Best Water Heater Installation Companies in Kansas Ranked

A reliable hot water supply is essential for daily comfort in any Kansas home. Whether you're facing an unexpected failure or planning an upgrade for better efficiency, understanding your water heater options and the local requirements for installation is key. This guide provides clear, practical information on selecting, sizing, and legally installing a new water heater in Kansas, helping you make an informed decision and connect with qualified local professionals for the job.

Eck Services

2799 S Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67217

Eck Services is a plumbing, HVAC, and electrical company based in Wichita, KS, serving Sedgwick County and surrounding areas. They provide a wide range of services including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, gas line installation, and toilet and garbage disposal repairs. Eck Services has over 15 years of experience and offers 24/7 emergency plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services to ensure customers have access to support whenever needed.

4.9

3.0k Reviews

Bowers Plumbing Company

2020 E 1st St N, Wichita, KS 67214

Bowers Plumbing Company is a family-owned plumbing and HVAC service provider based in Wichita, KS. Serving the local community since 1955, they offer a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, leak detection, and toilet repairs. Their experienced technicians use advanced technology to diagnose and resolve plumbing issues efficiently, with capabilities such as sewer line camera inspections to identify root causes of problems. The company emphasizes a whole-home approach to prevent recurring issues and provides same-day appointments for many services.

4.9

2.8k Reviews

Reddi Root'r Plumbing, Sewer & Drain

wichita

Reddi Root'r Plumbing, Sewer & Drain is a plumbing company serving Wichita, KS, with over 60 years of experience. They provide a range of residential and commercial plumbing services including drain cleaning, sewer and water line repair, leak detection, water heater installation and repair, sump pump services, and trenchless pipe repair. Their trenchless technology allows for underground pipe repairs without damaging yards or driveways. Reddi Root'r offers scheduled and 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent needs at any time.

4.9

552 Reviews

Wichita Plumbing Company

401 N Rose Hill Rd Box 499, Rose Hill, KS 67133

Wichita Plumbing Company offers a wide range of plumbing services in Wichita, KS, including water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, and gas line installation. They handle both tank and tankless water heaters, working with electric and gas models. The company also provides services for garbage disposal repair and plumbing work for renovations or new builds. Their capabilities include gas line replacements and installations for fireplaces, stoves, and outdoor kitchens, covering both above and below ground lines. Wichita Plumbing Company serves residential plumbing needs with a focus on comprehensive solutions.

5.0

96 Reviews

Brown's Plumbing Services

824 E Murdock St, Wichita, KS 67214

Brown's Plumbing Services is a locally owned and operated plumbing company serving Wichita, KS, and nearby communities such as Andover, Bel Aire, Derby, Haysville, Maize, and Park City. Established in 2012, they provide residential and commercial plumbing repairs, installations, and remodels. Their services include drain cleaning, sump pump maintenance, sewer line repairs, natural gas line installations, and water heater repairs and installations, including tankless models. Brown's Plumbing Services also offers emergency plumbing services for issues like gas leaks, clogged drains, and sump pump failures.

4.9

274 Reviews

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Understanding Kansas Codes and Safety Requirements

Installing or replacing a water heater in Kansas is not a simple swap; it's a regulated process designed to ensure safety and system integrity. Local jurisdictions typically adopt statewide or international codes, such as the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC) ^{1 2 3}. A permit and subsequent inspection are often mandatory for a new installation to verify compliance with all local safety and building standards ^{1 4 5 6}.

Key safety mandates that Kansas plumbers must follow include:

• Proper Venting: Fuel-fired units (natural gas or propane) require correct venting to expel combustion gases safely outside the home.
• Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Relief Valve: This critical safety device is required on all storage tank water heaters to prevent excessive pressure and temperature buildup ².
• Garage Installations: For units installed in garages, the ignition source of a fuel-fired water heater must be elevated at least 18 inches above the floor to prevent ignition of flammable vapors ^{2 4}.
• Drain Pans: In locations where a leak could cause damage (like inside a home without a floor drain), the unit must be placed in a drain pan with an indirect waste pipe to safely channel water away ².
• Earthquake Strapping: While less common in Kansas, some local codes may require strapping to secure the unit during seismic activity.

Hiring a licensed professional is highly recommended, as they are trained to navigate these codes, pull necessary permits, and ensure the installation is safe, efficient, and up to code ^{1 7}.

How to Choose the Right Water Heater Type

The best water heater for your Kansas home depends on your fuel source, budget, hot water usage, and long-term efficiency goals. Here's a breakdown of the primary options:

Conventional Storage Tank Heaters These are the most common type, featuring an insulated tank that stores and heats a ready reservoir of water.

• Natural Gas: A prevalent fuel source in many Kansas areas. Gas models typically have lower operational costs than standard electric tanks but a higher upfront installation cost due to venting requirements ^{8 9}.
• Electric: Generally have a lower initial purchase price but higher operating expenses. They are simpler to install where a gas line is not available ⁹.
• Propane: An alternative fuel for homes without access to natural gas lines.

Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters These units heat water directly as it flows through the device, eliminating the standby energy losses associated with storage tanks.

• Benefits: They are significantly more energy-efficient (24-34% more efficient for homes using 41 gallons or less daily), provide endless hot water, and have a longer lifespan (up to 20 years) ^{10 11}.
• Considerations: Available in gas or electric models, they have a higher purchase and installation cost, as retrofitting may require upgrading gas lines, electrical service, or venting ¹².

Heat Pump (Hybrid) Water Heaters These are highly efficient electric units that move heat from the surrounding air into the water, rather than generating heat directly.

• Benefits: They can be two to three times more energy-efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters, leading to substantial utility bill savings ⁹.
• Considerations: They work best in installed spaces that remain in a 40º-90ºF range year-round (like a conditioned basement) and have at least 1,000 cubic feet of air space. They also have a higher initial cost.

Sizing Your Water Heater Correctly

Choosing the correct size is crucial for performance and efficiency. An undersized unit will run out of hot water quickly, while an oversized one wastes energy.

For storage tank heaters, size is based on the first-hour rating (FHR), which estimates how many gallons of hot water the unit can supply in an hour starting with a full tank. A common rule of thumb based on household size is:

• 1-2 people: 30-40 gallon tank ^{9 13}.
• 3-4 people: 40-50 gallon tank (gas) or 50-75 gallon tank (electric/hybrid) ^{13 14 15}.
• 5+ people: 50 gallon or larger tank (gas) or 80+ gallon tank (electric/hybrid).

For tankless water heaters, sizing is based on the flow rate (gallons per minute, or GPM) and the required temperature rise. You must calculate the total GPM of hot water fixtures that could run simultaneously (e.g., shower + dishwasher). A professional can perform this calculation accurately.

Cost Expectations for Installation & Replacement

The total cost for a new water heater in Kansas varies widely based on the unit type, brand, installation complexity, and local labor rates. Necessary code upgrades (like new venting or expansion tanks) can also affect the final price ^{1 12}.

The table below provides estimated price ranges for professionally installed units in the Kansas area:

Note: These are estimates. Prices can change over time and vary by location. The most accurate way to determine cost is to obtain detailed quotes from multiple licensed, local plumbing professionals for your specific project ^{1 19}.

Navigating Federal Efficiency Standards

When purchasing a new water heater, you must also consider federal energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). These national minimums are designed to reduce energy consumption.

New regulations are being phased in, with significant changes on the horizon:

• Commercial Units: Stricter standards take effect in October 2026 ²⁰.
• Residential Units: New standards for residential water heaters are scheduled for May 2029 ^{20 21}.

These upcoming changes will effectively require higher-efficiency technologies, such as condensing technology for many gas-fired units and heat pump technology for larger electric storage models ^{20 22}. While these standards are future-dated, they highlight the industry's shift toward greater efficiency. Choosing a high-efficiency model today can prepare your home for the future and start saving on energy bills immediately.

The Professional Installation Process

A proper professional installation involves several key steps:

1. Assessment & Removal: The technician will assess your home's plumbing, fuel source, and location before safely disconnecting and removing the old unit.
2. Code Compliance & Prep: They will ensure the new location meets all current codes, which may involve installing a new drain pan, updating shut-off valves, or modifying venting.
3. Installation & Connection: The new unit is positioned, leveled, and connected to the water supply, fuel line (gas or electric), and venting system. The T&P relief valve and any necessary expansion tanks are installed.
4. Start-up & Testing: The system is filled, purged of air, and ignited or powered on. The technician will check for leaks, verify proper venting, and set the thermostat to a safe temperature (typically 120°F).
5. Inspection: For permitted jobs, a municipal inspector will visit to verify the installation meets all code requirements before the work is finalized.

Frequently asked questions

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