Water heater replacement in Seattle
If your water heater is leaking, over ten years old, or giving you rusty or lukewarm water, it is time. We replace gas and electric tank heaters across Seattle, usually the same day you call, and haul the old one away.
How to know it needs replacing
The photos are a Rheem replacement of ours, with the expansion tank, recirculation pump and isolation valves beside it. The expansion tank is there because Seattle’s pressure-reducing valves make it necessary.
The signs
- Water around the baseA tank that leaks from the shell is finished. A leak from a fitting on top may be repairable; we will tell you which.
- Rusty or discoloured hot waterThe tank is corroding inside. Replacement is the only fix.
- Over ten years oldCheck the serial number. Most tanks fail between 8 and 12 years, often without warning.
- Rumbling or poppingSediment on the bottom of the tank, cooking. Flushing helps early on; by the time it is loud, the tank is near the end.
- Not enough hot waterA failed heating element or dip tube, or a tank that is simply too small for the house now.
What the replacement involves
We drain and remove the old unit, set the new tank, and connect water, gas or electric, and venting. We bring the installation up to current code, which in Seattle usually means adding an expansion tank, a proper temperature and pressure relief discharge, seismic strapping and, for gas, checking the vent and the flex connector.
A like-for-like replacement is a few hours. We pull the permit and arrange inspection.
Why Queen Plumbing
Common tank sizes are on the van or an hour away, so same-day is realistic. We will also tell you if this is the moment to switch to tankless, with a second written price, and we will say honestly if it is not.
Free estimate. Licensed, bonded and insured. 100% satisfaction guaranteed, with the manufacturer warranty on the heater.
By fuel
- Gas water heaters Venting, gas connections and expansion tanks.
- Electric water heaters For condos and homes without gas.
- Heat pump water heaters The efficient electric option, with rebates.
- Switch to tankless When the replacement is a good time to convert.
Licensed, local, and on the record
- Licensed Bonded and insured in Washington
- Founder 15+ yrs in the plumbing trade
- Always Free estimates
- Available Same-day service
- Our promise 100% satisfaction guaranteed
Water heater replacement questions
How long does a water heater replacement take?
Two to four hours for a like-for-like swap. Longer if venting, gas or electrical needs updating to code.
What size water heater do I need?
For most Seattle homes, 40 or 50 gallons for gas, 50 for electric. Bigger households or soaking tubs push that up. We size it during the estimate.
Do I need an expansion tank?
In Seattle, almost always. Pressure-reducing valves make the plumbing a closed system, and the expansion tank protects the heater and the fixtures from pressure spikes.
Do you take the old heater away?
Yes, and recycle it.
Can you replace it today?
Often. Call before noon and we will tell you honestly. Same-day service →
Water heater failed? Call now.
Turn off the water supply to the heater and the gas or breaker, then call. Same-day replacement is available for most tanks.
Serving Seattle, Shoreline, Bellevue and Mercer Island.