Water Heater Repair in Dunstable, MA
Dunstable's town water system serves only the town center, about 333 customers on two wells, and more than half of Dunstable homes heat with oil. If your water heater is leaking or cold, call and get a plumber out.
What shapes water heater trouble in Dunstable
Two wells for the town center
The Dunstable Water Department's 2025 report says it serves about 333 customers in the center of town from Salmon Brook Wells 1 and 2 off Main Street, both about 90 feet deep, through about 3 miles of mains and 105 service connections. The department adds potassium hydroxide because the groundwater's pH is naturally below state standards, and chlorinates it. The highest PFAS6 quarterly average was 3.46 ppt, against a 20 ppt limit. Call the department at 978-649-4514 x249.
Detached houses on oil and propane
Census estimates put the median Dunstable home at 1987, with about 18% built since 2000. About 96% are detached houses and about 3% of households rent. Oil heats about 54% of homes, gas about 21%, propane about 17% and electricity about 7%. The state's gas provider map lists National Grid for Dunstable.
A licensed plumber and a permit
Dunstable's Inspections Department says the plumbing code requires a licensed plumber or gas fitter to do all plumbing and gas work and get a permit from the department, including replacing hot water heaters. Permits are applied for online, and you contact the inspector for the final inspection. The gas and plumbing inspector is at (978) 433-2801.
G.W. Shaw & Son is the Board of Health's contracted hauler. Bulky items can't go in the trash cart; call Shaw & Son at 1-800-649-7419 to schedule a bulky item pickup, even if you don't use the curbside program.
Safe steps for Dunstable homes
- Leaking? Close the cold water valve on top of the tank.
- Turn off the gas valve or the breaker for the heater.
- Gas smell? National Grid serves Dunstable. Leave the house, call 911 from outside, then National Grid at 1-800-233-5325.
Repair, replacement and emergencies
Water Heater Repair
Gas, electric and tankless repairs, from pilot lights to heating elements.
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No Hot Water
Cold shower this morning? Get the cause found and fixed fast.
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Leaking Water Heater
Water around the tank or a dripping relief valve. Act before it floods.
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Emergency Water Heater Repair
Burst tank, gas smell or water everywhere. Call right away.
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Water Heater Replacement
When repair no longer makes sense, get a new tank or tankless unit.
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Tankless Water Heater Repair
Error codes, lukewarm water and scale buildup on tankless units.
Learn moreDunstable water heater questions
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Dunstable?
Yes. The town says a licensed plumber or gas fitter must do the work and get a permit, including for hot water heaters. The gas and plumbing inspector is at (978) 433-2801.
Who is the gas company in Dunstable, MA?
The state's gas provider map lists National Grid for Dunstable. If you smell gas, leave first, then call 911 or National Grid at 1-800-233-5325 from outside.
Who gets Dunstable town water?
The town system serves about 333 customers in the center of town from two wells off Main Street.
How do I get rid of an old water heater in Dunstable?
Call G.W. Shaw & Son at 1-800-649-7419 to schedule a bulky item pickup.
Where these local facts come from
- US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 (via Census Reporter)
- Dunstable Water Department, 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (PWSID 2081000)
- MassGIS / Mass. DPU, natural gas providers by town (Oct 2025)
- Town of Dunstable, MA, Inspections & Permitting
- Town of Dunstable Board of Health, Trash & Recycling Information & Guide
- National Grid, report a gas emergency (MA)
Figures are the latest published by each source. Pricing and availability are set by the plumber.
No hot water in Dunstable?
Call now for water heater repair or replacement.