Top Tankless Water Heater Service Companies in Fremont, California Ranked

A tankless water heater provides hot water on demand, eliminating the need for a bulky storage tank and offering significant energy savings. For Fremont homeowners, upgrading to or maintaining a tankless system is a smart investment in home efficiency and comfort. This guide will help you understand the key considerations, from installation requirements to ongoing care, so you can make informed decisions about your home's hot water system.

Water Heaters Only, Inc

2170 Commerce Ave Unit M, Concord, CA 94520

Water Heaters Only, Inc is a specialized water heater service provider based in Oakland, CA. They offer residential and commercial water heater repair, installation, and replacement services, including tankless and high-efficiency models. The company is known for factory-trained technicians who stay current with product updates and code requirements. Established in 1968, Water Heaters Only, Inc has over 57 years of experience and has serviced more than 1.2 million water heaters. They provide 24/7 availability with live experts ready to assist customers any time of day or night.

5.0

507 Reviews

Service Pros Plumbers, Inc.

1320 Willow Pass Rd, Concord, CA 94520

Service Pros Plumbers, Inc. is a family-owned plumbing company serving Oakland, CA, with over 25 years of experience. They provide a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial customers, including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line replacement with trenchless options, leak detection, and gas line installation. Their licensed plumbers also offer whole-house repiping to improve water pressure and system efficiency. Service Pros Plumbers offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues such as burst pipes and clogged drains promptly.

5.0

469 Reviews

Water Heaters Only, Inc

3520 Haven Ave Unit K, Redwood City, CA 94063

Water Heaters Only, Inc is a water heater repair, replacement, and installation company serving San Jose, CA and the surrounding Peninsula area. The company specializes in residential, commercial, and tankless water heaters, offering 24/7 service for urgent needs. Established in 1968, Water Heaters Only, Inc has over 50 years of experience and provides onsite estimates and upfront pricing. They are licensed and available around the clock without extra charges for evenings, weekends, or holidays.

5.0

392 Reviews

Polis Plumbing Inc

oakland

Polis Plumbing Inc is a licensed and insured plumbing company serving Oakland, CA. They provide residential and commercial plumbing services, including water heater installation and repair, tankless water heater services, water softener and filtration system installation, and gas line installation and repair. The company focuses on delivering customized plumbing solutions and maintaining trusted relationships with customers. Polis Plumbing Inc is equipped to handle a wide range of plumbing needs with a commitment to accuracy and efficiency.

5.0

373 Reviews

Pure Plumbing Solutions

645 E McGlincy Ln, Campbell, CA 95008

Pure Plumbing Solutions is a plumbing company serving San Jose, CA, with over 20 years of experience. They specialize in water heater repair and installation, including both traditional and tankless systems, as well as leak detection, repiping, and general plumbing repairs. Their services focus on restoring reliable water flow and improving home plumbing efficiency using modern materials and precise repair techniques.

5.0

285 Reviews

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Understanding Tankless Water Heater Systems

Often called on-demand or instantaneous water heaters, these systems heat water directly as it flows through the unit. This means you'll never run out of hot water during a long shower, and you'll save energy by not constantly reheating a tank of water. The compact size frees up valuable space in your garage or utility closet. For Fremont residents, choosing between a gas or electric model is the first major decision, as each comes with distinct installation requirements and operational costs.

Gas vs. Electric: Choosing the Right Model for Your Home

The core choice for your tankless system is the fuel source: natural gas or electricity. Each has specific needs that impact the complexity and cost of the project.

Gas Tankless Water Heaters Natural gas models are popular for their ability to deliver high flow rates, making them suitable for larger homes with multiple bathrooms. The installation, however, is more involved. A primary requirement is an adequate gas line size; many older homes in Fremont have standard lines that are too small and must be upgraded to support the heater's higher demand ¹. Proper ventilation is critical and must comply with the California Plumbing Code (CPC). These units typically require a dedicated, direct vent to the outside using specific stainless steel or Type B piping ². They also produce condensation, so a condensate drain line must be installed.

Electric Tankless Water Heaters Electric on-demand heaters are often easier to vent but place a significant demand on your home's electrical system. They usually require 2 to 3 dedicated, high-voltage circuits (220-240V), each with a 40-50 amp breaker ³. For many homes, this necessitates a costly electrical panel upgrade to handle the added load. While the unit itself may be less expensive, these electrical upgrades can make the total installation cost comparable to a gas system ⁴.

Key Installation Requirements and Local Codes

A successful tankless water heater installation in Fremont hinges on meeting specific technical and regulatory standards. Working with a licensed professional who understands local codes is essential.

• Permits: A plumbing permit is required for installation, with costs typically ranging from $50 to $500 ⁵. Your installer will usually handle this process.
• Venting (Gas Models): As noted, venting must be up to code. Direct vent systems, which pull combustion air from outside and exhaust directly outside, are common and must use the correct, often stainless steel, materials as specified by the manufacturer and code ².
• Gas Line Upgrades: If your existing gas line is undersized, a plumber will need to run a new, larger line from the meter to the heater location, which can add to the project cost and timeline ¹.
• Electrical Upgrades (Electric Models): Installing new dedicated circuits and potentially upgrading the electrical service panel are major factors in the project's scope and price ³.

The Installation and Replacement Process

Replacing a traditional tank-type heater with a tankless system, or installing one in a new construction, is a professional job. The process involves an initial consultation to size the unit correctly for your household's hot water needs, followed by the physical installation of the unit, gas or electrical work, venting, and making the water connections. Finally, the system is tested and commissioned. Local Fremont companies like Water Heaters Masters and Super Brothers specialize in this full-service process, handling everything from permits to the final inspection ^{6 7}.

Cost Breakdown for Fremont Homeowners

Investing in a tankless water heater involves upfront costs for the equipment and installation, with potential long-term savings on energy bills. Here's what you can expect in the Fremont area:

• Total Installation/Replacement Cost: The complete project typically ranges from $4,000 to over $9,000^{1 8}. This wide range depends on the unit's brand and capacity, the complexity of labor, and necessary upgrades.
• Unit Cost: The tankless heater itself is a portion of the total.
• Labor & Materials: This includes all plumbing, electrical, and venting work.
• Gas or Electrical Upgrades: Upgrading a gas line or home electrical service can add $1,000 to $3,000 or more to the total cost ^{1 9}.
• Permits: As mentioned, budget for permit fees ⁵.
• Annual Maintenance: Essential for longevity, a professional flush of the system costs between $100 and $200 per service ⁸.

Essential Maintenance and Repair

To protect your investment and ensure efficient operation, annual maintenance is non-negotiable for tankless water heaters. Fremont's water contains minerals that can cause scaling (mineral buildup) inside the heat exchanger, reducing efficiency and potentially leading to costly damage ⁸. A professional maintenance visit includes flushing the system with a descaling solution to remove these deposits. Companies like Water Heaters Masters note that this simple, yearly service can prevent the majority of repair issues ⁶.

When repairs are needed-such as for error codes, ignition problems, or fluctuating water temperature-it's crucial to contact a specialist familiar with tankless technology. Repair costs vary based on the issue and parts required, but using local Fremont pros ensures they understand the specific models and local water conditions ^{10 7}.

Benefits of Upgrading to an On-Demand System

Beyond the promise of endless hot water, Fremont homeowners choose tankless systems for several compelling reasons:

• Energy Efficiency: By heating water only when you need it, you can reduce your energy consumption for water heating by 24% to 34% compared to a standard tank model, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Space Savings: The wall-mounted, compact design frees up floor space.
• Longer Lifespan: With proper maintenance, a tankless water heater can last 20 years or more, significantly longer than a standard tank heater.
• Reduced Risk of Water Damage: Without a large storage tank, the risk of catastrophic leakage and water damage in your home is eliminated.

Finding a Qualified Professional in Fremont

Given the technical complexities of gas, electrical, and venting work, selecting the right installer is critical. Look for a licensed, insured plumbing contractor with specific experience installing tankless water heaters. They should be familiar with the California Plumbing Code and local Fremont requirements. Check reviews, ask for references, and ensure they provide a detailed, written estimate that includes all potential costs for permits, the unit, labor, and any necessary home infrastructure upgrades ⁴.

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