Hot water heater replacement, installation and upgrades
Whether your water heater has failed, you are building new, or your family keeps running out of hot water, tell us about your project. Magic Valley Water handles it from quote to finished job.
What do you need?
Pick the option closest to your situation.
- ReplacementYour current water heater is failing, leaking, or past its recommended lifetime.Read more
- New installationNew builds, additions, shops and outbuildings that need hot water for the first time.Read more
- System upgradesRun out of hot water when you are the last one to shower? Sometimes adding a second unit is all it takes.Read more
Hot water problems, and what they usually mean
Many people do not realise their water heater is the problem until something goes wrong. If one of these sounds familiar, it may be time to look at your system.
Why does my hot water run out so fast?
The most common reason is that the tank is too small for how your household uses hot water today. Sediment building up in the bottom of the tank, a failing heating element or an aging unit can also shrink the amount of hot water you get.
Upgrade optionsWhy does my hot water run out after a bath?
Filling a bathtub uses a large share of a typical tank, and the heater then needs time to recover. With kids' baths and showers back to back, the last person often gets cold water. A larger tank, a second water heater or a tankless unit can fix this. You may not need to replace what you have.
Upgrade optionsWhy is the last person to shower always cold?
Your household is using hot water faster than the heater can make it. Adding a second unit, moving to a larger or higher-recovery heater, or splitting the load between two heaters are common ways to get more hot water.
Upgrade optionsWhy is my hot water only lukewarm?
On an electric heater, one failed element often leaves water warm but not hot. Sediment, a faulty thermostat or a heater that is simply worn out can do the same. If it keeps happening, it is worth having the unit looked at.
Replacement optionsWhy is my hot water rusty or brown?
If only the hot water is discolored, the inside of the tank may be corroding. That usually means the heater is near the end of its life.
Replacement optionsWhy is my water heater making popping or rumbling noises?
That sound is usually water boiling under a layer of mineral sediment on the bottom of the tank. Hard water, which is common across the Magic Valley, makes this build-up happen faster and can shorten a heater's life.
Replacement optionsWhy is there water around my water heater?
Some leaks come from a fitting or the relief valve, but water seeping from the tank itself usually means it has failed and needs replacing. Shut off the water supply to the heater if the leak is heavy.
Replacement optionsHow long do water heaters last?
Tank water heaters often last somewhere around 8 to 12 years, depending on the model, your water and how hard it works. The manufacture date is usually on the label. If yours is in that range and showing any of these signs, plan ahead before it fails.
Replacement options
Choosing a water heater: the basics
Tank or tankless
Tank heaters store hot water and tend to cost less to buy. Tankless heaters warm water as you use it and take less space, but they can need larger gas lines or extra electrical capacity.
Fuel type
Most homes use electricity, natural gas or propane. What you can use depends on what is already connected to your home, and switching fuel usually adds work and cost.
Size and capacity
The right size depends on how many people live in the home and how much hot water you use at once, such as baths, showers and laundry. We size your system around your household.
Efficiency options
Higher-efficiency models, including heat pump water heaters, can lower running costs. They may need more space or airflow, and incentives change, so ask us what applies when you get your quote.
Common questions
Does Magic Valley Water install water heaters?
Yes. Magic Valley Water handles water heater replacements, new installations and upgrades. We look after your project from your first call to the finished job.
How can I get more hot water without replacing everything?
Sometimes it is as simple as adding a second water heater alongside the one you have. Other options are a larger tank or a different type of heater. Tell us how your household uses hot water and we will suggest what fits.
Do I need a new water heater or a second one?
If your heater is old, leaking or failing, replacement usually makes sense. If it works fine but cannot keep up with your family, adding a second unit can be the better answer.
Which counties do you cover?
We are starting with a small number of Idaho counties. Coverage can vary by location within a county and may change over time, so see the service areas page for the current list.
Can I request a quote if I am not sure what I need?
Yes. Describe what is happening in the request form, such as running out of hot water or strange noises, and pick the option that fits best. We will talk it through with you.
Ready to get started?
Tell us about your project and we will take it from there.