Water Heater Repair & Replacement

Portage Plumbing has been repairing and replacing water heaters for Kalamazoo area homeowners since 1982. We install tank and tankless systems from trusted brands like Bradford White and Navien, provide upfront written pricing before any work begins, and offer same-day service for no-hot-water emergencies. All installations come with a 1-year labor warranty.

Call 269-372-5902

SAME-DAY SERVICE AVAILABLE

UPFRONT PRICING

1-YEAR LABOR WARRANTY

Water heater services for Kalamazoo homeowners

  • Repair

    No hot water, leaks, rumbling noises, pilot light issues. Same-day response for emergencies.

  • Replacement

    Full unit swap. Most standard replacements completed in 2–4 hours.

  • New installation

    First-time installs for additions or new builds. Sizing guidance included.

  • Tank water heaters

    Bradford White, Rheem, A.O. Smith. All sizes from 40–75 gallon.

  • Tankless water heaters

    Gas and electric. Navien preferred for whole-home use. Lasts 15–20 years.

  • Maintenance & flushing

    Annual flush and inspection to reduce sediment buildup and extend lifespan.

SIGNS YOUR WATER HEATER NEEDS REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT

  • NO HOT WATER

  • RUSTY / DISCOLORED WATER

  • RUMBLING OR POPPING SOUNDS

  • UNIT IS 10+ YEARS OLD

  • VISIBLE RUST OR LEAKS

  • HOT WATER RUNS OUT QUICKLY

  • RISING ENERGY BILLS

Hard water and cold Michigan winters cause extra wear. Sediment buildup and internal corrosion are common after 8–10 years. Not sure if yours needs repair or replacement? Call us! We'll give you an honest answer.

Repair vs. replace guide

Under 6–8 years old: repair usually makes sense
8–12 years old: depends on the issue
Over 10 years old: replacement is usually the smarter investment

Always replace if:

  • The tank is leaking

  • You're having frequent breakdowns

  • Repair costs exceed 30–50% of a new unit

tankless vs. Tank

which is right for your home?

Tank water heaters

Lower upfront cost. Easier to repair. Familiar technology. Good for most homes and budget-conscious homeowners. We most commonly install Bradford White and Rheem tank units.

tankless water heaters

Endless hot water. Lasts 15–20 years. More efficient — lower energy bills over time. Space-saving design. Gas tankless (Navien) is best for whole-home use. Electric tankless works well for point-of-use applications.

Worth it if you plan to stay long-term, want unlimited hot water, or have a high-demand household.

Not sure what size you need?

  • 1–2 people: 40 gal

  • 2–4 people: 40–50 gal

  • 4–6 people: 50–75 gal

Other factors: number of bathrooms, large soaking tubs, and simultaneous usage. We'll help you size it right before recommending anything.

call us: 269-372-5902

Brands we work with

We install and service all major water heater brands. We most commonly work with Bradford White and Navien — brands we trust for reliability, parts availability, and warranty support. We recommend based on what's right for your home, not just price.

AO Smith logo with green circle around 'AO' and black text 'Smith'.
Bradford White Water Heaters logo with blue and white wavy flag design
Navien logo with blue text and an orange and white graphic element.
Rheem logo with a red circle and the word 'Rheem' in white inside the circle, and the word 'life' in red lowercase letters.

How our water heater service works

1 — call us

Tell us what's happening. We'll ask a few quick questions and get you scheduled — same day when possible.

2 — we diagnose

A licensed plumber inspects your unit and gives you a clear, honest assessment before any work begins.

3 — written quote

We provide upfront written pricing. No hidden fees. You approve it before we start.

4 — Done right

Most standard replacements take 2–4 hours. We clean up and walk you through the new unit before leaving.

What homeowners are saying ABOUT OUR WATER HEATER SERVICES

★★★★★

“Patrick was friendly and a real professional. He answered our questions and did an amazing job replacing our hot water heater.”

— ROBERT TORRES

★★★★★

“Every single encounter has been nothing short of satisfactory. They are always willing to help, prompt, and highly skilled. Joel has saved us from mishaps and has provided us peace of mind many times now. Highly recommended.”

— Todd Tapper

★★★★★

“Patrick from Portage plumbing did an excellent job with replacing corroded pipes and installing ventilation, and replaced the control board to the tankless water heating system. He spent several hours completing the job. Thanks Patrick B for the quality job. 👍”

— Randall Cook

Water heater questions

Since 1982, we’ve repaired and replaced thousands of water heaters across Southwest Michigan. Have a question about your water heater? Call us at 269-372-5902 today.

Portage

Kalamazoo

Battle Creek

Oshtemo

Comstock

Texas Township

Mattawan

Paw Paw

Schoolcraft

Lawton

Otsego

Plainwell

Vicksburg

Portage • Kalamazoo • Battle Creek • Oshtemo • Comstock • Texas Township • Mattawan • Paw Paw • Schoolcraft • Lawton • Otsego • Plainwell • Vicksburg •

Ready to fix or replace your water heater? Let's talk.

Whether it's a repair or a full replacement, we'll give you a straight answer and upfront pricing. Call us at (269) 372-5902 or fill out the form below — we'll get back to you quickly.

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