Hear from Our Customers
Your morning shower shouldn’t be a gamble. When your water heater fails, you need it fixed fast—not next week when it’s convenient for someone else.
That’s exactly what you get with Emma Plumbing. We install new water heaters the same day we assess the problem, so you’re not stuck taking cold showers or boiling water on the stove. No waiting around for parts to arrive or technicians to show up “sometime between 8 and 5.”
Our installations come with upfront pricing—you know exactly what you’re paying before we start. Plus, every installation includes a full 1-year labor warranty, so if something goes wrong, we fix it at no charge. You get reliable hot water, lower energy bills, and the peace of mind that comes with professional work done right the first time.
We’ve been serving Chelmsford homeowners since 2007. We started in new construction and transitioned to focus on what matters most to local families—fast, reliable service when your plumbing fails.
Chelmsford’s older homes often have water heaters nearing the end of their 10-15 year lifespan. We see this constantly in neighborhoods like North Chelmsford and areas near the Merrimack River, where hard water can shorten equipment life. That’s why we stock the most reliable brands and offer both traditional tank and tankless options.
Our technicians are fully licensed, insured, and equipped to handle everything from emergency replacements to planned upgrades. We’re not the cheapest option in town—we’re the one you can count on to show up, diagnose the problem honestly, and get your hot water running the same day.
First, we assess your current setup and hot water needs. Most Chelmsford homes use 40-50 gallon tanks, but if you’re tired of running out of hot water during busy mornings, we’ll recommend the right size upgrade or discuss tankless options.
Next, we provide an upfront quote that covers everything—removal of your old unit, installation of the new one, and any necessary updates to meet current codes. No surprise charges or “additional work” that mysteriously appears halfway through the job.
Installation typically takes 2-3 hours for a standard replacement. If you’re in a tight basement or need electrical work, it might take longer, but we’ll tell you that upfront. We handle all permits, dispose of your old water heater properly, and test everything before we leave. You get hot water the same day, plus our 1-year labor warranty for complete peace of mind.
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We install both traditional tank water heaters and tankless systems throughout Chelmsford. Tank units work well for most homes and cost less upfront, while tankless systems provide unlimited hot water and save space—perfect for smaller Chelmsford homes or additions.
For Chelmsford’s climate, we recommend units that can handle our cold winters without freezing. We also factor in your home’s electrical capacity and gas line setup. Many older Chelmsford homes need minor electrical or plumbing updates during installation, which we handle as part of the service.
Energy efficiency matters here too. With Massachusetts energy costs, a new high-efficiency unit can cut your monthly bills significantly. We’ll show you the energy ratings and help you understand rebates available through National Grid. Our installations meet all local codes and include proper venting, safety shutoffs, and expansion tanks when required. Every installation comes with manufacturer warranties plus our 1-year labor guarantee.
Most water heater installations in Chelmsford take 2-3 hours for a standard tank replacement. If your unit is in a tight basement space or crawl area, it might take 4-5 hours.
Tankless installations typically take longer—around 3-4 hours—because they often require electrical upgrades or new venting. If we need to run new gas lines or upgrade your electrical panel, that adds time but we’ll discuss all of this during our initial assessment.
We complete most installations the same day we start. The only exception is if we discover major electrical or plumbing issues that require permits or specialized parts. Even then, we’ll get you temporary hot water while we order what’s needed.
Water heater installation costs in Chelmsford typically range from $1,200 to $2,500, depending on the unit type and any additional work needed. Standard 40-50 gallon tank replacements usually fall on the lower end of this range.
Tankless installations cost more upfront—usually $2,000 to $4,000—but they last longer and save money on energy bills. The exact price depends on your home’s electrical capacity, gas line setup, and venting requirements.
We provide upfront quotes that include everything: the unit, installation labor, permits, disposal of your old water heater, and any code updates needed. No hidden fees or surprise charges. Our quotes are good for 30 days, so you can make your decision without pressure.
Yes, Chelmsford requires permits for water heater installations, especially when installing gas units or making electrical connections. We handle all permit applications and inspections as part of our service.
The permit process typically takes 1-2 business days, but we can often start emergency replacements and finalize permits afterward. Chelmsford’s building department is reasonable to work with, and we know exactly what they require.
Permit costs are included in our installation quotes—usually $50-150 depending on the scope of work. Skipping permits might save money upfront, but it creates problems when you sell your home or file insurance claims. We always pull proper permits to protect your investment.
Tank water heaters work well for most Chelmsford homes and cost less upfront. They’re reliable, easy to service, and provide plenty of hot water for typical family needs. If your current tank system works fine, replacement with a similar unit makes sense.
Tankless systems are worth considering if you frequently run out of hot water, want to save space, or plan to stay in your home long-term. They provide unlimited hot water and last 15-20 years versus 8-12 for tanks. However, they cost more initially and may require electrical upgrades.
For Chelmsford’s climate, both options work fine with proper installation. We’ll assess your hot water usage, available space, and budget to recommend the best fit. There’s no wrong choice—just what works best for your specific situation and preferences.
We install all major water heater brands including Rheem, Bradford White, AO Smith, and Navien. Each brand has strengths—Rheem for reliability, Bradford White for durability, Navien for tankless systems.
Rather than pushing one brand, we recommend based on your specific needs and budget. A basic tank replacement might call for a different brand than a high-efficiency tankless system. We stock the most popular models and can special-order others.
All the brands we install come with manufacturer warranties—typically 6-12 years on tanks, longer on tankless units. We also provide our 1-year labor warranty regardless of brand. The most important factor isn’t the brand name—it’s proper sizing, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency water heater installation throughout Chelmsford. When your water heater fails completely, we can often install a replacement the same day, even on weekends and holidays.
Emergency installations work the same as scheduled ones—we assess your needs, provide an upfront quote, and complete the installation properly. We stock common sizes in our trucks and can get most units the same day from local suppliers.
Our emergency service covers the entire Chelmsford area, including North Chelmsford and surrounding neighborhoods. Response time is typically within 2-3 hours during normal business hours, sometimes longer during severe weather or peak demand periods. We prioritize complete failures over minor repairs during emergency calls.
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