Top Water Heater Installation Companies in Chesapeake, Virginia Ranked

A reliable hot water heater is essential for daily comfort, from morning showers to washing dishes. When your unit fails or becomes inefficient, a timely installation or replacement is a critical home improvement project. This guide is designed to help Chesapeake homeowners understand their options, from traditional tank-style units to modern on-demand systems, and navigate the process of finding a qualified local professional to ensure a safe and code-compliant installation.

Sean Fixes Johns Plumbing

417 Hobart Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Sean Fixes Johns Plumbing is a locally owned plumbing company serving Virginia Beach, VA, as well as Norfolk and Chesapeake. The business offers a range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater installation, sewer line repair, leak detection, and gas line installation. They use modern camera and detection equipment to diagnose and repair sewer line issues efficiently. With over 30 years of experience, Master Plumber Sean Yelton leads the team in providing plumbing solutions for both residential and commercial customers. The company also offers 24-hour emergency plumbing services to address urgent needs.

5.0

616 Reviews

Richardson Plumbing Co

1469 Butts Station Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Richardson Plumbing Co is a family owned and operated plumbing business serving Virginia Beach, VA, and the Tidewater area since 1988. They provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, and gas line installation. The company is licensed and insured, with a Master Plumber and Master Gas Piper on staff, and offers backflow testing and plumbing inspections as part of their expertise.

5.0

342 Reviews

RPG Plumbing Services

5305 Cleveland St STE 102, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

RPG Plumbing Services is a plumbing company serving Virginia Beach, VA, and the Hampton Roads area. Since 2015, they have provided a range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and toilet repair. Their team holds Class A Contractor licenses, Master plumber and gas fitter certifications, and specialized training such as Navien certification, enabling them to handle both simple and complex plumbing issues. RPG Plumbing Services offers 24/7 emergency plumbing support to address urgent problems at any time.

5.0

201 Reviews

A1 Sewer & Drain Plumbing & Water Heaters

545 S Birdneck Rd Suite 202-E, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

A1 Sewer & Drain Plumbing & Water Heaters provides a wide range of plumbing, sewer, and gas line services in Virginia Beach, VA. Their offerings include sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, and gas line installation. The company uses advanced diagnostic tools to accurately identify issues and delivers customized solutions for homes and businesses. With nearly four decades of experience since 1987, A1 Sewer & Drain is equipped to handle complex plumbing challenges and offers 24/7 emergency services to the local community.

5.0

147 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

2428 Almeda Ave Ste 144, Norfolk, VA 23513

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides a wide range of plumbing services in Virginia Beach, VA, including sewer camera inspections, water heater repairs and installations, drain cleaning, and sewer line repairs. They use advanced equipment such as hydro jetting and video camera inspections to diagnose and resolve plumbing issues efficiently. The company offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent problems at any time. Their expertise also extends to water softener installation and water filtration systems to improve water quality. Roto-Rooter serves Norfolk and nearby areas with licensed and insured professionals.

4.9

2.2k Reviews

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Understanding Your Water Heater Options

Choosing the right water heater involves balancing upfront cost, energy efficiency, and your household's hot water demands. The three primary types available to Chesapeake residents are storage tank, tankless, and hybrid heat pump models.

Storage Tank Water Heaters are the most common and recognizable type. They consist of an insulated tank where water is heated and stored until needed. Available in gas or electric models, typical sizes range from 40 to 80 gallons ¹. While generally reliable and lower in initial cost, they are less energy-efficient because they constantly maintain a tank of hot water, leading to "standby" heat loss ².

Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters heat water directly as it flows through the unit, eliminating the need for a storage tank. This provides an endless supply of hot water and can result in significant energy savings-up to 34% for homes that use 41 gallons or less daily ¹. They have a longer lifespan than tank models but come with a higher initial purchase and installation cost ². For larger homes, multiple units may be needed to meet simultaneous demand.

Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters are highly efficient electric models that work by moving heat from the surrounding air into the water, much like a refrigerator in reverse. They can be two to three times more energy-efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters ³. However, they perform best in warm spaces (like a garage or basement that stays above 40°F) and have a higher purchase price ⁴.

Local Considerations for Chesapeake Homeowners

Your local environment and regulations play a key role in selecting and maintaining a water heating system.

• Mild Coastal Climate: Chesapeake's relatively mild winters mean your system isn't typically subjected to the extreme cold stresses found in northern states. However, a reliable unit is still vital for year-round comfort ⁵. The climate is generally favorable for heat pump water heaters, which operate efficiently in warmer ambient air.
• Water Hardness: The Hampton Roads area, including Chesapeake, can have moderately hard water. This means a higher mineral content (like calcium and magnesium) which can accelerate sediment buildup inside a tank-style heater ⁶. This sediment layer reduces efficiency, increases operating costs, and can shorten the tank's lifespan. An annual flushing is highly recommended to mitigate this issue.
• Permits and Codes: A professional water heater installation in Chesapeake requires permits to ensure the work meets local building and safety codes. This includes proper venting for gas units, correct electrical connections, and safe disposal of the old unit ⁵. Licensed professionals handle this process, giving you peace of mind that the installation is safe and up to standard.

The Professional Installation Process

A proper installation is not a simple DIY project. It involves gas, water, and electrical connections that must be handled safely and in compliance with codes. Here's what a typical professional installation entails ^{5 7 8}:

1. Consultation and Assessment: A technician will visit your home to assess your hot water needs, the physical space for the new unit, and the condition of existing connections (gas lines, electrical service, venting). This is the time to discuss different types and sizes of heaters.
2. Permit Acquisition: The plumbing professional will secure the necessary local permits for the installation and disposal of the old appliance.
3. Removal and Disposal: The old water heater is safely disconnected from power, water, and gas lines, drained, and removed from your home for proper disposal or recycling.
4. New Unit Installation: The new heater is positioned, leveled, and connected. This includes hooking up water lines, installing pressure relief valves, connecting fuel sources (gas or electric), and ensuring proper venting for combustion units.
5. System Testing and Inspection: The system is filled, purged of air, and tested for leaks. The burner or heating elements are checked, the temperature is set, and the unit is inspected to ensure everything operates correctly and safely.

This process can take anywhere from a few hours for a straightforward "like-for-like" swap to a full day or more if significant upgrades to gas lines or electrical circuits are required ⁹.

What to Expect: Water Heater Costs in Chesapeake

The total cost of a new water heater includes both the unit itself and professional installation labor. Prices can vary based on the type, size, brand, and complexity of the install. Here's a general breakdown of what Chesapeake homeowners might expect to invest ^{1 2 10 11}:

• Standard Tank Water Heater (40-50 gallon): The most common replacement, with total costs typically ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for a gas or electric model, including installation.
• Large Capacity or High-Efficiency Tank (60-80+ gallon): For larger households, these units can range from $2,000 to $7,500 or more.
• Tankless Water Heater: The total installed cost for a whole-house tankless system generally falls between $1,400 and $9,000. The higher end accounts for more powerful units or complex installations that may require upgrading gas lines or venting.
• Labor-Only Costs: If you supply the unit for a simple replacement in an accessible location with no need for new connections, professional labor might range from $500 to $1,500.

It's important to view this as an investment. While a tankless or hybrid model has a higher upfront cost, the significant energy savings over its longer lifespan can offset the initial price difference ^{1 7}. Always get detailed, written estimates from a few licensed local installers to compare.

Signs You Need a Replacement

How do you know it's time to shop for a new hot water system? Look for these common indicators:

• Age of Unit: The average lifespan of a storage tank water heater is 8-12 years. If yours is within or past this window, it's prudent to start planning for a replacement before a catastrophic failure causes water damage.
• Rusty Water or Tank Corrosion: If you notice rusty-colored water coming from your hot water taps only, or see rust on the tank itself, the interior may be corroding.
• Insufficient Hot Water: Running out of hot water faster than before often signals significant sediment buildup or a failing heating element.
• Rumbling or Popping Noises: These sounds are caused by sediment hardening at the bottom of the tank, causing the heater to work harder and less efficiently.
• Leaks or Moisture: Any visible water pooling around the base of the tank is a serious sign that the tank is failing and needs immediate attention.
• Rising Energy Bills: A gradual increase in your gas or electric bill, without other explanations, can point to a water heater losing its efficiency.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

The best water heater for your Chesapeake home depends on several factors: the size of your household, your budget (both initial and long-term), and the physical setup of your utility space. A family of four will have very different needs than a couple in a smaller home. A professional can help you calculate the correct First Hour Rating (for tanks) or flow rate needs (for tankless) to ensure you have an adequate supply.

Remember, this is not just an appliance purchase-it's a professional installation project. Choosing a licensed, insured, and experienced local plumber ensures the job is done safely, complies with Chesapeake codes, and protects your home's value. They can also provide valuable advice on maintenance, like annual flushing to combat hard water, to extend the life of your new investment ^{5 7}.

Frequently asked questions

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