Best Water Heater Installation Companies in New Jersey Ranked

Replacing a water heater is a significant home investment that requires careful planning and professional expertise. In New Jersey, this process is governed by specific state and local plumbing codes, energy standards, and safety regulations to ensure reliable performance and homeowner safety. This guide provides a detailed overview of what you need to know about water heater installation and replacement in the Garden State, from selecting the right unit and understanding costs to navigating permit requirements and finding qualified local professionals.

Drainage Master LLC

newark

Drainage Master LLC is a plumbing company serving Newark, NJ, and surrounding counties in North New Jersey. They offer a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, and leak detection. The company has over 20 years of experience and provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services. Their team is fully licensed and equipped to handle both residential and commercial plumbing needs with a focus on transparent pricing and guaranteed workmanship.

5.0

140 Reviews

Lesco Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

newark

Lesco Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a plumbing and HVAC company based in Newark, NJ, serving Northern New Jersey including Morris, Essex, Passaic, and Union counties. They provide a range of services such as water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, and gas line installation. Established in 2003, Lesco Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has over 20 years of experience in the industry. They also offer HVAC services including furnace and air conditioner repair and replacement.

4.9

473 Reviews

Phil Masucci Plumbing Heating & Drain Cleaning

9 Florida St, Maplewood, NJ 07040

Phil Masucci Plumbing Heating & Drain Cleaning is a full-service plumbing and heating company based in Newark, NJ. Serving Essex, Union, Morris, and Middlesex counties, the company offers a wide range of services including water heater installation and repair, sump pump maintenance, drain cleaning, and gas line installation. They provide specialized capabilities such as sewer pipe descaling and video camera drain inspection. With over 20 years of experience, they also handle general contracting for kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room updates.

4.9

112 Reviews

Kevin The Plumber Plumbing & Heating LLC

127 Pine St, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010

Kevin The Plumber Plumbing & Heating LLC provides a range of plumbing services in Jersey City, NJ. Their offerings include water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, toilet repair, and pipe repair for both residential and commercial clients. The company is licensed and insured, with a focus on expert craftsmanship and tailored solutions. They also provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services to handle urgent issues promptly.

5.0

55 Reviews

A Good Plumber Corp.

2114 E 27th St, Brooklyn, NY 11229

A Good Plumber Corp. is a family-owned plumbing company serving Jersey City, NJ, with over 30 years of experience. They specialize in water heater repair and installation, leak detection, and gas line installation. Their team includes three licensed master plumbers who ensure all work meets the latest safety codes. The company is known for handling both residential and commercial plumbing needs with a focus on safety and professionalism.

4.8

598 Reviews

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Understanding New Jersey's Regulations and Codes

Installing a new hot water heater in New Jersey is not a simple DIY project. The state enforces the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC), which incorporates national standards like the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and International Residential Code (IRC). These codes are implemented at the municipal level, meaning requirements can vary slightly by town. The primary goals are safety, energy efficiency, and proper system function.

A plumbing permit is almost always required for water heater replacement in New Jersey municipalities ¹. This permit process ensures the installation will be inspected by a local official to verify it meets all code requirements. For electric water heaters, an electrical permit may also be necessary. Licensed professional plumbers typically pull these permits on the homeowner's behalf as part of their service. Skipping the permit can lead to fines, voided warranties, and complications when selling your home.

Key code requirements for a standard installation often include:

• Expansion Tank: Modern plumbing codes mandate the installation of an expansion tank on the cold water inlet line. This device absorbs increased water pressure caused by thermal expansion, protecting your plumbing system from stress and potential damage ^{2 3}.
• Drip Pan: If the water heater is located in a finished space, attic, or anywhere a leak could cause damage, a drip pan piped to a drain is required to contain any accidental leakage.
• Venting Upgrades: For gas or propane units, if you are replacing an older atmospherically vented heater, current code often requires upgrading the vent pipe diameter from 3 inches to 4 inches to ensure proper exhaust flow and safety ^{2 4}.
• Earthquake Strapping: While not universally required, some local codes may specify seismic strapping for tall tank-style units to prevent tipping.

Choosing the Right Water Heater for Your Home

Selecting a new water heater involves balancing upfront cost, energy efficiency, fuel type availability, and your household's hot water demands. The most common fuel sources in New Jersey are natural gas and electricity, with propane and oil being options in areas without gas mains ^{5 6}.

Conventional Storage Tank Water Heaters

These are the most common and affordable type to purchase and install. They store and continuously heat a reservoir of water (typically 30 to 80 gallons). A 40-50 gallon tank is standard for a household of 2-4 people ⁷. While cost-effective upfront, they are less energy-efficient due to "standby" heat loss-energy used to keep the stored water hot.

Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters

Tankless units heat water directly as it flows through the unit, providing a potentially endless supply of hot water. They are much more energy-efficient than tank models because they eliminate standby heat loss. They are sized by flow rate (measured in gallons per minute, GPM) rather than storage capacity. While they have a higher initial purchase and installation cost, they can lead to significant savings on energy bills over time, especially for gas-fired models ^{8 9}.

Heat Pump (Hybrid) Water Heaters

These are highly efficient electric units that work like a refrigerator in reverse, extracting heat from the surrounding air to heat the water. They can be two to three times more energy-efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters. They work best in installed locations that remain in a 40º-90ºF range year-round and have at least 1,000 cubic feet of air space around them. New Jersey's Clean Energy Program often promotes these models for their efficiency ¹⁰.

Solar Water Heaters

These systems use solar collectors on the roof to heat water. While they have very low operating costs, they require a significant upfront investment and a conventional backup system (gas or electric) for cloudy days. They are most cost-effective when included in new home construction or major renovations.

Detailed Cost Breakdown for Installation & Replacement

The total cost to replace a water heater in New Jersey is influenced by the unit type, labor, materials, permit fees, and any necessary upgrades to bring the installation up to current code. Prices can vary significantly based on your location within the state and the complexity of the job.

Typical Cost Ranges in New Jersey:

• Standard Tank Unit Replacement: $1,500 to $4,200 ^{11 12}
• Tankless Unit Installation: $2,400 to over $5,400 ^{11 13}

Cost Components:

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific home, obtaining quotes from several licensed New Jersey plumbing contractors is essential.

The Professional Installation Process

A proper installation by a licensed professional ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance. Here's what a standard replacement entails:

1. Assessment & Quote: A technician assesses your old unit, your home's plumbing and fuel connections, and discusses your needs to recommend suitable options and provide a detailed quote.
2. Permit Acquisition: The contractor obtains the necessary plumbing (and potentially electrical) permits from your local building department.
3. Preparation & Removal: The water and fuel (gas/electricity) supplies to the old heater are shut off. The old unit is drained, disconnected, and removed.
4. Site Preparation & Code Upgrades: The installation area is prepared. Necessary code upgrades are installed, such as a new expansion tank, updated shut-off valves, and a drip pan if required.
5. New Unit Installation: The new water heater is positioned, leveled, and connected to the water supply lines, fuel line, and venting system. All connections are sealed and tested.
6. Start-up & Testing: The unit is filled with water, purged of air, and the fuel supply is restored. The system is ignited or powered on, and the technician checks for leaks, verifies proper venting, and sets the thermostat.
7. Inspection: Once the installation passes the contractor's final check, they will schedule the required municipal inspection to close out the permit.
8. Clean-up & Demonstration: The work area is cleaned, and the technician should explain the new system's operation, maintenance needs, and warranty details to you.

Energy Efficiency and Rebate Programs

New Jersey encourages the use of high-efficiency appliances through its Clean Energy Program. When selecting a new water heater, look for the EnergyGuide label, which estimates annual operating costs. For gas storage water heaters, an Energy Factor (EF) of 0.62 or higher is often required to qualify for certain utility rebates ¹⁰.

Programs like PSE&G's WorryFree® Service or offers from New Jersey's Clean Energy Program may provide rebates or incentives for installing qualifying high-efficiency natural gas or electric heat pump water heaters ^{4 10}. It's worth checking with your local gas or electric utility and the state program website for current offers that can help offset the installation cost.

Maintenance for Longevity

To maximize the lifespan of your new water heater (typically 8-12 years for tanks, 15-20+ for tankless), regular maintenance is key:

• Tank Models: Drain a few gallons from the tank every 6-12 months to remove sediment buildup, which improves efficiency and prolongs tank life. Annually check the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve by lifting its lever.
• Tankless Models: Descale the heat exchanger annually (or as recommended by the manufacturer) to remove mineral deposits, especially if you have hard water.
• All Models: Visually check for leaks or corrosion periodically and keep the area around the unit clear.

Frequently asked questions

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