance in the Virginia Beach area, Worley’s Home Services is the company to call. All of our technicians are highly trained, licensed professionals, and we offer the best in both workmanship and attitude.
Our team will get the job done right and make sure you are fully satisfied with our service, every step of the way. We stand behind our promises with a satisfaction guarantee and a performance guarantee, so you can feel good about working with Worley’s for all of your home performance needs!
Reviews
Our boiler stopped functioning yesterday morning as night time temperatures reached into the upper 20s. Worley’s responded within a couple hours of my call and diagnosed the problem. A necessary part was ordered and arrived the next morning. Within hours, my heating system was fully repaired at a reasonable cost. The technicians, Brad and Colin, were very knowledgable, friendly, and professional. Danielle worked hard to ensure our repair was completed before Christmas. This is my second time calling Worley’s, and I cannot say enough great things about the company.
Rob Dick
After our water heater tank broke, we scheduled an appointment with Worley’s for between 8 & 10 am on a Monday. Cameron called before he arrived and was there promptly at 8. He was great with our two, somewhat excitable, dogs. The water heater was pretty old so we decided to get a new one. The closet the builders installed it in was an incredibly tight space but Cameron still got a same day installation done. Definitely using and referring people to Worley’s moving forward.
Kyle Moyer
I chose Worley’s due to their outstanding reviews. I called them at 8 am on Saturday and they were at my house checking out the situation two hours later! Daniel Mayhill was very friendly and courteous. He tried to get the heater lit to no avail and got the install appt all set up. Mike Welsh came out three days later at 9am and had the heater installed by noon. Mike was extremely friendly and showed me how the hot water heater worked and he even helped me find the water shut off valve to the house before he started the work. Price was competitive and on the lower end from what I could tell. Thank you Worley’s!
Bryce
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Once you call (757) 356-4117 or reach out to us online, you won’t want to call anyone else.