Best Tankless Water Heater Service Companies in Colorado Ranked

Upgrading to a tankless water heater in Colorado is a smart investment in energy efficiency and endless hot water. These modern, on-demand systems heat water only when you need it, eliminating the energy waste of a constantly running storage tank. This guide provides a clear overview of what Colorado homeowners need to know about installing or repairing a tankless system, from understanding local codes to navigating the installation process. You can use this information to find qualified local professionals who can assess your home's specific needs and ensure a safe, code-compliant installation.

High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric

15710 W Colfax Ave, Golden, CO 80401

High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric is a full-service plumbing company serving Denver, CO. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, and gas line installation. The company uses advanced video technology for sewer camera inspections and offers trenchless sewer repair to minimize excavation. They also specialize in hydro jetting to clear blocked drains efficiently. High 5 Plumbing is licensed for gas plumbing and installs energy-efficient tankless water heaters. The company has received recognition such as the Angi Super Service Award and a BBB Torch Award for Ethics. They provide 24/7 emergency response for urgent plumbing needs.

5.0

1.7k Reviews

Big Apple Plumbing LLC - Broomfield, CO

1022 Depot Hill Rd Unit 10, Broomfield, CO 80020

Big Apple Plumbing LLC - Broomfield, CO provides a wide range of plumbing services in Denver, CO, including drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair (tank and tankless), leak detection, gas line installation, sump pump repair, and repiping. The company serves both residential and commercial clients, handling routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and new installations with licensed plumbers. They specialize in sewer line services and offer 24/7 emergency plumbing solutions to address urgent issues like burst pipes and leaks. Big Apple Plumbing is locally owned and operated, with a focus on safety and code compliance. Their team is experienced in gas line installations and water heater replacements, ensuring efficient and reliable service. The company is known for upfront pricing, timely arrivals, and clear communication, serving Broomfield and surrounding areas including Anthem, The Broadlands, and Interlocken/FlatIron Crossing.

5.0

490 Reviews

Walk on Water Plumbing LLC

9994 Silver Maple Way, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Walk on Water Plumbing LLC is a family-owned plumbing business based in Highlands Ranch, serving the South Metro Denver area including Denver, CO. They specialize in water heater repair, installation, and tankless water heater services. The company is led by a licensed master plumber with over 15 years of experience, supported by a team with more than 35 years in plumbing. Their services cover a range of residential plumbing needs with a focus on tankless water heaters, which provide instant hot water without waiting. Walk on Water Plumbing LLC is a licensed and insured contractor with a multi-generation legacy in the plumbing industry.

5.0

480 Reviews

Water Heater Colorado

4757 S Fultondale Way, Aurora, CO 80016

Water Heater Colorado serves homeowners in Denver, CO, and the Colorado Springs metro area, specializing in water heater installation, replacement, and repair. They focus on both tank and tankless water heater systems, providing energy-efficient solutions designed for reliable hot water supply. The company uses Rheem water heaters and offers emergency plumbing services alongside routine maintenance. Their team brings years of industry experience and concentrates exclusively on water heater services to ensure expertise in the latest systems and energy efficiency.

5.0

146 Reviews

Cap Hill Plumbing

1770 E Colfax Ave unit A, Denver, CO 80218

Cap Hill Plumbing is a licensed and insured plumbing service based in Denver, CO. They specialize in a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation (both tank and tankless), drain cleaning, leak detection, sump pump repair, gas line installation, and sewer line repair. Serving Denver and the surrounding metro area, they are familiar with the unique plumbing challenges of older homes and local conditions. Their team uses camera inspections to diagnose sewer issues accurately and offers same-day repairs for many services. Cap Hill Plumbing provides upfront pricing and stands behind their work with warranties.

5.0

145 Reviews

See more providers in Colorado

Understanding Tankless Water Heater Options in Colorado

When considering a tankless system for your Colorado home, the primary choice is between natural gas and electric models. Each has distinct advantages and installation requirements that significantly impact the project's scope and cost.

Natural Gas Tankless Heaters are the most common choice for whole-home applications in Colorado, especially for larger households ¹. They provide higher flow rates, making it easier to run multiple showers and appliances simultaneously. However, they require a dedicated gas line that is often larger than what served a traditional tank heater, due to the higher BTU demand during operation ². They also require specific, sealed power venting, typically routed through a sidewall or roof, which must be installed according to strict code guidelines ³.

Electric Tankless Heaters offer a simpler installation in terms of venting, as they don't produce combustion gases. This makes them ideal for point-of-use applications (like a single bathroom) or homes without existing gas service. The major consideration is electrical demand: most whole-home electric units require a significant upgrade, often needing a dedicated 240-volt circuit with high amperage ⁴. Without proper electrical capacity, they may struggle to meet simultaneous hot water demands.

The Installation Process: What to Expect

A professional tankless water heater installation in Colorado is a multi-step process designed for safety and longevity. Here's a typical sequence:

1. Permitting & Planning: A licensed contractor will pull the required local permits before any work begins, ensuring the project meets all Colorado and municipal codes ⁵.
2. Removal & Preparation: The old water heater is safely disconnected and removed. The new installation location is prepared.
3. Mounting: The new, compact tankless unit is securely mounted to an exterior or interior wall.
4. Utility Upgrades: This is often the most involved step. For gas units, the gas line may be upgraded to a larger diameter ². For electric units, a new dedicated circuit is run from the electrical panel ⁴.
5. Plumbing & Venting: New water lines (cold water in, hot water out) are connected. For gas models, a new high-efficiency PVC or stainless steel vent system is installed to exhaust gases ³.
6. Safety & Testing: A new temperature and pressure relief valve (TPRV) is installed. The entire system is pressure-tested, gas lines are checked for leaks, and the unit is commissioned and adjusted for optimal performance.

Colorado Codes and Permit Requirements

All tankless water heater work in Colorado must adhere to the Colorado Plumbing Code (CPC), which is based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and International Residential Code (IRC) ^{5 6}. Key compliance areas include:

• Permits: Mandatory for installation and replacement in Denver and virtually all Colorado municipalities. Your contractor should handle this ⁵.
• Venting: Gas tankless heaters require specific, manufacturer-approved venting materials (like specialized PVC or stainless steel) and have strict rules regarding vent length, termination location, and clearance from windows and doors ³.
• Gas Line Sizing: The existing gas line from the meter to the appliance often needs to be increased in size to deliver the required volume (measured in BTU/hr) for the new, high-demand unit ².
• Electrical Standards: Electric tankless installations must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC), which in Colorado governs the wiring, circuit breaker size, and grounding for the new high-voltage circuit ⁴.

Cost Breakdown for Colorado Installations

The total cost of a tankless water heater installation in Colorado varies widely based on your fuel choice, home's existing infrastructure, and the complexity of the work. Here's a general breakdown:

• Equipment Cost (Unit Only): Ranges from around $250 for a basic electric point-of-use model to $3,500 or more for a high-end, high-capacity natural gas unit ^{7 8}.
• Labor & Installation Cost: This is where variability is highest. A simple "like-for-like" electric swap might start around $1,000 in labor, while a complex gas installation requiring new venting, gas line upgrades, and significant plumbing adjustments can easily reach $2,500 or more ^{5 1}.
• Total Project Cost: For a full installation, Colorado homeowners can expect a total project cost ranging from $2,000 on the very low end for a straightforward electric installation to $10,000 or more for a high-end gas system in a home requiring major upgrades to gas lines, venting, or electrical service ^{5 1 9}.

The key factors influencing your final price are the choice between gas and electric, the condition and size of your existing utility lines, the need for new venting, local permit fees, and the expertise of the contractor you hire ⁵.

Benefits of a Tankless System in Colorado's Climate

Beyond endless hot water, tankless heaters offer specific advantages for Colorado residents:

• Energy Savings: By eliminating standby heat loss from a storage tank, tankless units can be significantly more energy-efficient, which is noticeable on utility bills, particularly in colder months.
• Space Savings: Their compact, wall-mounted design frees up valuable floor space in utility rooms, basements, or garages.
• Longer Lifespan: With proper maintenance, tankless water heaters often last 5-10 years longer than traditional tank models.
• Reduced Risk of Water Damage: Without a large storage tank, the risk of catastrophic leakage and resulting water damage in your home is virtually eliminated.

Maintaining Your Tankless Water Heater

To protect your investment and ensure efficient operation, regular maintenance is recommended, especially in areas with hard water. This typically involves an annual service visit to flush the system with a descaling solution to remove mineral buildup from the heat exchanger. A well-maintained unit will operate more efficiently, provide consistent hot water, and have a longer service life.

Frequently asked questions

Sources