Water Heaters
Hot water is something you don’t think about—until you don’t have it. Whether your water heater is aging, inefficient, or no longer meeting your household’s needs, DBS Plumbing Solutions is here to help. We install and service a full range of water heaters, including electric, gas, power vent, tankless, and hybrid systems, and we take the time to recommend the right solution for your home.
We proudly serve Northern Kentucky — Campbell, Boone, and Kenton Counties with honest guidance, professional installation, and dependable service.
Tank-Style Water Heaters (Electric, Gas & Power Vent)
Traditional tank water heaters remain a popular and reliable choice for many homes. These systems store and heat a set volume of water—typically 40 to 50 gallons—so hot water is ready when you need it.
Why Homeowners Choose Tank Water Heaters
-
Lower upfront cost compared to tankless systems
-
Straightforward replacement in most homes
-
Reliable performance for standard household hot-water usage
-
Available in electric, natural gas, propane, and power-vent configurations
Typical Lifespan
Most tank-style water heaters last 8–12 years, depending on water quality, usage, and maintenance. Over time, sediment buildup and internal corrosion can reduce efficiency and eventually lead to leaks or failure.
Gas Tankless Water Heaters (Our Top Recommendation)
Tankless water heaters—especially high-efficiency gas tankless systems like Navien—are an excellent upgrade option for many Northern Kentucky homes. Rather than storing hot water, tankless systems heat water on demand, providing consistent hot water while using less energy.
Benefits of Gas Tankless Water Heaters
-
Endless hot water when properly sized
-
High energy efficiency with lower standby heat loss
-
Compact, wall-mounted design that saves space
-
Longer service life—often 15–20+ years with proper maintenance
-
Strong performance even during cold winter months
Why We Do Not Recommend Electric Tankless in Northern Kentucky
During the coldest parts of winter, groundwater temperatures in Northern Kentucky drop significantly. Most electric tankless water heaters are unable to raise incoming water temperatures enough to deliver true hot water under these conditions, often resulting in lukewarm water at best.
​
For this reason, when it comes to tankless water heaters, DBS Plumbing Solutions recommends gas tankless water heaters only for reliable year-round performance in our region.
Hybrid (Heat Pump) Water Heaters
Hybrid water heaters use heat-pump technology combined with a traditional storage tank to heat water more efficiently than standard electric models. These systems extract heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to the water, reducing overall energy consumption. While not as commonly installed in our area, hybrid water heaters can be a good option for certain homes where energy efficiency is a priority and there is adequate space, airflow, and consistent ambient temperatures for proper operation.
How to Know It's Time to Replace Your Water Heater
You may want to consider replacement if you notice any of the following:
​
-
Your tank water heater is 8–12+ years old
-
Your tankless water heater is 15–20+ years old
-
Hot water runs out quickly or temperatures fluctuate
-
Rising utility bills or declining efficiency
-
Banging, rumbling, or popping noises
-
Rust-colored or discolored hot water
-
Visible corrosion or water leaks
-
Unpleasant odors from hot water
​
Replacing a water heater before failure helps prevent water damage and unexpected loss of hot water.
Maximizing the Life of Your Water Heater
Proper maintenance and water-quality protection can significantly extend the life of any water heater.
Tank Water Heaters
-
Annual flushing to remove sediment buildup
-
Inspecting and maintaining pressure relief valves and expansion tanks
-
Monitoring and replacing anode rods as needed
-
Adding an inline scale inhibitor, whole-home water conditioner, or whole-home water softener to reduce mineral buildup and internal corrosion
Tankless Water Heaters
-
Routine descaling to remove mineral deposits
-
Cleaning inlet screens and inspecting venting
-
Maintaining condensate drains on high-efficiency units
-
Adding an inline scale inhibitor, whole-home water conditioner, or whole-home water softener to protect the heat exchanger and maximize efficiency and lifespan
​
Professional Installation Matters
Water heater installation involves far more than swapping out equipment. Proper sizing, venting, gas supply, electrical requirements, pressure regulation, expansion control, and code compliance all play a critical role in performance and safety.
At DBS Plumbing Solutions, we:
-
Size your water heater correctly for your home and usage
-
Install all systems to current plumbing and mechanical codes
-
Handle gas line, venting, and electrical requirements
-
Install expansion tanks and required safety components
-
Upgrade standard anode rods to powered anode rods for enhanced tank protection
-
Remove and dispose of your old water heater
-
Provide clear maintenance guidance to protect your investment
Ready for Better Hot Water?
Whether you need a simple tank replacement or are considering a high-efficiency gas tankless upgrade, DBS Plumbing Solutions is here to help you make an informed decision—without pressure.
