Top Water Heater Installation Companies in Norfolk, Virginia Ranked

Ensuring your Norfolk home has a reliable supply of hot water is essential for daily comfort, from morning showers to washing dishes. Water heater installation and replacement is a significant home service that involves selecting the right type of unit for your household's needs and having it professionally installed. Whether your current system is failing or you're looking to upgrade for better efficiency, understanding your options and the local process can help you make an informed decision and connect with qualified professionals in the Norfolk area.

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

Blair's Plumbing Repair & Drains

337 Thalia Dr, Newport News, VA 23608

Blair's Plumbing Repair & Drains is a family-run plumbing company serving Virginia Beach, VA, and the Hampton Roads Peninsula communities. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater service for Rinnai and Navien models, sump pump and sewage pump repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, and toilet and garbage disposal repairs. The company emphasizes thorough whole home plumbing inspections and detailed explanations to help customers understand their plumbing systems. Founded in 2020 by Army veteran Justan Blair, the business combines skilled plumbing work with a focus on customer education and service.

5.0

382 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

See more providers in Norfolk, VA

Understanding Your Water Heater Options

When it's time for a new water heater in Norfolk, you have several primary types to consider. Each has distinct advantages, costs, and suitability for different homes.

Traditional Storage Tank Water Heaters These are the most common units, featuring an insulated tank that heats and stores a ready supply of water. They are available in gas or electric models and are typically the most affordable option upfront. Replacement is often straightforward if you're swapping a like-for-like unit. However, they continuously use energy to keep the stored water hot, which can be less efficient over time ¹.

Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters Tankless models heat water directly as it flows through the unit, eliminating the standby energy losses associated with storage tanks. They provide an endless supply of hot water and have a longer lifespan, but come with a higher initial purchase and installation cost. Installing a tankless system often requires upgrades to your home's gas line or electrical service, which adds to the project complexity and price ^{1 2}.

Heat Pump (Hybrid) Water Heaters These innovative units use electricity to move heat from the surrounding air into the water, making them two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance models. They work exceptionally well in spaces with consistent ambient heat, like a garage or basement. While they have a higher upfront cost, they can offer significant energy savings, especially in a climate like Norfolk's ^{1 3}.

Why Norfolk's Climate Influences Your Choice

Norfolk's humid, coastal climate is a key factor when selecting a new water heater. The high humidity levels actually benefit heat pump water heater performance, as these units extract heat from the air more efficiently in such conditions ^{3 4}. Even with relatively mild winters compared to more northern states, energy efficiency remains a priority for managing utility bills. Upgrading to a high-efficiency tankless or hybrid model can be a smart long-term investment, leveraging the local climate to maximize savings ¹.

The Professional Installation Process

A proper water heater setup is not a simple DIY project. It involves gas, water, and electrical connections, adherence to building codes, and safe disposal of the old unit. Here's what a standard professional installation entails:

1. Assessment and Selection: A licensed plumber will evaluate your home's needs, including the number of occupants and peak hot water usage, to recommend the correct type and size (e.g., a 40 or 50-gallon tank, or proper sizing for a tankless unit) ⁵.
2. Permitting: Most municipalities, including Norfolk, require permits for water heater replacement to ensure the installation meets safety and building codes. A reputable professional will handle this paperwork ^{6 7}.
3. Removal and Disposal: The old unit is safely disconnected from power and water sources, drained, and removed from your property.
4. Preparation and Installation: The new unit is positioned, connected to water lines, and hooked up to the gas or electrical supply. Proper venting for gas models is critical for safety ⁸.
5. System Upgrades (If Needed): This is a major cost variable. Switching to a tankless system or upgrading an older electric unit may require new electrical circuits, a upgraded gas line, or even new venting, which the installer will manage ^{5 6}.
6. Testing and Cleanup: The system is thoroughly tested for leaks and proper operation. The work area is then cleaned up, leaving your home ready for use ⁷.

Recognizing When It's Time for a Replacement

Knowing the signs of a failing water heater can help you plan a replacement before an emergency leak occurs. Key indicators include:

• Age: The average lifespan of a traditional tank water heater is 8-12 years. If yours is within or past this window, it's prudent to start planning ⁹.
• Rusty Water or a Metallic Smell: This often signals corrosion inside the tank, which can lead to leaks.
• Persistent Leaks: Any moisture around the base of the tank is a serious concern.
• Loud Noises: Rumbling, popping, or banging sounds are typically caused by sediment buildup, which reduces efficiency and can damage the tank.
• Inconsistent or Insufficient Hot Water: If you're running out of hot water faster than usual or it's not getting as hot, the heating element or tank capacity may be failing ^{1 8}.

Cost Considerations for Norfolk Homeowners

The total investment for a new water heater in Norfolk varies widely based on the unit type, your home's existing infrastructure, and labor. It's important to view this as a combined cost of the appliance and the professional installation service.

• Standard Tank Water Heater Replacement: This is often the most budget-friendly route. Total costs typically range from approximately $1,000 to $3,000, which includes the unit (generally $400-$1,000+) and professional labor for a straightforward swap ^{5 2}.
• Tankless Water Heater Installation: Converting from a tank to a tankless system involves a more complex installation. Total costs can range from $4,000 to $8,000 or more. This higher price accounts for the more expensive unit ($1,000-$3,000+), increased labor, and potential necessary upgrades like electrical service or new gas lines, which can add $500 to over $2,000 to the project ^{6 7 10}.
• Heat Pump Water Heater Installation: Similar to tankless models, hybrid units have a higher purchase price. Installation costs are comparable to a standard electric tank replacement if no major electrical work is needed, but the total project cost will reflect the premium price of the energy-efficient unit itself ³.

Always request detailed, written estimates from local professionals that break down the cost of the unit, labor, permits, and any anticipated additional work.

The Importance of Proper Sizing and Permits

Selecting the wrong size water heater is a common mistake. A unit that's too small won't meet your household's demand, while one that's too large wastes energy and money. A professional will calculate the correct size based on your home's first-hour rating (for tanks) or flow rate needs (for tankless) ⁵.

Furthermore, skipping permits is risky. Permits ensure the installation is inspected for safety, which is crucial for gas appliances to prevent carbon monoxide hazards and for electrical work to prevent fire risks. A permitted installation is also often required for home insurance validation and is essential if you plan to sell your home ^{6 7}.

Frequently asked questions

Sources