Top Water Heater Installation Companies in Bakersfield, California Ranked

A reliable hot water supply is essential for any Bakersfield home, making water heater installation and replacement a critical home service. Whether your current unit is failing or you're looking to upgrade to a more efficient model, understanding your options ensures you get a system that meets your household's needs and saves on energy costs. This guide will help you navigate the types of systems available, the installation process, and how to find qualified local professionals for the job.

All Heart Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

4031 Alken St suite a3, Bakersfield, CA 93308

All Heart Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is a family-owned business serving Bakersfield, CA, and surrounding areas. They specialize in water heater repair and installation, along with a full range of HVAC services including air conditioning, furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps. With over two decades of experience, their certified team uses modern tools and techniques to address various heating and cooling needs. The company also serves areas such as Aqua Dulce, Lancaster, Palmdale, and Santa Clarita, among others.

5.0

197 Reviews

Cisneros Brothers Plumbing, Heating & AC Repair, Water Damage Restoration & Flood Services | Plumber Bakersfield, CA

2012 17th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Cisneros Brothers Plumbing, Heating & AC Repair, Water Damage Restoration & Flood Services | Plumber Bakersfield, CA provides plumbing and flood damage restoration services in Bakersfield, CA. They offer water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, and leak detection for residential and commercial customers. With over 20 years of experience, the company is licensed and insured, handling a wide range of plumbing needs including flood restoration and septic services. Their team is equipped to manage complex plumbing issues and emergency leak repairs, with some availability for after-hours service.

5.0

190 Reviews

Precision Plumbing and Drain

4300 Stine Rd Suite 407, Bakersfield, CA 93313

Precision Plumbing and Drain provides comprehensive plumbing services in Bakersfield, CA, for both residential and commercial clients. Their offerings include water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, pipe replacement, and emergency plumbing services. The company uses advanced tools and techniques to deliver efficient and reliable plumbing solutions, including thorough leak detection and pipe replacement to prevent damage. With over 10 years of experience in the area, Precision Plumbing and Drain is available 24/7 to handle urgent plumbing needs.

5.0

150 Reviews

Sky Royal Plumbing

6707 Lassalette Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93308

Sky Royal Plumbing provides water heater repair and installation services in Bakersfield, CA. Their certified plumbers focus on precise installation and improving home energy efficiency through upgraded water heater models. Serving Bakersfield and nearby communities, they handle plumbing repairs and replacements with attention to detail. The company emphasizes doing the job right the first time and offers emergency plumbing services as well.

5.0

115 Reviews

Payless Plumbing & Rooter

2550 E Belle Terrace #300, Bakersfield, CA 93307

Payless Plumbing & Rooter is a licensed and insured plumbing company serving Bakersfield, CA, and the greater Kern County area. Established in 2011, the locally owned business offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and toilet repair. They utilize advanced techniques such as trenchless pipe bursting to repair or replace underground pipes with minimal disruption. The team provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services and same-day service whenever possible, backed by over 20 years of collective experience.

4.9

705 Reviews

See more providers in Bakersfield, CA

Choosing the right water heater for your home involves more than just picking a unit off the shelf. It requires considering your home's size, fuel type, and long-term energy savings, especially in Bakersfield's climate. A proper installation by a licensed technician is crucial for safety, efficiency, and compliance with local building codes ^{1 2}. Let's explore the common types of systems suitable for our area.

Common Types of Water Heaters for Bakersfield Homes

Homeowners in Bakersfield typically choose from three main types of water heating systems: traditional tank, tankless (on-demand), and heat pump (hybrid) models. Each has distinct advantages and cost considerations.

• Traditional Tank Water Heaters: These are the most common and cost-effective option upfront. They store and continuously heat a reservoir of water (typically 40-80 gallons). While reliable, they are generally less energy-efficient than other models because they maintain water temperature even when not in use, a process known as "standby heat loss" ^{3 4}.
• Tankless Water Heaters: Also known as on-demand water heaters, these units heat water directly as it flows through the device, eliminating the standby energy loss associated with storage tanks. They provide a continuous supply of hot water and have a longer lifespan, but come with a higher initial purchase and installation cost ^{3 5}. They are an excellent choice for homes seeking consistent hot water and long-term energy savings.
• Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH): This is the most energy-efficient electric model available. Instead of generating heat directly, it uses electricity to move heat from the surrounding air into the water-think of it as a refrigerator working in reverse. This makes it exceptionally efficient, particularly in Bakersfield's hot climate where ample warm air is available to leverage ^{4 6}. While the unit cost can be higher, significant utility rebates and federal tax credits can dramatically offset the price.

The Water Heater Installation Process: What to Expect

A professional water heater installation is a multi-step process designed for safety and longevity. Here's what a typical service call from a licensed Bakersfield plumber entails ^{1 7 2}:

1. Initial Assessment and Selection: A technician will evaluate your home's existing plumbing, electrical capacity, gas lines, and venting to determine what size and type of unit is appropriate. They will also check local code requirements.
2. Permitting: Most municipalities, including Bakersfield, require a permit for water heater replacement to ensure the installation meets safety and building codes. A reputable professional will handle this process ^{8 9}.
3. Removal and Preparation: The old unit is drained, disconnected, and removed. The new location is prepared, which may involve installing a drain pan (mandatory for tank models in certain locations) and ensuring the floor is level.
4. Installation and Connection: The new heater is positioned and connected to the water supply, gas line or electrical system, and vent pipe. All connections are meticulously sealed and tested.
5. System Testing and Activation: The unit is filled with water, purged of air, and fired up. The technician checks for leaks, verifies proper venting, and ensures the temperature and pressure relief valve is operating correctly.
6. Cleanup and Haul-Away: The job site is cleaned, and the old water heater is taken away for proper disposal or recycling.

A standard tank water heater replacement can often be completed in half a day, while more complex installations (like switching from tank to tankless) may take longer ¹⁰.

Understanding Costs and Incentives

The total cost for a new water heater in Bakersfield includes both the unit price and professional installation labor, with a wide range depending on the type and complexity of the system ^{3 11}.

• Traditional Tank Water Heater: Installation typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,300, including the unit and labor ¹.
• Tankless Water Heater: These systems have a higher initial investment, generally costing between $4,000 and $7,500 for a full installation ¹.
• Heat Pump Water Heater: Unit prices vary, but the availability of incentives makes them a compelling option. Homeowners may be eligible for federal tax credits (like those under the Inflation Reduction Act) that can provide up to $2,000 back, significantly reducing the net cost ^{4 6}.

It's important to consider long-term operating costs alongside the purchase price. While gas models often have lower ongoing fuel costs, highly efficient electric models like heat pumps can offer substantial savings on energy bills, particularly in our climate ^{5 6}.

How to Choose a Qualified Installation Professional

Selecting the right contractor is as important as choosing the right appliance. For a safe and code-compliant installation, follow these guidelines:

• Verify Licensing and Insurance: Always hire a plumber who is licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of California. This protects you in case of accidents or subpar work ¹².
• Seek Local Bakersfield Expertise: Choose a company familiar with Kern County and City of Bakersfield building codes and permit requirements. Local pros understand the specific challenges posed by our soil and climate ^{13 9}.
• Get Detailed Written Estimates: Obtain at least three written quotes that break down the cost of the unit, labor, permits, and any additional materials. This allows for an apples-to-apples comparison ¹⁰.
• Ask About Rebates and Financing: A knowledgeable installer should be able to inform you about current utility rebates from providers like PG&E and available federal tax incentives for high-efficiency models ^{3 4}.

Maintaining Your New Water Heater

To extend the life of your investment and maintain its efficiency, regular maintenance is key. For tank-style heaters, this includes an annual flush to remove sediment buildup, which is common in areas with hard water. Checking the anode rod every few years and testing the temperature and pressure relief valve are also important safety tasks. While some maintenance can be DIY, having a professional perform periodic inspections can help catch small issues before they become major problems ⁵.

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