Hot Water Problems Solved — Tank, Tankless, or Whatever Makes Sense for Your Home
Clayton's certified Rinnai technician installs and repairs all water heater types, helps you choose what fits your household, and gets you back to hot water fast.
You've probably been told your water heater is living on borrowed time. Or maybe it already gave out. Either way, the last thing you need is a contractor who only installs one type and calls it a day. We install tank and tankless water heaters — gas and electric — and we'll walk you through the actual numbers before you decide anything.
Eric is a certified Rinnai technician. That's a manufacturer credential, not just a line on a website. It means he's been trained and tested by Rinnai directly, which matters when you're spending real money on a unit that's supposed to last 20 years.
We handle the full job: equipment selection, permits, installation, expansion tank requirements, and venting. One call, one crew, done right.
Tank or Tankless? Here's How We Help You Decide
This is the question most homeowners get stuck on. Both options work well. The right one depends on your household size, your hot water habits, your existing venting, and your budget. We're not going to steer you toward the higher-margin unit. We'll show you the math and let you decide.
The familiar option — a storage tank that keeps a set volume of water hot around the clock. Lower upfront cost, straightforward installation, and easy to replace same-day in most cases. Gas and electric models available. If your existing unit is a standard tank and the venting is already in place, we can often have a new one running the same day you call.
Tankless units heat water on demand instead of storing it, which means you're not paying to keep 50 gallons hot all day. They take up less space, last longer on average, and can deliver continuous hot water to larger households without running out. The install is more involved — proper gas line sizing, venting, and sometimes an electrical upgrade — but that's routine work for us. Complicated for some contractors. Not for us.
We're certified Rinnai technicians. Tankless installs are a core part of what we do, not a specialty upsell.
What's Included When We Do the Job
Tank and tankless installation, gas and electric
Rinnai tankless water heater installation, service, and repair
Tank water heater repair and replacement
Expansion tank installation (required by code on closed systems in Wake and Johnston Counties — we handle it as part of the job, not as a surprise add-on)
Permit pulling and inspection coordination
Venting assessment and upgrades where needed
Honest guidance on which unit fits your household before we ever quote equipment
Need Hot Water Today?
If your unit has already given out — or you can see the writing on the wall — call us.
For straightforward tank replacements where the venting is already in place, same-day service is often possible.
e'll tell you upfront whether your situation qualifies, and we won't string you along if it doesn't.
Water Heater FAQs
Straight answers that reflect our approach
How much does it cost to install a water heater in Clayton, NC?
Tank water heater replacements in the Clayton area typically run between $900 and $1,800 installed, depending on unit size, fuel type, and whether an expansion tank or venting upgrade is needed. Tankless installations generally range from $2,000 to $4,500 or more, depending on the unit, gas line sizing, and venting requirements. We provide upfront quotes before any work begins — no surprises at the end of the job.
How long does a water heater installation take?
A standard tank replacement is usually a two-to-three hour job. Tankless installations take longer — typically four to six hours — depending on venting, gas line work, and whether any electrical upgrades are needed. We'll give you a realistic time estimate when we assess your setup.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Johnston County?
Yes, in most cases. Water heater replacements in Johnston County and Wake County require a permit. We pull the permit and coordinate the inspection as part of the job. You don't have to chase that down yourself.
What are the signs my water heater is about to fail?
The most common warning signs are age (tank units over 10–12 years old are in the risk window), rust-colored or metallic-tasting hot water, rumbling or popping sounds from the tank, water pooling around the base, and inconsistent hot water temperatures. If you're seeing any of these, it's worth a call before you're dealing with a flooded utility room.
Is tankless worth it for my household?
For most households with consistent hot water demand — multiple bathrooms, a large family, or simultaneous appliance use — tankless delivers a clear long-term return. The upfront cost is higher, but the units last longer and operate more efficiently. For smaller households or budget-first situations, a quality tank unit is a perfectly sound choice. We'll give you an honest comparison based on your actual usage, not a pitch.
What warranty comes with a new water heater?
Tank water heaters typically carry a 6- to 12-year manufacturer warranty depending on the model. Rinnai tankless units are backed by strong manufacturer warranties — up to 12 years on the heat exchanger for registered units. We'll walk you through registration and warranty terms at installation so you know exactly what's covered.
Pro Maxx One is a family-owned plumbing and gas services company serving Clayton, Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and surrounding communities in Johnston and Wake Counties. Eric holds active licenses in plumbing, HVAC, and general contracting, and is a certified Rinnai technician. We've been voted a Nextdoor neighborhood favorite and built much of our business on referrals from the gas companies we've worked alongside for years. When you call us, you talk to us — not a dispatcher.
