Servicing Greater Jacksonville and Richlands • Veteran Owned
Cold Showers End Here. Expert Water Heater Repair and Installation.
Gas, electric, and tankless water heaters installed and repaired with military precision. Wild Water Plumbing + Septic helps homeowners across Onslow, Pender, New Hanover, and Carteret Counties pick the right unit and install it right.
Satisfaction guarantee • Licensed and insured • Rated 5.0 by local homeowners
Signs It Is Time to Replace Your Water Heater
Catch these early and you can plan a replacement on your terms, not after a cold morning or a flooded floor.
Age of the unit
A storage tank heater usually lasts 8 to 12 years for gas and 10 to 15 for electric. Near or past that, start planning ahead.
Rusty water
When the hot water runs rusty or smells metallic, the tank is corroding from the inside, and that is usually terminal.
A leaking tank
A small amount of condensation is normal, but a puddle around the tank means a serious problem that needs prompt replacement.
Not enough hot water
Running out sooner than you used to is a classic sign the unit is struggling to heat as it should.
Rumbling or popping sounds
Sediment hardening at the bottom of the tank makes noise and forces the unit to work harder and less efficiently.
Rising energy bills
An aging, inefficient heater quietly costs you more each month. A modern unit can bring that back down.
Three Types, One Right Fit for Your Home
The best water heater depends on your fuel source, your budget, and how much hot water your family runs through. Here is how the three stack up.
Gas Water Heater
A popular pick for homes with natural gas service. Gas units typically cost less to run than electric and heat water quickly, so you get hot water fast.
Electric Water Heater
The right choice for homes without a gas supply. Electric units are simple, safe, and often more energy efficient, which helps keep energy costs down.
Tankless Water Heater
The modern option that heats water on demand, so you never run out. Tankless units use less energy than a standard tank and free up floor space.
Gas vs Electric vs Tankless, Side by Side
A quick look at how the three compare on the things that matter most.
| Feature | Gas | Electric | Tankless |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Moderate | Lower | Higher |
| Operating cost | Low | Higher | Lowest |
| Energy efficiency | Good | Better | Best |
| Hot water supply | Limited by tank | Limited by tank | Endless on demand |
| Typical lifespan | 8 to 12 years | 10 to 15 years | 20 plus years |
| Space needed | Tank footprint | Tank footprint | Compact, wall mounted |
| Heating speed | Fast | Slower | On demand |
| Best for | Homes with gas service | Homes without gas | Endless hot water and space saving |
Not sure which fits your home? We compare the options with you and recommend the right one, no pressure.
Our Recommended Upgrade
The Essency 55 Gallon On-Demand Electric Water Heater
When homeowners want dependable hot water that keeps up with the whole family, owner Justin Wilder recommends the Essency 55 gallon on demand electric water heater. It delivers fast, consistent hot water with dual heating elements and durable, corrosion resistant construction.
✓ 55 gallon tank for a dependable supply
✓ 4.5 kW, 240V system for efficient performance
✓ Dual heating elements for continuous backup
✓ Adjustable temperature up to about 132 degrees
✓ Built to last 20 to 30 years, far longer than a standard tank
Recent Water Heater Installations
Clean, code compliant work from across Greater Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Ready for Reliable Hot Water?
Tell us about your home and your hot water needs. We will compare your options and give you a free, honest quote.
Why Homeowners Trust Wild Water
✅ Satisfaction Guarantee
We stand behind our work. The job is not done until you have steady hot water and a clean install.
⚓ Veteran Led, Locally Run
Owner Justin Wilder, a U.S. Navy veteran, brings discipline and respect to every installation.
👨🏭 Licensed and Insured
Gas, electric, and venting handled safely and to code, with the permits your install requires.
💰 Honest Comparisons
We compare features and prices across types and sizes so you choose the unit that truly fits your home.
Get Your Water Heater Quote
Fill out the form below and we will get right back to you. Prefer to talk? Call 910.750.2312.
Water Heater FAQs
How do I know which water heater is right for my home?
The right choice depends on your family size, your available fuel type, and your budget. Our team compares the options with you and helps you select the best unit for your house.
What are the signs I need to replace my water heater?
Watch for an aging unit, rusty or metallic smelling hot water, a leaking tank, running out of hot water, rumbling sounds from sediment, and rising energy bills. Any of these means it is time to plan a replacement.
What size water heater do I need?
It depends on how many people are in your home and how much hot water you use. As a guide, a 40 gallon electric heater suits most two to four person households, while smaller homes can use less. We will size it right for you.
Which is better, a gas or electric water heater?
Neither is better for everyone. It depends on what you have and what you value. Gas is often cheaper to run and heats faster, while electric units are simple, safe, and often more energy efficient.
Are tankless water heaters worth it?
For many homes, yes. Tankless units heat water on demand so you never run out, use less energy than a standard tank, last longer, and free up space. They do need proper venting, wiring, and water pressure above about 35 psi.
How long does a new water heater installation take?
It depends on the type and the complexity of the job, but most water heater installations are completed within one to two days.
Can I install a water heater myself?
A water heater is not a do it yourself job. It should be installed by a professional, since the gas, venting, and electrical work can be dangerous and a DIY install can void the warranty. A permit is also required in nearly all jurisdictions.
What areas do you serve?
We serve homeowners across Onslow, Pender, New Hanover, and Carteret Counties, including Greater Jacksonville and Richlands, North Carolina.
Related Services and Reading
Steady Hot Water Is One Call Away
Honest comparisons, fair pricing, and clean installs that last. Reach out today and let a veteran owned team get it done right.
Call 910.750.2312
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Wild Water Plumbing + Septic • U.S. Navy Veteran Owned and Operated • Serving Onslow, Pender, New Hanover, and Carteret Counties, NC
Licensed and insured. NC License No. [ADD LICENSE NUMBER] • 200 Valencia Dr Unit 313, Jacksonville, NC 28546
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