About MDWaterHeater

MDWaterHeater operates a Maryland-focused referral directory for water heater repair, replacement, and installation services. We do not perform plumbing or gas work, do not employ plumbers or gas-fitters, and do not hold any Maryland plumbing or gas-fitter licenses. We connect Maryland homeowners and property managers with independent licensed contractors through a pay-per-call affiliate network for 24/7 tank failures, leak emergencies, tankless gas service, and hybrid heat-pump installations.

How we make money

When a call results in a booked job, the provider's network pays MDWaterHeater a referral fee. You pay the plumber directly. The fee does not increase your quoted price.

How Maryland plumber and gas-fitter licensing works

Maryland regulates plumbers under Maryland Code, Business Occupations & Professions § 12-501, administered by the Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR) State Board of Plumbing. Anyone performing plumbing work in Maryland — including water heater installation, replacement, and gas-line modification — must hold a current journey or master plumber license. Gas water heater work additionally requires a Maryland gas-fitter certification, which is administered separately under the same DLLR umbrella; the same person frequently holds both, but you should verify both credentials for any gas-unit job. All work must comply with the Maryland Plumbing Code (a state-amended version of the IPC) and Maryland Department of the Environment fuel-gas requirements. Permits are required through the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for water heater replacements in most counties — Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Howard County, and Frederick County all require permits and final inspections. Verify any contractor's license at the DLLR plumber license search before signing a contract, and ask for a current certificate of insurance ($1M general liability, workers' comp).

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