Top Water Heater Installation Companies in Fresno, California Ranked

A reliable hot water supply is a cornerstone of comfort in any Fresno home. Whether your current unit is failing or you're seeking an upgrade for better efficiency, water heater installation and replacement is a significant home improvement project that requires professional expertise. This guide will help you understand your options, the process involved, and how to connect with qualified local specialists who can ensure your new system is safe, code-compliant, and perfectly suited to your household's needs.

Balanced Comfort

4485 N Selland Ave, Fresno, CA 93722

Balanced Comfort is a family-owned business serving Fresno, CA, and the Central Valley with plumbing and HVAC services. They provide sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater maintenance, and drain cleaning. Known for same-day service and a focus on home comfort, Balanced Comfort offers capabilities such as video inspections for drains and tankless water heater descaling. The company emphasizes honest service and customer trust, with a strong local presence.

4.9

3.5k Reviews

Clovis Plumbing Services

fresno

Clovis Plumbing Services provides a range of residential plumbing solutions in Fresno, CA, including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, gas line installation, leak detection, and repiping. They specialize in modern plumbing upgrades such as high-efficiency tankless water heaters and comprehensive gas line work, ensuring safety and code compliance. The company emphasizes proper installation techniques, including seismic strapping and pressure relief for water heaters, and offers maintenance advice tailored to local water conditions. Clovis Plumbing Services serves the Fresno area and nearby communities including Clovis and Sanger, focusing on durable repairs and installations that meet California building standards.

5.0

62 Reviews

Allbritten Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electrical

2842 N Business Park Ave, Fresno, CA 93727

Allbritten Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electrical is a well-established provider serving Fresno, CA. Since 1932, they have offered a wide range of plumbing and HVAC services including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, and toilet and garbage disposal repairs. Their team includes NATE-certified technicians capable of handling various heating, cooling, and plumbing systems. With over 90 years of experience, Allbritten is known for their expertise in both traditional and tankless water heater systems.

4.8

5.4k Reviews

Lee's Air, Plumbing, & Heating

5456 W Mission Ave, Fresno, CA 93722

Lee's Air, Plumbing, & Heating provides comprehensive HVAC and plumbing services in Fresno, CA. With over four decades of experience, they offer heating and cooling system maintenance, repair, and installation, as well as plumbing services including water heater repair, drain cleaning, and sewer line repair. The company is equipped for emergency 24/7 service, ensuring timely response to urgent heating, cooling, and plumbing issues. Their licensed technicians use a transparent flat-rate pricing model and back their work with industry-leading guarantees.

4.8

3.7k Reviews

Lee's Air, Plumbing, Heating, & Roofing

755 N Peach Ave #106, Clovis, CA 93611

Lee's Air, Plumbing, Heating, & Roofing provides plumbing, heating, cooling, and roofing services in Fresno, CA. They offer water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, and HVAC system maintenance and installation. With over four decades of experience, the company handles both residential and commercial projects. Their team is licensed and insured, and they provide 24/7 emergency services for urgent heating, cooling, and plumbing needs.

4.8

1.2k Reviews

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Understanding Your Water Heater Options in Fresno

When it's time for a new hot water system, Fresno homeowners are presented with a range of choices, each with distinct advantages. The right selection depends on your budget, household size, energy goals, and the physical setup of your home.

Traditional Storage Tank Water Heaters

The most common and budget-friendly option, traditional tank heaters store and continuously heat a reservoir of water (typically 40 to 80+ gallons). They are available in gas or electric models and are a reliable choice for standard needs. However, they are generally less energy-efficient due to "standby" heat loss, where energy is used to keep the tank hot even when no water is being used. The average lifespan of a storage tank unit is 8 to 12 years ^{1 2}.

Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters

Tankless systems heat water directly as it flows through the unit, providing an unlimited supply of hot water. They are highly efficient because they eliminate standby energy loss, which can lead to significant savings on utility bills, especially for homes with high hot water demand. While the initial purchase and installation cost is higher, their longer lifespan (often 20+ years) and operational savings make them a popular upgrade ^{3 4}.

Heat Pump (Hybrid) Water Heaters

This is the most energy-efficient electric model available. Instead of generating heat directly, a heat pump water heater moves heat from the surrounding air into the water. This technology can be two to three times more efficient than a conventional electric resistance water heater, resulting in much lower operating costs ^{3 5}. They work best in spaces that remain in a moderate temperature range (40ºF-90ºF) year-round and have at least 1,000 cubic feet of air space around them.

Solar Water Heaters

An excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners in sunny Fresno, solar hot water systems use rooftop solar collectors. They have the highest initial investment but can provide the lowest long-term operating costs. These systems typically require a backup system (like a traditional tank or tankless) for cloudy days, but they dramatically reduce reliance on gas or electricity ³.

Key Considerations for Fresno Homes

Selecting a new water heater isn't just about the type. Local factors play a crucial role in your decision and the installation requirements.

• Climate: Fresno's hot summers mean the ambient air temperature is often ideal for efficient operation of heat pump models. While the heating demand is less extreme than in colder climates, an efficient unit still provides year-round energy savings ².
• Seismic Safety: California building codes mandate seismic strapping for all water heaters to prevent them from toppling during an earthquake, which could rupture gas and water lines. Professional installers will ensure your new unit is properly strapped and secured ^{1 6}.
• Sizing: Choosing the correct size is critical. A unit that's too small won't meet your household's demand, while one that's too large wastes energy. A professional will assess your peak usage (simultaneous showers, appliances running) to recommend the proper gallon capacity for a tank or flow rate for a tankless system ^{1 5}.

The Professional Installation Process

A proper water heater installation is a multi-step process that ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance with local codes. Here's what you can expect when you hire a qualified technician.

1. Assessment and Consultation: A professional will evaluate your current setup, discuss your household's hot water usage, and explain the pros and cons of different models. They will recommend the right type and size (e.g., a 40-50 gallon tank for a family of 3-5) ^{1 7}.
2. Permits and Preparation: Your installer will handle any necessary permits from the city of Fresno. They will safely shut off the gas or electricity and water supply to the old unit and take steps to protect your home's flooring and surrounding area ^{8 9}.
3. Removal and Disposal: The old water heater is drained, disconnected, and removed from your home. Professionals will responsibly dispose of or recycle the old unit according to local regulations.
4. Installation and Hookup: The new unit is positioned, leveled, and connected. This involves precise plumbing connections (water in and out), gas line or electrical hookup, and venting for gas models. Crucially, the installer will attach the required seismic strapping to the unit and wall studs ^{10 9}.
5. Testing and Cleanup: The system is filled, purged of air, and tested for leaks. The thermostat is set to a safe temperature (typically 120ºF), and the unit is activated. The installer will verify proper operation, explain basic maintenance, and clean up the work area, leaving it as they found it ^{5 7}.

Recognizing When It's Time for a Replacement

Being proactive about water heater replacement can prevent the inconvenience and potential water damage of a sudden failure. Look for these common signs:

• Age: If your unit is over 8-12 years old, it's nearing the end of its expected service life and its efficiency is declining ^{1 11}.
• Rust and Corrosion: Visible rust on the tank itself or discolored (rusty) water coming from your hot taps indicates internal tank corrosion ^{6 11}.
• Leaks: Any moisture or pooling water around the base of the heater is a serious sign of tank failure.
• Inconsistent Water Temperature: Fluctuating temperatures, running out of hot water quickly, or water that never gets fully hot point to a failing heating element or sediment buildup ^{10 12}.
• Unusual Noises: Popping, rumbling, or banging sounds are often caused by sediment hardening at the bottom of the tank, which reduces efficiency and can damage the tank.
• Rising Energy Bills: A gradual increase in your gas or electric bills, without increased usage, can signal that your water heater is working harder and less efficiently ⁶.

Understanding Investment and Value

The cost of water heater replacement in Fresno varies widely based on the type of unit, its capacity, fuel source, and the complexity of the installation (e.g., relocating the unit, upgrading gas lines or electrical service). Here is a general overview of price ranges, including unit and professional installation ^{3 8 13}:

• Traditional Storage Tank: $1,600 - $3,000+
• Tankless (On-Demand): $2,400 - $5,400+
• Heat Pump (Hybrid): $1,200 - $3,000+ (for the unit, plus installation)
• Solar Water Heater: $3,000 - $6,000+ (for the system, plus complex installation)

While upfront cost is a factor, consider long-term value through energy savings (reflected in lower utility bills), potential rebates for high-efficiency models, and the extended warranty and peace of mind that comes with professional installation.

Frequently asked questions

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