Best Tankless Water Heater Service Companies in Washington Ranked

Upgrading to a tankless water heater in Washington is a smart move for efficiency and endless hot water, but it's a complex project that demands professional expertise. These systems, which heat water on demand, require precise installation involving gas, electrical, and plumbing work that must comply with strict state and local building codes. This guide explains the key considerations, processes, and regulations for Washington homeowners, helping you understand what's involved so you can effectively evaluate and hire qualified local specialists for your installation or repair.

Action Craft Experts, Plumbing, Drains, & Water Heaters

spokane

Action Craft Experts, Plumbing, Drains, & Water Heaters is a locally owned plumbing company serving Spokane, WA, and surrounding areas including Northern Idaho. They provide a wide range of plumbing services for residential, commercial, new construction, and remodeling projects. Their licensed team handles water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, and gas line installation, ensuring compliance with local codes and safety standards. With over 25 years of experience, they offer expertise in both traditional and tankless water heater systems and maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Action Craft Experts is licensed in Washington and Idaho and supports public works projects as well.

5.0

217 Reviews

Fast Water Heater Company

16120 Redmond - Woodinville Rd NE, Woodinville, WA 98072

Fast Water Heater Company is a water heater installation and repair provider serving Seattle, WA, and the broader West Coast including Washington, Oregon, and California. Established in 1986, the company offers services for various types of water heaters, including traditional tank and tankless models. They handle installations, repairs, and maintenance with adherence to safety and building codes, ensuring compliant and secure service. Fast Water Heater Company provides same-day installation if contacted by noon, supporting timely resolution of hot water issues.

4.9

2.1k Reviews

Ready Rooter

13222 SE 30th St Suite A-1, Bellevue, WA 98005

Ready Rooter is a plumbing and drain specialist serving Seattle, WA, and nearby areas. They offer a wide range of services including drain cleaning, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, sump pump repair, tankless water heater installation, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repair. Their trenchless sewer line repair minimizes disruption while addressing sewer issues. The company is supported by experienced owners and technicians with many years in the industry. Ready Rooter provides 24/7 emergency services to assist customers whenever needed.

4.9

1.6k Reviews

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Redmond

18800 142nd Ave NE #2a, Woodinville, WA 98072

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Redmond provides plumbing services in Seattle, WA, specializing in water heater repair, tankless water heater installation, drain cleaning, and leak detection. They offer 24/7 emergency plumbing service to address urgent issues at any time. The company emphasizes routine maintenance such as annual water heater flushing and drain cleaning to help prevent common plumbing problems. They also recommend upgrades like low-flow fixtures and smart leak detectors to improve water efficiency and system reliability.

5.0

120 Reviews

Pelican Plumbing LLC

4181 Wheaton Wy # 3, Bremerton, WA 98310

Pelican Plumbing LLC is a plumbing contractor based in Seattle, WA, specializing in residential and commercial plumbing services. They offer whole-home re-piping, gas line installations, tankless water heater installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, and water heater repair. Serving Kitsap County, Gig Harbor, and Tacoma, Pelican Plumbing focuses on high-end remodels, new construction plumbing, and safe, code-compliant gas and propane line installations. With over seven years of experience and union training, they have completed more than 100 projects, providing expert craftsmanship and reliable plumbing solutions.

5.0

109 Reviews

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Understanding Tankless Water Heater Options in Washington

Choosing the right type of tankless system is the first critical step. Your decision between gas and electric models will impact installation complexity, upfront cost, and long-term performance.

Gas Tankless Water Heaters (Natural Gas or Propane) Gas models are popular for their high flow rates and efficiency, making them suitable for whole-house applications, especially in larger Washington homes. However, they introduce significant installation considerations. They require an adequate gas supply line; often, the existing line from a traditional tank heater is insufficient and must be upgraded to a larger diameter pipe ^{1 2}. Most critically, they need a dedicated, sealed venting system-typically stainless steel-to safely exhaust combustion gases outdoors in compliance with the International Mechanical Code (IMC) ^{1 3 4}. This venting work can be a major component of the total installation cost.

Electric Tankless Water Heaters Electric units offer a simpler installation in one key aspect: there's no need for fuel lines or complex venting. They are often more compact and can be easier to site. The primary challenge is electrical demand. A whole-house electric tankless heater typically requires a dedicated 220-volt circuit with high-amperage service (sometimes up to 150 amps), which may necessitate an upgrade to your home's main electrical panel ^{1 2 5}. For smaller applications, like a single bathroom or a kitchen sink, point-of-use electric models are a practical and cost-effective solution.

The Professional Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

A proper tankless water heater installation in Washington is a multi-stage process that licensed professionals follow to ensure safety, efficiency, and code compliance.

1. Site Assessment and Planning: A qualified technician will evaluate your home's hot water needs (flow rate and temperature rise) to size the unit correctly. They will inspect the existing gas line, electrical service, and venting pathways to identify necessary upgrades ^{1 6}.
2. Removal of Old Equipment: The existing water heater is safely drained, disconnected from power, gas, and water lines, and removed from the premises.
3. Mounting the New Unit: The tankless heater is securely mounted on an exterior or interior wall that can support its weight, with proper clearances maintained for service and airflow as per manufacturer and code requirements ^{7 8}.
4. Gas or Electrical Hookup: For gas units, a licensed plumber will run a new gas line if needed and make the connection. For electric units, a licensed electrician will run the required heavy-gauge wiring from the panel to a new disconnect box near the unit ^{1 9}.
5. Venting Installation (Gas Models): A certified professional will install the approved, sealed venting system from the unit to an exterior termination point, adhering to all IMC requirements for materials, slope, and clearance from windows and intake vents ^{3 10 4}.
6. Plumbing Connections: The cold water supply and hot water outlet are connected using approved piping. Isolation valves are installed on both sides to allow for easy future maintenance or descaling ^{6 8}.
7. System Startup and Testing: The unit is powered on, the system is purged of air, and all connections are tested for leaks. The technician will verify proper ignition (for gas), water flow, and temperature output, and will often perform an initial flush to clear any debris ^{9 8}.

Washington State Codes and Permit Requirements

Compliance with state and local codes is not optional; it's essential for safety and insurance. Key regulations include:

• Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-56-0500): This code specifically governs fuel-burning appliances. It may require that a tankless water heater installed in a closet have a self-closing, gasketed door and that combustion air be drawn directly from the outdoors ¹⁰.
• International Mechanical Code (IMC): Adopted statewide, the IMC dictates critical safety standards for gas appliances, including requirements for combustion air supply, venting materials (Type B or stainless steel), and clearance from combustible materials ^{3 4 11}.
• Permits: Most Washington cities and counties require a permit for a tankless water heater installation. The permitting process ensures a city inspector will review the work for code compliance. Always verify permit requirements with your local building department; a reputable professional will typically handle this process for you ^{6 4}.

Cost Considerations for Installation and Repair

The total investment for a tankless water heater in Washington varies widely based on the unit type, your home's existing infrastructure, and labor rates in your area.

• Equipment Cost: The unit itself can range from a few hundred dollars for a small electric point-of-use model to over $2,000 for a high-capacity gas system ^{1 5}.
• Total Installation Cost: This is where significant variation occurs.
  • Electric Installations: Typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, but this can increase substantially if a main electrical panel upgrade is needed ^{1 2}.
  • Gas Installations: Generally fall between $2,500 and $6,000+. In high-cost areas like Seattle, a full installation with gas line and venting upgrades can easily reach $3,500 to $5,500 or more ^{5 12}. The higher cost is attributed to the complexity of running new gas lines and installing the specialized venting system.
• Repair Costs: While tankless heaters have fewer parts than tank models, repairs still occur. Common service calls range from $75 to $350+, covering components like flow sensors, ignition assemblies, gas valves, or heat exchangers ^{1 12}.

Why Professional Expertise is Non-Negotiable

The intricacies of installing a tankless water heater underscore the necessity of hiring licensed professionals.

• Gas Work: Handling natural gas or propane lines requires a licensed plumber with specific certification. Improper connections can lead to gas leaks, fire, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Electrical Work: Installing high-amperage 220V circuits is dangerous and must be performed by a licensed electrician to meet National Electrical Code (NEC) standards and ensure your home's safety.
• Code Compliance: Professionals understand the specific requirements of the IMC and Washington State codes. Their expertise ensures your system is vented correctly, has adequate combustion air, and is installed with proper clearances, preventing safety hazards and ensuring it will pass inspection ^{6 9}.
• System Performance: Proper sizing and installation are critical for the unit to deliver its promised efficiency and endless hot water. An incorrectly installed unit can short-cycle, fail prematurely, or simply not meet your household's demands.

Maintenance for Longevity

To protect your investment, annual maintenance is recommended. For gas units, this includes checking the venting system and burner assembly. For all units, especially in areas with hard water, descaling (flushing) the internal heat exchanger with a vinegar or citric acid solution is crucial to prevent mineral buildup that reduces efficiency and can cause failure ^{9 8}. A professional can perform this service and conduct a full system check.

Frequently asked questions

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