Water Heater Repair in Hingham, MA
Hingham owns both its water system and its electric company, so the water advice and the heat pump rebate on this page come from the town itself. A water heater permit here runs $100 for plumbing and gas. If yours has quit or is leaking, call and get a plumber out.
What shapes water heater trouble in Hingham
town plumbing and gas permit fees for a domestic water heater
Source: Town of Hingham Building DepartmentHMLP's lifetime rebate for a WiFi heat pump or solar water heater
Source: Hingham Municipal Lighting Plantplus Accord Brook and Accord Pond feed the town's treatment plant
Source: Weir River Water SystemA $100 permit, and how inspections work
Hingham's fee schedule lists a domestic water heater at $50 for the plumbing permit plus $50 for the gas permit, $100 in all. All gas work needs a pressure test, which adds $15 when it's done with a fixture. Work started without a permit costs a double fee plus $150. State rules require a permit before plumbing or gas work is installed, replaced or repaired, and the licensed plumber or gas fitter pulls it.
Inspections run Monday through Friday after 10 a.m. The plumber calls them in to 781-741-1420 between 8:30 and 10 a.m. with the permit number, and has to be on site for the inspection. If you're replacing a heater, ask whether the quote includes the permit and the gas test.
Weir River water, and keeping sediment out of the tank
Hingham bought its water system from Aquarion in 2020 and renamed it the Weir River Water System. It also serves Hull and North Cohasset, about 33,739 people in winter and 45,339 in summer. Water from Accord Brook, Accord Pond and nine wells is blended and treated at one plant in Hingham, which adds lime and zinc orthophosphate for corrosion control. Since July 1, 2026, the town's electric plant, HMLP, has handled water billing.
If your water comes out brown after hydrant flushing or a main break, the system's advice protects the heater. Run cold water from the outside spigot closest to where the service enters the house for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it clears. If it doesn't clear, wait 30 to 60 minutes and try again. Don't use hot water until the cold runs clear, so sediment doesn't get pulled into the tank. Then run the hot for a few minutes. If it still isn't clear, email [email protected], which is monitored around the clock.
Town electric, and a heat pump water heater rebate
Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant offers a rebate on a WiFi-enabled heat pump or solar water heater: 50% of the cost, up to $500 for the life of the account. You'll need the paid receipt and the ENERGY STAR certificate, filed within three months of purchase or in the same calendar year. HMLP also pays $5 to $30 a month to customers who enroll a hot water heater in its Connected Homes demand response program. If you heat water with gas, HMLP says to use Mass Save for water heating rebates instead.
About 54% of Hingham homes heat with gas, 28% with oil and 14% with electricity. The median home was built in 1976, about 20% before 1940 and 30% since 2000. About 16% of homes are in buildings with 50 or more units, where the heater may belong to the condo association, so check with them first.
Safe steps for Hingham 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 Hingham. 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 moreHingham water heater questions
Who is the gas company in Hingham, MA?
The state's gas provider map lists National Grid for Hingham. If you smell gas, leave first, then call 911 or National Grid at 1-800-233-5325 from outside.
How much is a water heater permit in Hingham?
The town lists $50 for plumbing plus $50 for gas, $100 for a domestic water heater. The required gas test adds $15 when done with a fixture.
My Hingham water is brown. Should I use the hot water?
No. The Weir River Water System says not to use hot water until the cold runs clear, so sediment stays out of your tank. Run the outside spigot nearest your service first.
Does HMLP have a water heater rebate?
Yes, for WiFi-enabled heat pump or solar water heaters: 50% of the cost, up to $500 lifetime. Customers who heat water with gas use Mass Save instead.
Where these local facts come from
- US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 (via Census Reporter)
- Town of Hingham Building Department, plumbing and gas fees (effective Jan. 29, 2024)
- 248 CMR 3.05, permits and inspections
- Weir River Water System, five-year anniversary of the Town of Hingham's acquisition (Aug. 2025)
- Weir River Water System, 2025 water quality report
- Town of Hingham, Weir River Water System (HMLP billing from July 1, 2026)
- Weir River Water System, water quality (how to clear discolored water)
- Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant, appliance rebates
- MassGIS / Mass. DPU, natural gas providers by town (Oct 2025)
- 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 Hingham?
Call now for water heater repair or replacement.