Plumbing referral service · Portland, ME
Water heater repair in Portland
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If there is danger now
If a gas leak is suspected, leave the area immediately. Move at least 300 feet away before calling 911. Then call the Maine gas emergency line at 1-866-900-4460.
Source: Unitil, Report a Gas Emergency, Oct 15, 2026
Warning signs
A gas smell near a water heater requires caution. Sparks from lighters, phones, switches, or appliances could ignite the gas. The gas meter should be left alone.
Source: Unitil, Report a Gas Emergency, Oct 15, 2026
Questions about this? Call (207) 503-7586
Upkeep and replacement
Annual upkeep for a water heater includes checking the temperature and pressure relief valve and draining sediment from the tank. Setting the thermostat to 120 F instead of the usual 140 F can lower water heating costs by 6 to 10 percent.
When replacement is needed, Maine plumbing rules require installation according to the manufacturer's instructions, and storage models must meet the first-hour rating for their size.
Source: Montana State University Extension, Water Heater Maintenance, Oct 15, 2026
Source: Code of Maine Rules 02-395, Chapter 4, Section 1, Plumbing Installations (Cornell LII), Oct 15, 2026
Permits in Portland
Maine plumbing rules exempt certain water heater installations from permit requirements. Specifically, permit-free installation applies when done by licensed fuel technicians fitting fuel-fired units.
Source: Code of Maine Rules 02-395, Chapter 4, Section 1, Plumbing Installations (Cornell LII), Oct 15, 2026
Who may do the work
A licensed propane and natural gas technician in Maine may repair gas water heaters.
Source: Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32, Section 18135, Propane and natural gas technician, Oct 15, 2026
Facts about Portland
Unitil says that anyone who suspects a gas leak should leave at once to at least 300 feet away, call 911, and call the Maine gas emergency line at 1-866-900-4460.
Source: Unitil, Report a Gas Emergency, Oct 15, 2026
Unitil warns not to use a lighter, a phone, a light switch or any appliance where gas smell is present, and not to try to turn off the gas meter.
Source: Unitil, Report a Gas Emergency, Oct 15, 2026
Under the Maine plumbing rule, a new water heater must be installed by the maker's instructions, and a storage water heater must meet the first-hour rating table for its size.
Source: Code of Maine Rules 02-395, Chapter 4, Section 1, Plumbing Installations (Cornell LII), Oct 15, 2026
Under the Maine plumbing rule, no plumbing permit is needed when a licensed oil burner technician or propane and natural gas technician installs a fuel-fired water heater.
Source: Code of Maine Rules 02-395, Chapter 4, Section 1, Plumbing Installations (Cornell LII), Oct 15, 2026
In Maine, a propane and natural gas technician with the appliance connection and service authority may install and service gas appliances of up to 500,000 BTUs each.
Source: Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32, Section 18135, Propane and natural gas technician, Oct 15, 2026
Efficiency Maine gives a $1,200 instant discount on an ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater installed in Maine at participating sellers until October 30, 2026, or a $1,150 mail-in rebate without the instant discount.
Source: Efficiency Maine, Heat Pump Water Heater Incentives, Oct 15, 2026
Efficiency Maine says a heat pump water heater can save more than $500 a year in electricity.
Source: Efficiency Maine, Heat Pump Water Heater Incentives, Oct 15, 2026
How this works
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A person from Portland Plumbing Help calls you to talk about the problem.
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The person gives you the names and phone numbers of two independent local companies that serve your area. You call them and decide who to hire. We do not send your details to any company. If you say yes when we ask, we play the recording of your first call to local companies.
Service area
Towns in the service area
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- Portland, ME