Services

Water Heater & Boiler Installation, Repair & Replacement

RH West Plumbing provides expert water heater and boiler services throughout Littleton, Acton, Harvard, and surrounding Massachusetts communities. Whether you need a new water heater installation, emergency repair for no hot water, or boiler replacement, our licensed plumbers deliver reliable service and quality workmanship. We install and service all types of water heaters and boilers including tankless systems, high-efficiency models, and traditional tank units.

Water Heater Services

Water Heater Installation - Professional installation of tank and tankless water heaters sized correctly for your home’s hot water needs.

Water Heater Repair - Fast diagnosis and repair of water heater issues including no hot water, leaks, strange noises, and pilot light problems.

Water Heater Replacement - Same-day water heater replacement when repair isn’t cost-effective or your unit has reached end of life.

Tankless Water Heater Installation - Space-saving, energy-efficient tankless systems that provide endless hot water on demand.

Emergency Water Heater Service - 24/7 emergency response for water heater failures, leaks, and no hot water situations.

Boiler Services

Boiler Installation - Complete boiler system installation for hydronic heating including high-efficiency condensing boilers and traditional models.

Boiler Repair - Expert diagnosis and repair of boiler problems including no heat, leaks, pressure issues, and ignition failures.

Boiler Replacement - Remove old, inefficient boilers and install modern high-efficiency systems with lower operating costs.

Boiler Maintenance - Annual boiler tune-ups and inspections to ensure safe, efficient operation throughout winter.

Emergency Boiler Service - 24/7 emergency boiler repair when your heating system fails during cold weather.

Types of Water Heaters We Install

Tank Water Heaters

Traditional storage tank water heaters in 30-80 gallon capacities. Available in gas, electric, and oil-fired models.

Benefits:

  • Lower upfront cost

  • Reliable, proven technology

  • Easier installation

  • Works during power outages (gas models)

  • Good for homes with high simultaneous demand

Tankless Water Heaters

On-demand water heaters that heat water only when needed, providing endless hot water and energy savings.

Benefits:

  • Endless hot water supply

  • 20-30% energy savings vs. tank models

  • Space-saving wall-mount design

  • 20+ year lifespan

  • Lower operating costs

Heat Pump Water Heaters

Ultra-efficient water heaters that extract heat from surrounding air to heat water.

Benefits:

  • Up to 3x more efficient than electric resistance

  • Significant energy cost savings

  • Qualifies for rebates

  • Environmentally friendly

  • Best for moderate-use homes

Indirect Water Heaters

Water heaters that use your boiler to heat water, ideal for homes with hydronic heating systems.

Benefits:

  • Extremely efficient when paired with high-efficiency boilers

  • Long lifespan (30+ years)

  • Lower operating costs

  • No separate fuel source needed

  • Excellent for radiant heat homes

Types of Boilers We Install

High-Efficiency Condensing Boilers

Modern boilers achieving 90-98% efficiency by capturing and reusing exhaust heat.

Benefits:

  • 90-98% AFUE efficiency

  • Lower fuel costs

  • Smaller footprint

  • Quieter operation

  • Eligible for MassSave rebates

Standard Boilers

Traditional boilers providing reliable heat at lower upfront costs.

Benefits:

  • Lower installation cost

  • Proven reliability

  • Easy to service

  • Compatible with existing systems

Combi Boilers

Combination boilers that provide both space heating and domestic hot water in one compact unit.

Benefits:

  • Space-saving design

  • No separate water heater needed

  • Efficient operation

  • Ideal for smaller homes

  • Lower installation costs

System Boilers

Sealed system boilers that work with separate hot water cylinders for homes needing high hot water volumes.

Benefits:

  • Fast hot water recovery

  • Multiple simultaneous outlets

  • Good for larger homes

  • Compatible with solar thermal

Water Heater vs. Boiler: What’s the Difference?

Many homeowners confuse water heaters and boilers. Here’s the key difference:

Water Heaters:

  • Heat water for household use (showers, sinks, appliances)

  • Provide domestic hot water only

  • Not used for home heating

Boilers:

  • Heat water or steam for home heating systems

  • Circulate through radiators, baseplates, or radiant floors

  • Some can also provide domestic hot water (combi boilers or with indirect tanks)

Not Sure Which You Have?

If you have radiators, baseboard heaters, or radiant floor heating, you have a boiler. If you only get hot water at faucets and showers, you have a water heater. Many homes have both.

Signs You Need Water Heater Repair or Replacement

No Hot Water - Complete loss of hot water indicates pilot light issues, heating element failure, or thermostat problems.

Water Not Hot Enough - Lukewarm water suggests failing heating elements, sediment buildup, or undersized unit for your needs.

Rusty or Discolored Water - Brown or rust-colored hot water indicates tank corrosion and imminent failure.

Leaking Water Heater - Any water pooling around your water heater requires immediate attention to prevent water damage.

Strange Noises - Popping, rumbling, or banging sounds indicate sediment buildup on tank bottom or heating element issues.

Water Heater is 10+ Years Old - Average lifespan is 8-12 years for tank models. Older units should be replaced proactively.

High Energy Bills - Inefficient operation from sediment buildup or failing components increases energy costs.

Signs You Need Boiler Repair or Replacement

No Heat - Boiler not producing heat indicates ignition problems, pump failure, or thermostat issues.

Uneven Heating - Some rooms hot while others stay cold suggests circulation problems or air in the system.

Frequent Cycling - Boiler turning on and off frequently indicates low water pressure, thermostat issues, or pump problems.

Leaking or Dripping - Any leaks around your boiler require immediate professional attention.

Yellow Pilot Light Flame - Should be blue. Yellow flame indicates incomplete combustion and potential carbon monoxide risk.

Strange Noises - Banging, whistling, or gurgling sounds indicate air in system, pump problems, or kettling from limescale.

Rising Energy Bills - Decreased efficiency from age or poor maintenance increases heating costs.

Boiler is 15+ Years Old - Average lifespan is 15-25 years. Older boilers should be evaluated for replacement.

Tankless vs. Tank Water Heaters: Which is Right for You?

Choose Tankless If:

  • You want endless hot water

  • Energy efficiency is a priority

  • You have limited space

  • You’re willing to invest more upfront for long-term savings

  • Your home has moderate to high hot water demand

Choose Tank If:

  • You want lower upfront costs

  • Your home has simultaneous high-volume demands (multiple showers running)

  • You prefer proven, simple technology

  • You want easier DIY troubleshooting

  • Power outages are common (gas tank models work without electricity)

Not Sure? We provide free consultations to evaluate your household’s hot water needs and recommend the best solution for your situation and budget.

Brands We Install & Service

Water Heater Brands:

  • Rheem

  • Bradford White

  • AO Smith

  • Navien (tankless)

  • Rinnai (tankless)

  • Bosch (tankless)

  • State

Boiler Brands:

  • Navien

  • Lochinvar

  • Bosch

  • Weil-McLain

  • Buderus

  • Viessmann

  • Burnham

24/7 Emergency Water Heater & Boiler Service

Fast Response • Licensed Plumbers • Same-Day Repairs

Call today! (978) 296-3086 or submit our contact form.

Water Heater & Boiler Maintenance

Annual Water Heater Maintenance Includes:

  • Drain and flush tank to remove sediment

  • Test temperature/pressure relief valve

  • Inspect anode rod and replace if needed

  • Check for leaks and corrosion

  • Test heating elements and thermostats

  • Adjust temperature settings

Annual Boiler Maintenance Includes:

  • Clean and inspect heat exchanger

  • Test safety controls

  • Check and adjust combustion

  • Lubricate circulator pumps

  • Test for gas leaks (gas boilers)

  • Inspect venting system

  • Check water pressure and fill as needed

Regular maintenance extends equipment lifespan, improves efficiency, and prevents unexpected breakdowns.

Service Areas

RH West provides heat pump installation and repair throughout:

  • Littleton, MA

  • Acton, MA

  • Harvard, MA

  • Chelmsford, MA

  • Concord, MA

  • Westford, MA

  • Stow, MA

  • Bolton, MA

  • Groton, MA

  • Lancaster, MA

  • And surrounding Massachusetts communities

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does water heater installation cost?
A: Tank water heater installation ranges from $1,200-$2,500. Tankless systems range from $2,500-$4,500. We provide free estimates.

Q: How long does a water heater last?
A: Tank water heaters last 8-12 years, tankless systems last 15-20+ years with proper maintenance.

Q: Should I repair or replace my water heater?
A: If your water heater is under 8 years old, repair usually makes sense. Over 10 years old, replacement is typically more cost-effective.

Q: Do you offer same-day water heater replacement?
A: Yes, we stock common water heater sizes and can often complete same-day replacement for emergency situations.

Q: What size water heater do I need?
A: Sizing depends on household size and hot water usage. We perform load calculations to ensure proper sizing during our free consultation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​