Water heater replacement in Fairfax and Northern Virginia
Out of hot water, a leaking tank, or a heater that is simply at the end of its life? Fairfax Water Heaters helps homeowners in Fairfax and nearby Northern Virginia communities plan a replacement or installation — starting with a free, no-obligation quote.
- Free, no-obligation quote
- Tank, tankless, gas & electric
- Permit steps explained by jurisdiction
Get a free water heater quote
Free, no obligation. No spam, no pressure.
Prefer email, or want to add photos? Use the full quote form. We use your details only to respond about water heater work. Privacy policy.
What we help you with
Water heater replacement
Take out the old tank or tankless unit and install a correctly sized replacement, including the code items a finished job usually needs.
Water heater replacement →Tankless water heaters
On-demand units, when they fit, and what Fairfax-area hard water means for maintenance.
Tankless installation →Gas, electric, or heat pump
Fuel, venting, electrical service, and rebate questions, in plain language.
Gas water heaters →Electric and heat pump →
Repair or replace
When a part will do, and when a new unit is the clearer path.
Repair or replace guide →Guides: permits by jurisdiction, typical cost ranges, and what to do if the heater is leaking.
How a quote works
Tell us about the job
The city or ZIP, gas or electric if you know it, and where the unit sits (basement, garage, closet). Photos help.
We review the request
We follow up by email or phone.
You get options
Quote options and next steps. The request is free.
Areas we cover
Honest coverage for homeowners in:
- Fairfax, VA
City and Fairfax County neighborhoods - Arlington
Homes, townhouses, and condos - Alexandria
City of Alexandria and county addresses - Woodbridge
Prince William County - Springfield
Franconia and Kingstowne - Reston and Herndon
Western Fairfax County
If you are just outside this list, ask on the form. We will only take on work we can actually cover.
A few things Fairfax-area homeowners should know
Permits are not optional on most gas jobs
In Fairfax County, replacing a gas water heater requires a permit even when the new unit is a like-for-like swap. The City of Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, and Prince William County each have their own permit offices — and an “Alexandria” or “Falls Church” mailing address is sometimes actually in Fairfax County. Start with the permits guide.
Local water is moderately hard
Fairfax Water describes typical hardness as 5–10 grains per gallon. That mineral content is one reason tanks collect sediment and tankless units need periodic descaling.
Source: Fairfax Water, retrieved 2026-11-13.
Rebates exist, and they change
Washington Gas currently advertises up to $400 on qualifying natural-gas equipment. Dominion Energy Virginia advertises heat pump water heater rebates, with a program window you should verify before you buy. The federal 25C credit is not available for 2026 installs — details on the electric / heat pump and cost pages.
Questions homeowners ask
Do you replace both tank and tankless water heaters?
Yes. We also help you compare those options when a straight swap is not the only path. See replacement and tankless.
Which communities do you cover?
Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Woodbridge, Springfield, Reston, and Herndon. Each has its own service area page.
Is the quote free?
Yes. Submitting the form does not obligate you to book the work.
What should I do if the tank is leaking right now?
Shut off the cold-water supply to the heater if you can do so safely, and cut power or gas as described in Water heater leaking? What to do first. If you smell gas, leave the home and call the gas utility or 911.