Best Water Heater Installation Companies in Nevada Ranked

A properly installed water heater is essential for reliable hot water and home safety. In Nevada, water heater projects are regulated by state and local building codes, which mandate permits, professional installation, and inspections. This guide explains the key considerations for selecting, sizing, and installing a new water heater in Nevada, from understanding evolving energy codes to navigating local requirements. Use this information to make an informed decision and connect with qualified local professionals for your project.

Nothing But Water Heaters

las vegas

Nothing But Water Heaters provides water heater repair, tankless water heater services, and installation in Las Vegas, NV. They serve the entire greater Las Vegas area, including neighborhoods from Corn Creek to Goodsprings. The company offers same-day service with a two-hour service window and ensures all work is fully permitted and meets plumbing code requirements. They back their work with a 30-day warranty and do not charge after-hours fees.

5.0

1.3k Reviews

Adaven Plumbing Inc

3230 E Charleston Blvd Ste. 118, Las Vegas, NV 89104

Adaven Plumbing Inc is a licensed plumbing company serving Las Vegas, NV. They offer a range of services including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, and leak detection. The company provides same-day service with fully stocked trucks to handle most repairs promptly. Adaven Plumbing Inc operates 24/7 for emergency plumbing needs, ensuring availability throughout the week. They provide inspection reports with photos and keep customers informed with appointment notifications.

5.0

616 Reviews

Loyalty Plumbing

8683 W Sahara Ave Suite 250, Las Vegas, NV 89117

Loyalty Plumbing is a veteran-owned plumbing company serving Las Vegas, NV, and Clark County. They provide a range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, leak detection, and gas line installation. The company uses the latest tools and techniques to ensure accurate and long-lasting repairs. Loyalty Plumbing offers same-day and emergency services, available day and night, including holidays. They are recognized for their straightforward pricing and premium warranties on every job.

5.0

214 Reviews

BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair

6260 Stevenson Way, Las Vegas, NV 89120

BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair provides HVAC and plumbing services in Las Vegas, NV. They offer a range of plumbing solutions including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, water softener installation, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company is known for its NATE-certified technicians and BBB accreditation with an A+ rating. Established in 2016, they serve Las Vegas and surrounding areas with a focus on maintaining indoor comfort through reliable heating, cooling, and plumbing services.

4.9

3.2k Reviews

Nevada Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Fireplace

140 Icon Ct, Sparks, NV 89441

Nevada Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Fireplace is a plumbing and HVAC service provider based in Reno, NV. They offer water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and leak detection services. With nearly 50 years of industry experience since 1973, they have serviced over 45,000 homes and businesses in northern Nevada. Their hydro jetting service helps clear stubborn clogs and maintain pipes by removing sediment and buildup.

4.9

2.9k Reviews

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Nevada's Water Heater Code & Permit Requirements

In Nevada, installing or replacing a water heater is not a simple DIY project. State and local regulations require that the work be performed by a licensed professional, that a permit is pulled, and that the installation passes a final inspection by the local building department ¹. These rules are in place to ensure safety, proper function, and compliance with energy standards.

The specific codes enforced vary by municipality but are generally based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). For example, in Las Vegas, installations must comply with the 2018 UPC, which includes critical safety requirements ^{2 3}. Key code mandates for all installations include:

• Seismic Strapping: Nevada is in a seismically active region. All water heaters must be properly anchored with seismic bracing to prevent tipping during an earthquake ².
• Temperature and Pressure (T&P) Relief Valve: A properly sized and installed T&P valve is mandatory. This safety device prevents the tank from exploding if temperature or pressure exceeds safe limits ².
• Venting for Gas Units: Fuel-burning water heaters (natural gas or propane) must have correctly sized and installed venting to exhaust deadly carbon monoxide gases safely outdoors. Specific clearance rules from windows, doors, and combustible materials must be followed ².
• Drain Pans: In certain locations, such as inside a home or on an upper floor, a drain pan connected to an approved drain is required to contain any leakage.

Failing to obtain a permit or pass inspection can lead to fines, voided manufacturer warranties, and complications when selling your home. Always verify requirements with your local building department, such as the City of Las Vegas Building Department ^{4 5}.

The Shift Toward High-Efficiency & Heat Pump Water Heaters

Nevada's energy codes are evolving to promote greater efficiency and electrification. The 2025 energy code introduces significant changes that affect new construction and major renovations, making high-efficiency models the new standard ^{6 7}.

For new single-family and multi-family homes, the code establishes two compliance pathways:

1. Prescriptive Pathway (Heat Pump Water Heaters): Installing a heat pump water heater (HPWH) is the simplest route to code compliance. HPWHs are highly efficient, using electricity to move heat from the surrounding air into the water, and can be two to three times more efficient than standard electric resistance models ⁶.
2. Performance Pathway (Gas/Propane): If a gas or propane water heater is installed, the project must use the performance compliance pathway. This requires the builder to offset the higher energy use of the gas appliance by incorporating additional energy-saving measures elsewhere in the home, such as enhanced insulation or higher-efficiency windows ^{6 8}.

A crucial new requirement for new construction is the "Electric Ready" mandate. If a gas water heater is installed in a new home, the builder must pre-wire the location for a future HPWH. This includes installing a dedicated 240-volt, 30-amp electrical circuit and accessible hot and cold water piping, making a future switch to an electric heat pump model much simpler and less costly ^{6 9}.

Furthermore, all new water heaters, regardless of type, must meet federal energy efficiency standards, which are measured by the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ¹⁰.

Choosing the Right Type of Water Heater

Selecting a water heater involves balancing upfront cost, operating expenses, efficiency, and your home's existing infrastructure. The most common types in Nevada are:

• Conventional Storage Tank: The most common type, it heats and stores a ready reservoir of water. Available in gas, electric, and propane models. They have a lower purchase price but higher operating costs due to standby heat loss.
• Tankless (On-Demand): Heats water directly as it flows through the unit, providing endless hot water. They are more energy-efficient than storage tanks (no standby loss) but have a higher upfront cost and may require upgrades to gas lines or electrical service. Sizing is critical and based on the required flow rate (GPM) for simultaneous uses ¹¹.
• Heat Pump (Hybrid): Uses a compressor and refrigerant to extract heat from the air and transfer it to the water. It's the most energy-efficient electric option and is heavily incentivized by new codes and utility rebates. It works best in locations where the surrounding air temperature remains between 40°F and 90°F and in spaces with at least 1,000 cubic feet of air volume (like a garage or basement) ^{12 13}.
• Solar: Uses solar thermal collectors on the roof. While they have very low operating costs, they have high installation costs and typically require a conventional backup system for cloudy days.

Comparing Fuel Types in Nevada

The two most common fuel sources are natural gas and electricity ^{14 15}.

• Natural Gas: Often favored for lower operating costs and faster recovery rates (the time to reheat a tank). However, installation can be more complex and expensive if new gas lines or specialized venting (like power-venting) are required.
• Electric: Generally has a lower initial equipment cost and simpler vent-free installation. Operating costs can be higher than gas, depending on local NV Energy rates. This is the only option for heat pump models.
• Propane: An alternative in rural areas without natural gas service. It functions similarly to natural gas but requires on-site fuel storage.

Sizing Your Water Heater Correctly

An improperly sized water heater will lead to either constant cold showers or wasted energy. Sizing depends on your household's peak hot water demand-the amount needed during the busiest hour (e.g., morning showers, laundry, and dishwasher running) ^{16 17}.

For Storage Tank Heaters: Size is based on tank capacity (gallons) and the First Hour Rating (FHR), which estimates how many gallons of hot water the heater can deliver in an hour starting with a full tank.

For Tankless Heaters: Size is based on flow rate (gallons per minute or GPM). You must calculate the total GPM required if multiple fixtures (shower, sink, dishwasher) run simultaneously. A typical family of four may need a unit capable of delivering 7-9 GPM ¹¹. The required temperature rise (the difference between incoming groundwater temperature and your desired output temperature) also affects sizing; Nevada's groundwater is relatively warm, which is advantageous for tankless units.

A professional installer will perform a detailed load calculation to recommend the perfect size for your home's needs ¹⁸.

Understanding Installation Costs in Nevada

The total cost to install a new water heater in Nevada varies widely based on the unit type, labor, permits, and any necessary upgrades to bring your system up to current code ^{19 20}.

Key Factors Influencing Cost:

• Labor: Professional installation labor typically ranges from $500 to $1,200 for a standard like-for-like replacement. Complex jobs (relocating the unit, running new gas/electrical lines) cost more ²¹.
• Permits & Inspections: Required by law, these fees add to the project cost (often $100 - $300 depending on locality) ²².
• Code Compliance & Upgrades: Older installations often don't meet current code. Bringing the system up to standard may require adding seismic straps, a new expansion tank, a drain pan, upgrading electrical wiring, or installing new venting materials. These "discovery items" can significantly impact the final price ^{2 23}.
• Unit Removal & Disposal: Hauling away the old unit is usually included in the labor quote.
• Rebates & Incentives: Heat pump water heaters often qualify for significant rebates. For example, the federal HEEHRA program offers instant point-of-sale rebates up to $1,750 for qualified homeowners. Always check with NV Energy and federal programs for current incentives, which can dramatically reduce the net cost of a high-efficiency model ^{24 25}.

The Professional Installation Process

Working with a licensed, insured Nevada contractor ensures a safe, code-compliant installation. A typical professional process includes:

1. Consultation & Estimate: A technician assesses your needs, inspects the existing setup, discusses options, and provides a detailed written estimate.
2. Permit Pulling: Your contractor obtains the required permit from the local building department.
3. Preparation & Installation: The old unit is drained, disconnected, and removed. The new unit is positioned, connected to water, fuel, and electrical lines, and all safety devices (T&P valve, seismic straps) are installed.
4. Inspection: The contractor schedules an inspection with the building department. The inspector verifies the installation meets all code requirements.
5. Final Approval: Once the installation passes inspection, you receive final approval to use the system, and the job is closed with the city.

Frequently asked questions

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