
Professional, Licensed Plumbing Services
in Hickory and Surrounding Areas for over 17 Years
Call Today! 828-324-0500
Your water heater is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home — and one of the easiest to overlook until something goes wrong.
Whether you're dealing with a failing tank unit, considering an upgrade to tankless, or just overdue for routine maintenance, 3rd Rock Plumbing has the experience and the certifications to handle it right.
With over 17 years serving the Hickory area, we've installed and serviced just about every type of water heater on the market — for homes, businesses, and everything in between.

Water Heater Installation, Replacement & Repair
As a Rinnai-certified professional installer, we're qualified to install and service their full line of tankless water heaters to manufacturer standards. That means your warranty stays intact and the job is done right the first time. Not all plumbers carry this certification — it's one of the reasons Hickory-area homeowners trust us with their water heater upgrades.
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Common Issues
Recognizing the early warning signs can save you from a cold shower — or a flooded utility room. Give us a call at 828-324-0500 if you're experiencing any of the following:
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Unit overdue for routine maintenance (flush or descale)
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Leaking from top or bottom of unit (for tank units)
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Intermittent hot water temperature (for tank and tankless units)
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Error codes on read out panels
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Odor in the water (for tank units)
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Noises from the fan (for tankless units)
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Tank Water Heaters
We've installed tank water heaters across the full spectrum — from standard residential units sized for crawlspaces or tight interior spaces, to 80–100 gallon commercial units for restaurants and large facilities. Brands we work with include Rinnai, Rheem, Navien, State, AO Smith, and more, in both gas and electric configurations.
Not sure what size or setup is right for your space? That's exactly the kind of question we're here to answer. Sometimes the best solution isn't obvious — a point-of-use instant unit, for example, can be a surprisingly practical fix for a break room or remote sink. We'll help you think it through before you commit to anything.
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Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters deliver hot water on demand, take up less space, and are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional tank models — you're only heating water when you actually need it. For many households, that adds up to real savings over time.
The tradeoff is that choosing the right tankless unit requires matching the system to your home's size, usage patterns, and fuel source. Our team has installed a wide range of electric and gas tankless units and can walk you through the options without the overwhelm. As certified Rinnai installers, we're especially well-equipped to help if you're considering that brand — but we'll always recommend what genuinely fits your needs best.
Curious whether tankless is right for your home? Call or text us at 828-324-0500 and we'll talk it through.

