Best Water Heater Installation Companies in Oklahoma Ranked

A properly functioning water heater is essential for daily comfort in any Oklahoma home. When your unit fails or becomes inefficient, navigating the options for installation or replacement can be complex, involving local codes, fuel choices, and sizing considerations. This guide provides clear, practical information to help you understand the process, from permit requirements to cost factors, so you can make an informed decision and find a qualified local professional for the job.

Veteran Plumbing Services

3560 National Dr, Norman, OK 73069

Veteran Plumbing Services provides a range of plumbing solutions in Oklahoma City, OK, and surrounding areas including Norman, Moore, and Midwest City. Their services include drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, leak detection, and garbage disposal repair. The company uses specialized equipment such as sewer cameras to diagnose issues accurately and offers thorough inspections and repairs for sewer lines and leaks. Veteran Plumbing Services is known for handling residential plumbing needs with a focus on effective problem-solving and customer communication. They serve multiple nearby communities and have built a reputation for knowledgeable and timely service.

5.0

454 Reviews

Tulsa Tankless

tulsa

Tulsa Tankless is a family-owned plumbing business specializing in tankless water heater installation, repair, and service in Tulsa, OK. With over 12 years of experience, they work with all tankless brands and ensure all work meets local plumbing codes. Tulsa Tankless focuses exclusively on tankless water heaters, providing expert guidance to help customers choose the best system for their needs. Their services cover installation and repairs, emphasizing quality and compliance.

5.0

274 Reviews

Linn's Plumbing LLC

1355 Sandy Ln, Chandler, OK 74834

Linn's Plumbing LLC serves Oklahoma City, OK, and surrounding areas with a wide range of plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, and water treatment. The company specializes in both conventional and tankless water heaters, sump pump repair, and septic system installation, using modern technology to address residential and commercial plumbing needs. Founded in 1984 by Larry Linn, a licensed plumber with decades of experience, Linn's Plumbing has focused exclusively on plumbing since the late 1990s. Emergency services are available for Diamond Club members, providing timely assistance when urgent plumbing issues arise.

5.0

237 Reviews

Gilded Plumbing

1324 N Wentz St Unit G, Guthrie, OK 73044

Gilded Plumbing is a locally owned plumbing company serving Oklahoma City, OK, and the surrounding areas including Guthrie and Edmond. They offer a wide range of plumbing services such as water heater installation and repair, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and garbage disposal repair. The team uses advanced technology for leak detection and slab leak repairs, and provides emergency and same-day services to address urgent plumbing needs. With decades of combined experience, Gilded Plumbing combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to serve both residential and commercial clients.

5.0

219 Reviews

Sargent's Plumbing & Drain

605 W Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Sargent's Plumbing & Drain is a licensed plumbing company serving Tulsa, OK, and the surrounding areas. With over 25 years of combined experience, they offer a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company provides 24/7 emergency plumbing support without additional fees and backs their repiping work with a 25-year warranty. They focus on honest communication and reliable workmanship, aiming to complete jobs correctly the first time.

5.0

140 Reviews

See more providers in Oklahoma

Understanding Oklahoma's Installation Codes and Permits

Installing or replacing a water heater in Oklahoma is not a simple DIY project; it's a regulated procedure designed to ensure safety. The state follows national standards, primarily the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and International Residential Code (IRC), which have been adopted with local amendments ^{1 2}. Adherence to these codes is mandatory and is enforced through a system of permits and inspections.

Why Permits are Required: In most Oklahoma municipalities, including Oklahoma City, a permit is required for water heater work ³. This process ensures the installation meets all safety and building standards. A licensed contractor will typically pull this permit on your behalf and schedule the required inspection once the work is complete. Skipping this step can lead to safety hazards, voided warranties, and complications when selling your home.

Key Safety Code Requirements: Oklahoma's plumbing codes specify several critical safety measures for water heater installations ^{3 1 4 5}:

• Temperature and Pressure (T&P) Relief Valve: This is a mandatory safety device that automatically releases water if temperature or pressure becomes dangerously high. The valve must discharge to an approved location, like a floor drain or the outdoors, and must never have a shutoff valve installed on it.
• Location and Accessibility: The unit must be placed in a location that allows for easy observation, maintenance, and future replacement. Special rules apply if a leak could cause damage to finished spaces.
• Safety Pans and Drains: If the water heater is installed in an attic, closet, or above a living space, it must sit inside a safety pan equipped with a drain pipe that directs any leakage to a suitable waste location ^{6 7}.
• Garage Installations (Gas Units): For gas water heaters installed in garages, the ignition source must be elevated at least 18 inches above the floor to prevent ignition of flammable vapors, unless the unit is specifically certified as flammable vapor ignition-resistant ^{8 9}.

Choosing the Right Size Water Heater

Selecting the correct capacity is crucial for balancing hot water supply with energy efficiency. An undersized unit will leave you with cold showers, while an oversized one wastes energy and money.

Sizing Traditional Tank Water Heaters: Capacity is measured in gallons, and the right size depends primarily on the number of people in your household and your simultaneous hot water needs (e.g., running a shower and dishwasher at the same time) ^{10 11 12}. Use the following table as a general guideline:

Sizing Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters: For tankless units, sizing is based on flow rate (gallons per minute, or GPM) and the required temperature rise. You must calculate the total GPM you might use simultaneously (e.g., two showers and a kitchen faucet). For a typical Oklahoma home, a unit rated between 6 and 10 GPM is often sufficient, but a professional assessment is key ^{13 14 15}.

Comparing Fuel Types and Energy Efficiency

The choice of fuel source significantly impacts upfront costs, operating expenses, and installation complexity. Oklahoma's utility costs make some options more economical than others.

• Natural Gas: This is often the most cost-effective fuel for operation in Oklahoma due to the relatively low price of natural gas ^{6 16}. Gas units heat water quickly and are ideal for larger households. The installation is more complex and costly upfront, as it requires proper gas line connections and venting to exhaust combustion gases safely.
• Electric: Electric water heaters generally have a lower purchase price and simpler installation, as most homes already have the necessary 240-volt electrical circuit ^{17 18}. However, they are typically more expensive to operate monthly in Oklahoma. A high-efficiency option is the heat pump (hybrid) electric water heater, which uses ambient air to heat water and can significantly reduce energy consumption.
• Propane and Oil: These are viable alternatives in rural areas of Oklahoma without access to natural gas lines. They require on-site fuel storage (a tank) and have operating costs that fluctuate with fuel prices ¹⁹.

Energy Efficiency Standards: New water heaters must meet updated federal Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) requirements. A higher UEF indicates greater efficiency ¹⁷. This often means new installations, especially for gas models, may require higher-efficiency units like power-vent or condensing models, which have higher initial costs but provide long-term savings on utility bills.

Breakdown of Installation and Replacement Costs

The total cost for a professional water heater installation in Oklahoma combines the price of the unit, labor, and any necessary materials or permits ^{20 21 22}. Prices can vary based on location, contractor rates, and the specifics of the job.

• Labor Costs: For a straightforward replacement (like-for-like swap), professional labor typically ranges from $200 to $500 ^{16 23}.
• Unit Costs: The price of the water heater itself varies by type, capacity, and efficiency.
  • Standard 40-gallon tank: $400-$600
  • Standard 50-gallon tank: $600-$900 ^{16 24}
• Total Installed Cost: For a standard gas or electric tank water heater replacement, the total installed price often falls between $800 and $2,000 ^{16 25}. More complex scenarios-such as installing a unit in an attic, converting from one fuel type to another, switching to a tankless system, or opting for a high-efficiency model-can increase the total cost to $2,500 or more ^{26 27}.

It is highly recommended to consult with a licensed, insured plumber to get a detailed, written quote tailored to your home's specific requirements and local code mandates.

When to Consider Replacement

Knowing when to replace your water heater can prevent an emergency situation and allow for planned, budgeted upgrades. Consider replacement if you notice:

• Age: Most traditional tank water heaters have a lifespan of 8-12 years.
• Rusty Water: Discolored hot water can indicate tank corrosion.
• Insufficient Hot Water: The unit can no longer meet your household's demand.
• Rumbling Noises: Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank causes overheating and noise.
• Leaks: Any moisture or pooling around the base of the tank is a serious sign of failure.
• Rising Energy Bills: A decline in efficiency will show up as increased operating costs.

Frequently asked questions

Sources