Top Water Heater Installation Companies in Seattle, Washington Ranked

A reliable hot water supply is essential for any Seattle home, making water heater installation and replacement a critical service for comfort and daily function. Whether your old unit has failed or you're looking to upgrade for efficiency, understanding your options helps you make an informed decision. This guide outlines the key considerations, from choosing the right system to navigating local codes, so you can connect with qualified professionals who ensure a safe and compliant installation.

Ben’s Plumbing & Drain Cleaning

1141 NW 53rd St, Seattle, WA 98107

Ben's Plumbing & Drain Cleaning is a licensed plumbing and HVAC company serving Seattle, WA. The company offers a wide range of services including plumbing repairs, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair with trenchless options, leak detection, and repiping. They use advanced equipment such as drain inspection cameras and video inspection for sewer lines to accurately diagnose and resolve issues. Founded by industry veteran Ben Foster, Ben's Plumbing has over 25 years of experience providing personalized plumbing and HVAC services to both residential and commercial clients in the Seattle area.

5.0

307 Reviews

Washington Rooter Sewer & Drain Service LLC

2018 156th Ave NE Suite 100 Bldg. F, Bellevue, WA 98007

Washington Rooter Sewer & Drain Service LLC provides a wide range of plumbing services in Seattle, WA, including drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation, and hydro jetting. They serve both residential and commercial customers in the Seattle area and surrounding communities such as Kirkland, Woodinville, Redmond, Bellevue, and Kenmore. The company specializes in sewer line repair and replacement using camera-guided inspection technology to diagnose issues accurately. With over 25 years of experience, Washington Rooter is licensed, bonded, and insured, offering professional plumbing solutions for various needs.

5.0

307 Reviews

Rooter-Pal Plumbing, LLC

11851 124th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034

Rooter-Pal Plumbing, LLC is a licensed plumbing company serving Seattle, WA, and nearby Eastside communities including Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, and Bothell. They provide a wide range of plumbing services such as water heater installation and repair, leak detection, drain cleaning with hydro jetting, sewer line repair including trenchless options, and foundation waterproofing. The company has over 10 years of experience serving residential and commercial properties in the area. Rooter-Pal Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency leak detection and plumbing services to address urgent needs at any time.

5.0

145 Reviews

Wesnor Plumbing and Heating

1705 N 82nd St, Seattle, WA 98103

Wesnor Plumbing and Heating provides a wide range of plumbing and heating services in Seattle, WA, including residential and commercial work. Their offerings cover water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer camera inspections, hydro jetting, leak detection, repiping, and gas line installation. They are authorized service providers for Rheem and Moen water heaters and hold a gas piping mechanic license, ensuring qualified handling of natural gas services. With extensive experience and licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers, Wesnor emphasizes quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. They also offer rapid response for flooding emergencies.

5.0

131 Reviews

Greenwood Heating and Home Services

14027 Interurban Ave S, Tukwila, WA 98168

Greenwood Heating and Home Services is a full-service heating, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing company serving Seattle, WA. Established in 1921, they offer a wide range of home repair and replacement solutions including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, HVAC system services, and electrical work. Their capabilities include factory scheduled maintenance and installation of ductless mini-split systems. Greenwood has been locally owned and operated for over 100 years, providing service with a focus on quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.

4.9

4.1k Reviews

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Understanding Your Water Heater Options

Choosing the right water heater for your Seattle home involves balancing upfront cost, energy efficiency, space, and your household's hot water demand. The primary types available are traditional tank, tankless (on-demand), and heat pump (hybrid) models ¹.

• Traditional Storage Tank Water Heaters: These are the most common and cost-effective option. They store and continuously heat a reservoir of water (typically 40-80 gallons). They are reliable for consistent demand but are prone to heat loss (standby loss) and sediment buildup, especially given Seattle's mineral-rich water ^{1 2}. Their simpler technology often means a lower purchase price.
• Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters: These units heat water directly as it flows through the device, providing an endless supply of hot water while saving significant floor space. They are highly energy-efficient as they eliminate standby heat loss. However, they have a higher initial cost and may require upgrades to your home's gas line or electrical service to handle the powerful, instantaneous heating demand ¹.
• Heat Pump (Hybrid) Water Heaters: These are the most energy-efficient option, using electricity to move heat from the surrounding air into the water, rather than generating heat directly. This can result in significantly lower operating costs. They work best in warmer climates or installed spaces that remain between 40-90°F year-round, and they come with a higher upfront price tag ^{1 2}.
• Fuel Source: Gas vs. Electric: Within each type, you'll choose a fuel source. Gas models (natural gas or propane) typically heat water faster and have lower operating costs in many areas, but require proper venting. Electric models are common, easier to install where gas is not available, but can be more expensive to operate depending on local utility rates ¹.

Key Considerations for Seattle Homes

Several local factors uniquely impact water heater selection and installation in the Puget Sound region.

• Hard Water: Seattle's water is known for being relatively hard, meaning it contains dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium ³. These minerals accelerate sediment buildup inside tank-style heaters, reducing efficiency, increasing energy bills, and shortening the appliance's lifespan. Regular maintenance, such as annual tank flushing, is crucial here ¹.
• Seismic Bracing: King County and City of Seattle codes are strict about earthquake preparedness. Mandatory seismic bracing is required for all water heater installations. This involves securing the unit with two 20-gauge metal straps-one in the upper third and one in the lower third of the tank-anchored to the wall studs ^{4 5 6}. A professional installer will ensure this critical safety step is completed to code.
• Permits: Most water heater replacements require a permit from the local Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI). The permit process ensures the installation complies with all current plumbing, venting, and safety codes ⁵. Reputable installers typically handle pulling this permit on your behalf.
• Space Constraints: Older homes in neighborhoods like Ballard, Queen Anne, or Capitol Hill often have tight utility closets or basement spaces. This can limit the size of a tank unit you can install or influence the decision to switch to a compact, wall-mounted tankless system ⁶.

The Professional Installation Process

A proper water heater replacement is more than a simple swap. Following a structured process ensures safety, compliance, and long-term reliability.

1. Assessment and Planning: A certified technician will evaluate your household's hot water needs, inspect the installation site, and review local code requirements. This step determines the correct unit size and type and identifies any necessary upgrades to gas lines, electrical circuits, or venting ^{4 7}.
2. Permitting: Your installer will secure the required permits from the city, which involves submitting details of the planned work for review ⁵.
3. Safe Removal: The old unit is disconnected from the water, gas, or electrical supply, drained, and safely removed from the premises. Proper disposal of the old heater is handled by the installer ^{6 8}.
4. Preparation and Installation: The new unit is positioned. For tank-style heaters, seismic straps are installed and anchored. All new plumbing connections, venting (for gas models), and electrical or gas line hookups are made according to manufacturer specifications and code ^{4 5}.
5. System Testing and Activation: The system is filled with water, purged of air, and checked for leaks. The burner or heating elements are activated, and the temperature and pressure relief valve is tested for proper operation. The technician will verify that the unit is heating correctly and that hot water is delivered to your fixtures ^{6 7}.
6. Homeowner Walkthrough: Finally, the installer should explain the unit's operation, basic maintenance tasks (like temperature settings), and review the warranty information with you ⁸.

Understanding Investment and Cost Factors

The cost of water heater replacement in Seattle varies widely based on the system type, complexity of the installation, and necessary upgrades. Labor from a licensed professional is a significant part of the total investment, ensuring code compliance and safety.

• Standard Tank Water Heater Install: Replacing a standard tank unit with a similar model typically ranges from approximately $1,600 to $5,500 or more, including the unit and professional labor. The total can often land between $3,500 and $5,500 when all factors are considered ^{1 9 10}.
• Tankless Water Heater Install: Installing a tankless system involves higher equipment costs and often more complex labor, such as upgrading gas lines or installing new venting. Costs can range from about $2,400 to over $9,000. For a brand-new installation where no prior tankless system existed, complex upgrades can push the price toward the higher end of that scale ^{1 10 11}.
• Key Cost Drivers: The final price is influenced by the unit type and size (tank, tankless, heat pump; gallon capacity), labor intensity (ease of access, need for structural modifications), necessary upgrades (new electrical circuit, gas line expansion, water softening system), and code compliance work (seismic strapping, permit fees, updated venting) ^{9 12}.

Investing in a quality installation by a licensed professional mitigates risks, ensures efficiency, and provides peace of mind that your home's hot water system is safe and built to last.

Frequently asked questions

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