Best Water Heater Installation Companies in Pennsylvania Ranked

A properly installed water heater is essential for reliable hot water and home safety. In Pennsylvania, water heater installation and replacement must follow specific state and local building codes to ensure safe operation and energy efficiency. This guide provides a clear overview of your options, the associated costs, and the critical regulations you need to know to make an informed decision for your home.

John Luke Plumbing & Heating

114 W Eagle Rd, Havertown, PA 19083

John Luke Plumbing & Heating serves Philadelphia, PA, and nearby areas with over twenty years of experience in plumbing and heating services. They provide installation, maintenance, and repair for water heaters, drains, garbage disposals, and heating systems. Their capabilities include comprehensive drain cleaning and emergency repairs. The company offers 24/7 emergency service to address urgent plumbing and heating needs.

5.0

364 Reviews

Hertler Plumbing & HVAC

437 Pennsylvania Ave, Fort Washington, PA 19034

Hertler Plumbing & HVAC provides water heater repair and installation services in Philadelphia, PA. They offer comprehensive plumbing and HVAC solutions, including emergency repairs and system replacements. The company is known for carrying parts for major brands to complete most repairs in a single visit. Hertler Plumbing & HVAC also provides 24/7 emergency service to address urgent heating and cooling issues promptly. Their team serves Philadelphia and surrounding communities, ensuring homes stay comfortable year-round.

5.0

244 Reviews

Gold Star Plumbing, LLC

philadelphia

Gold Star Plumbing, LLC is a family-owned plumbing company serving Philadelphia, PA, and the surrounding Bucks and Montgomery Counties. They provide a wide range of residential plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, sump pump repair, and bathroom remodeling. The team is experienced in handling mid-century plumbing upgrades and modern fixture installations with attention to local codes and seasonal needs. With over 300 families served near York Road, Jacksonville Road, and Pennypack Creek, Gold Star Plumbing emphasizes transparent pricing, clean workmanship, and respectful scheduling to minimize disruption during projects.

5.0

231 Reviews

Tankless Industries LLC | Tankless Hot Water Heaters

314 S Henderson Rd suite 337, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Tankless Industries LLC | Tankless Hot Water Heaters is a plumbing company serving Philadelphia, PA, specializing in tankless water heater installation, repair, and maintenance. They offer services that include flushing and inspecting tankless units to maintain efficiency and safety. The company works with top brands known for reliable tankless water heating technology. They also provide information on state and federal incentives for upgrading to energy-efficient tankless systems.

5.0

220 Reviews

Scarpignato Plumbing & Heating, LLC

507 Hastings Ave, Wallingford, PA 19086

Scarpignato Plumbing & Heating, LLC is a family-owned plumbing and heating company serving Philadelphia, PA, and nearby Delaware County communities since 2000. They offer a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and general plumbing maintenance. The company uses advanced equipment such as video camera inspection tools and trenchless pipe repair technology to handle complex plumbing issues efficiently. Owner Michael Scarpignato is a licensed master plumber with over 25 years of experience, ensuring expert service and multiple repair options tailored to customer needs. Emergency plumbing services are also available for urgent situations.

5.0

212 Reviews

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Understanding Pennsylvania's Water Heater Codes

All residential water heater work in Pennsylvania is governed by the state's Uniform Construction Code. As of now, the code references the ICC 2018 series, but a significant update is on the horizon: the state will adopt the ICC 2021 code series starting January 1, 2026 ¹. This means installations must follow the manufacturer's instructions and specific code requirements based on the fuel type and location ^{2 3}.

A key safety requirement is the installation of a drip pan if a leak could cause damage to the home. Adequate access and clearance for future maintenance and replacement must also be planned, especially for units located in attics or tight closets ^{4 3}.

Fuel-Specific Code Requirements:

• Gas or Propane: Installations must conform to the International Fuel Gas Code and feature appropriate venting systems, such as direct vent or power vent setups ^{2 3}.
• Electric: Installations must comply with NFPA 70 (the National Electrical Code) and UL standards. The upcoming 2026 codes will introduce "electric readiness" requirements for new construction, ensuring a dedicated circuit is available to support a future upgrade to a heat pump water heater ^{5 6}.
• Permits: A permit is required for water heater replacement in most Pennsylvania municipalities. This ensures the work is inspected and meets all safety codes ^{4 7}.

Types of Water Heaters Available

Pennsylvania homeowners can choose from several types of water heating systems, each with different pros, cons, and ideal applications.

Storage Tank Water Heaters This is the most common type, featuring an insulated tank that heats and stores a ready supply of water. They are available in gas, electric, and propane models. While generally the most affordable to purchase and install, they continuously lose heat through the tank walls (standby heat loss) and can run out of hot water during high-demand periods.

Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters These units heat water directly as it flows through the unit, providing a potentially endless supply of hot water. They are more energy-efficient than storage tanks because they eliminate standby heat loss. However, they have a higher upfront cost and their output is limited by flow rate; running multiple showers and appliances simultaneously may exceed their capacity unless properly sized.

Heat Pump Water Heaters (Hybrid) This highly efficient type of electric water heater uses a heat pump to move heat from the surrounding air into the water. It can be two to three times more energy-efficient than a standard electric resistance model ⁸. They work best in spaces that remain between 40°F and 90°F year-round and have at least 1,000 cubic feet of air space around them. Their higher purchase price is often offset by significant energy savings over time.

Sizing Your New Water Heater Correctly

Choosing the right size is crucial for performance and efficiency. An undersized unit won't meet your household's demand, while an oversized one wastes energy and money.

For Storage Tank Heaters: Size is based on tank capacity (gallons) and the first-hour rating (FHR), which indicates how much hot water the unit can deliver in an hour of peak use.

• 1-2 people: 30-40 gallon tank
• 3-4 people: 50 gallon tank (the most common size)
• 5+ people: 60-80 gallon tank or a standard size with a high recovery rate ^{9 10 11}

For Tankless Heaters: Size is determined by the flow rate (gallons per minute, or GPM) needed and the required temperature rise (the difference between incoming groundwater temperature and your desired hot water temperature). You must calculate the total GPM of all fixtures that could run simultaneously (e.g., two showers and a kitchen faucet) to select a unit that can handle the load ^{12 13}.

Cost Breakdown for Installation & Replacement

Costs in Pennsylvania align with national averages, with labor often accounting for about half of the total project price ^{4 14}. The final price depends heavily on the unit type, your home's existing infrastructure, and local labor rates. The table below provides average installed cost ranges for a full replacement, including the unit, basic labor, and materials, but does not include major system upgrades.

Key Factors Influencing Cost:

• Unit Type & Size: Tankless and hybrid heat pump models have higher equipment costs than standard tanks.
• Labor Complexity: A straightforward "swap" of a similar tank type may cost $150-$450 in labor, while installing a new tankless system with new venting or gas lines can range from $600 to $1,900 ^{4 14}.
• Necessary Upgrades: Converting from electric to gas (or vice versa), upgrading an electrical panel, installing new gas lines, or adding proper venting can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the project ⁷.
• Permit Fees: Required in most areas, these typically cost between $25 and $300 ⁷.

Fuel Type Considerations: Gas vs. Electric

The choice between natural gas/propane and electric water heaters involves weighing upfront costs against long-term operating expenses.

• Natural Gas/Propane: Very common in Pennsylvania. These units typically have lower annual operating costs than standard electric models and offer faster hot water recovery. However, installation is more complex and expensive if new gas lines or specialized venting are required ^{4 14}.
• Electric: Generally has a lower initial installation cost, especially if the electrical circuit is already in place. Operating costs can be higher than gas, but this can be mitigated by choosing a highly efficient heat pump (hybrid) model, which offers the best energy savings of any type ^{4 8}.

The Impact of Future Efficiency Standards

Homeowners should be aware of evolving federal energy regulations. While current standards remain, new regulations in the coming years will likely require higher efficiency, particularly for larger electric storage units (over 55 gallons), which may mandate the use of heat pump technology ¹⁵. The upcoming 2026 Pennsylvania code adoption also signals a move toward "electrification readiness," making it easier for homes to upgrade to efficient electric appliances like heat pump water heaters in the future ^{6 16}.

Planning Your Installation Project

A successful installation requires careful planning:

1. Assess Your Needs: Consider your household size, peak hot water usage, and available space and utilities (gas line, electrical capacity).
2. Understand Local Codes: Check with your local municipality's building department for specific permit requirements and any local amendments to the state code.
3. Get Multiple Estimates: Obtain detailed written quotes from licensed professionals. The quote should include the cost of the unit, labor, materials, permit fees, and a clear description of the work to be done.
4. Verify Credentials: Ensure the plumber is licensed, insured, and will pull the required local permits. This protects you and ensures the work is done to code.
5. Plan for the Install Day: Clear the path to the installation area and ensure the professional has access to the main water shutoff, gas valve, or electrical panel.

Frequently asked questions

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