Best Water Heater Installation Companies in Missouri Ranked

A properly installed water heater is essential for reliable hot water in your Missouri home. Whether your current unit is failing or you're looking to upgrade for better efficiency, understanding the process, costs, and local requirements is key to a successful project. This guide provides clear, practical information on selecting, installing, and replacing water heaters in Missouri, helping you make an informed decision and connect with qualified local professionals for the job.

Polar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

2227 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

Polar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning serves the St Louis, MO area with a wide range of plumbing and HVAC services. Their offerings include water heater repair and installation, sump pump and sewer line repair, leak detection, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company is known for handling urgent issues promptly, including emergency sump pump repairs and same-day water heater services. They also provide 24/7 emergency support for heating and cooling problems. Polar Plumbing has built a reputation for thorough and professional work, backed by a team that communicates clearly and respects customers' homes.

5.0

509 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

300 Biltmore Dr Ste 348, Fenton, MO 63026

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides a wide range of plumbing services in St Louis, MO, including sewer camera inspections, water heater repairs and installations, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and sewer line repairs using both conventional excavation and trenchless methods. They also install water softeners and filtration systems to address hard water issues common in the area. The company offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent problems promptly. Their technicians use video camera inspections to accurately diagnose sewer line issues and provide effective solutions.

5.0

504 Reviews

A-Team Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

15832 S Madison Dr, Olathe, KS 66062

A-Team Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a family-owned and operated company serving Kansas City, MO, and the surrounding Johnson and Miami County areas. They specialize in residential and light commercial plumbing and HVAC services, including water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, leak detection, and toilet and garbage disposal repairs. The company is a licensed and insured certified Trane dealer, offering reliable heating and cooling system installations and maintenance. With over 32 years of experience, A-Team Plumbing, Heating & Cooling emphasizes fair pricing and customer care. They also provide 24/7 emergency service for urgent plumbing and HVAC needs.

5.0

364 Reviews

Royal Flush Plumbing & Repair

14370 NW 61st St, Parkville, MO 64152

Royal Flush Plumbing & Repair is a locally owned plumbing company serving Kansas City, MO. They provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, gas line installation, and sewer camera inspections. The company is licensed and bonded, with over a decade of experience in the plumbing industry. They also offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services for urgent needs. Their expertise includes sewer line camera inspections to accurately diagnose plumbing issues. Royal Flush Plumbing & Repair has built a reputation for reliable service and comprehensive plumbing solutions throughout Kansas City.

5.0

239 Reviews

KC Water Heaters

3100 S 74th St, Kansas City, KS 66106

KC Water Heaters is a plumbing service based in Kansas City, MO, specializing in water heater repair, installation, and replacement. Established in 2013, they serve customers in both Kansas and Missouri, offering expertise in tankless, electric, and gas water heaters from leading brands like Bradford White. Their licensed plumbers handle challenges such as tight spaces, high water pressure, and venting issues, ensuring installations meet code requirements and customer needs.

5.0

235 Reviews

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Understanding Missouri's Plumbing and Energy Codes

In Missouri, water heater installations must comply with local building and plumbing codes, which are typically based on national models like the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC) ^{1 2}. Unlike some states, Missouri has not adopted a mandatory statewide energy code for residential buildings ^{3 4}. Instead, the adoption and enforcement of building codes-including any energy efficiency measures for appliances like water heaters-are managed at the county or municipal level ⁵.

What This Means for Homeowners:

• Local Jurisdictions Lead: Cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia have their own code adoption and amendment processes. When they do update codes, they are required to use one of the three most recent versions of the energy code ⁴.
• Permits Are Typically Required: A permit is generally required for water heater replacement to ensure the installation meets local safety and plumbing codes ⁶. Your licensed plumbing professional will usually handle pulling this permit.
• Federal Standards Apply: Regardless of local codes, all new water heaters sold in the U.S. must meet minimum national energy efficiency standards set by the Department of Energy (DOE) ^{7 8}. New, more stringent standards for commercial units take effect in October 2026, and updated residential standards will follow in May 2029 ^{9 10}.

Professional installation is highly recommended not only for safety and code compliance but also to maintain the manufacturer's warranty on your new unit ⁶.

Choosing the Right Water Heater: Fuel Types and Efficiency

The choice of fuel type is one of the most significant decisions, impacting operating costs, installation requirements, and performance. Your choice will largely depend on what is already available in your home and local utility rates.

Natural Gas: This is a widely used and common option in Missouri ¹¹. Gas storage tank water heaters generally have faster recovery rates (reheating water more quickly) than comparable electric models, which can be an advantage for larger households ^{12 13}. It's important to note that natural gas prices can fluctuate ¹⁴.

Electric: Electric storage tank models are a standard choice, especially in homes without existing gas lines. They are often simpler to install but may require a larger tank size to meet demand due to a slower heating rate compared to gas ^{12 15}.

Propane: In rural areas of Missouri where natural gas mains are not available, propane is a viable fuel alternative for both storage tank and tankless systems ¹³.

High-Efficiency Options:

• Heat Pump Water Heaters (Hybrid): These electric units are 2-3 times more energy efficient than standard electric resistance models by moving heat from the surrounding air into the water. They work best in installed spaces that remain in the 40º-90ºF range year-round and have at least 1,000 cubic feet of air space around them ^{15 16}.
• Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters: These units heat water directly without a storage tank, providing potentially endless hot water and reducing standby energy loss. They are available in gas (natural or propane) and electric models. Installation can be more complex and costly if new gas lines or upgraded electrical service is needed ¹¹.

Sizing Your Water Heater Correctly

Choosing the correct size is crucial for ensuring an adequate supply of hot water without wasting energy. An undersized unit will run out of hot water quickly, while an oversized one incurs unnecessary purchase and operating costs.

For Storage Tank Heaters: Size is measured in gallon capacity. The right size depends primarily on the number of people in your household and your peak usage (e.g., multiple showers running simultaneously) ¹⁷.

Table based on common industry guidelines for storage tank water heaters ^{12 18 17}.

For Tankless Water Heaters: Sizing is based on flow rate (Gallons Per Minute - GPM) and the temperature rise needed. You must calculate the total GPM of hot water fixtures that could run concurrently and the difference between your incoming groundwater temperature and your desired output temperature. A professional can perform this calculation to specify the correct unit ^{13 19}.

Cost Breakdown for Water Heater Installation in Missouri

The total cost for water heater replacement in Missouri typically includes the price of the new unit, professional labor, all necessary materials (pipes, fittings, valves), disposal of the old unit, and any required permit fees ^{16 20 21}. The final price can vary based on your location within the state (e.g., Kansas City vs. a rural area), the complexity of the installation, and the specific brand and model chosen ^{16 22}.

Here is a general overview of average installed cost ranges:

Note: These are estimated price ranges for professional installation. Always get detailed, written estimates from licensed local plumbers for your specific project.

The Professional Installation Process

Hiring a licensed, insured professional ensures the job is done safely, to code, and in a way that preserves your warranty. A typical replacement involves:

1. Assessment and Estimate: A technician will assess your current setup, discuss your needs, and provide a detailed written estimate.
2. Permitting: The professional will pull any required local permits.
3. Shutoff and Drainage: The water and energy sources (gas or electric) to the old unit are safely shut off, and the tank is drained.
4. Disconnection and Removal: The old unit is disconnected and removed from the premises.
5. Preparation and Installation: The new unit is positioned, connected to water supply lines, the appropriate energy source, and the pressure relief valve. For gas units, this includes checking for leaks.
6. Venting (Gas Models): New vent pipes are installed or existing ones are inspected and properly connected.
7. Startup and Inspection: The tank is filled, purged of air, and the burner or elements are activated. The technician will check for proper operation, temperature setting, and ensure there are no leaks.
8. Cleanup and Final Walkthrough: The work area is cleaned up, and the installer will explain the new unit's operation and maintenance to you.

When to Consider Replacement

Knowing when to replace your water heater can prevent the inconvenience and potential water damage of a complete failure. Watch for these signs:

• Age: Most traditional tank water heaters have a lifespan of 8-12 years.
• Rusty Water: Discolored hot water can indicate tank corrosion.
• Leaks: Any moisture or pooling around the base of the tank is a serious concern.
• Insufficient Hot Water: Running out of hot water faster than usual.
• Unusual Noises: Popping, rumbling, or banging sounds from sediment buildup.
• Consistent Repairs: If you're calling for repairs frequently, replacement is often more cost-effective.

Frequently asked questions

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