Locally-owned since 1977 • Licensed, bonded and insured in Washington (WA Contractor Reg. #HOMECCA785BD) • WA Plumbing Contractor Lic. #HOMECCA751QG • NATE-certified technicians • Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer
Water heater replacement for Seattle-Tacoma homes
Home Comfort Alliance replaces and installs tank, tankless and heat pump water heaters, gas and electric, for homeowners across the Seattle-Tacoma area and the wider Puget Sound region. Our licensed plumbers pull the required permit and install to code with seismic straps. Replacement estimates are free, and you can see a price first with our online water heater quote.
Signs you need a new water heater
A water heater usually needs replacing when the tank itself is failing, not just a part. These signs point to replacement rather than repair:
- Water pooling under the tank, or moisture and rust around its base.
- Rusty or discolored hot water.
- Hot water running out faster than it used to.
- Rumbling or popping from sediment that flushing no longer clears.
- Repeated repairs on an older unit.
If it is leaking now: turn off the cold water valve above the tank, then turn off the power at the breaker or set a gas unit's control to off. If you smell gas, leave the home and call 911 or your gas utility from outside; PSE customers can call 1-888-225-5773.
Repair or replace your water heater?
Repair makes sense when a single part has failed on a tank that is otherwise sound, such as a heating element, thermostat, thermocouple or valve. Replace it when the tank leaks, it is rusting from the inside, or repair costs keep adding up on an older unit. A leaking tank cannot be repaired.
For a repair visit, the plumbing dispatch fee is $99; a standard tank flush is $150 and a tankless flush is $429. Replacement estimates are free.
Tank, tankless or heat pump: which water heater fits your home?
The right water heater depends on your fuel, your household's hot water use and your budget. Most Puget Sound homes choose one of three:
| Type | Best for | Installed cost (national estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Tank (gas or electric) | The lowest upfront cost and a like-for-like swap | $700 to $2,700 gas; $600 to $3,500 electric |
| Tankless | Endless hot water and saving space; gas homes most often | $1,400 to $3,900 |
| Heat pump (hybrid) | Electric homes that want the lowest running cost and the largest utility rebates | $1,200 to $3,500 |
Source: Angi, national estimate, July 2026. More detail in our water heater cost guide.
What size water heater do you need?
Size a tank by how many people shower and run hot water at the same time. These are typical ranges; your plumber confirms the size at the estimate:
| Tank size | Typical household |
|---|---|
| 40 gallons | 1 to 4 people |
| 50 gallons | 3 to 5 people |
| 80 gallons | Large households and high demand |
Tankless units are sized by flow rate (gallons per minute) for the fixtures you run at once, not by gallons stored.
Permits and code for water heater replacement in Washington
Many cities and counties in Washington require a permit to replace a water heater. Home Comfort Alliance pulls the required permit for every replacement and installs to code, including seismic straps, a drain pan where needed, and an expansion tank where the water system is closed. Gas water heaters also need correct venting, and tankless or heat pump models may need a new circuit or gas line, which we check at the estimate.
How much does water heater replacement cost?
Most standard 50-gallon tank replacements fall between $800 and $2,500 installed, according to Angi (national estimate, July 2026); tankless and larger tanks cost more. Your price depends on the type, fuel and size, venting and code upgrades, and haul-away of the old tank.
See a price for your home with our online water heater quote, or read the full water heater cost guide for prices by type and size.
Heat pump water heater rebates (updated September 2026)
Utility rebates in the Puget Sound area apply to heat pump (hybrid) water heaters, and they are large enough to close most of the price gap with a standard electric tank. Amounts below were checked on each utility's page in September 2026.
| Utility or program | Rebate | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|
| PSE | $1,000; $1,100 with the income-qualified Efficiency Boost | Tier 3 or Tier 4 model on PSE's list; apply within 30 days of installation |
| Seattle City Light | $750 | ENERGY STAR, Tier 3 or 4 model; instant discount through participating distributors |
| Tacoma Power | $500; $2,500 plus a deferred loan up to $2,500 if income-qualified | Replaces a standard electric water heater; Tier 3 or 4 model; permit required. 0% loans up to $5,000 through a participating contractor |
| Snohomish County PUD | Up to $1,000 | Replaces an existing water heater; apply within 90 days |
| Washington HEAR program | Varies | Households at or below 150% of area median income |
The federal 25C tax credit ended for water heaters installed after December 31, 2025, according to the IRS. Home Comfort Alliance is an approved PSE Trade Ally contractor for water heaters.
Paying for a new water heater: financing
Financing is available through Salal Credit Union and Synchrony, with low monthly payment plans starting at $179/month*, 0% interest options for qualifying customers and instant online approval. See financing options.
*Financing through Salal Credit Union or Synchrony, subject to credit approval. Rates, terms and monthly payments depend on the amount financed, the plan and your credit. 0% interest options are available to qualifying customers. See lender for full terms.
Get a free estimateAn in-home visit and a written, upfront price before any work begins.
Our water heater replacement process
- Price. Get a price with the online water heater quote, or book a free replacement estimate by form or phone.
- Assessment. A licensed plumber checks your current unit, venting, gas or electrical supply and space, and confirms size and any rebate.
- Written options. Upfront, transparent pricing for tank, tankless or heat pump models before any work begins.
- Permit. We pull the required permit.
- Installation. We drain and remove the old tank, install the new unit with seismic straps and any required expansion tank, and connect water, gas or power and venting.
- Startup. We fill and test the system and show you the controls and shut-offs; the permit inspection follows.
What you get with Home Comfort Alliance
- Licensed plumbers: WA Plumbing Contractor Lic. #HOMECCA751QG (residential).
- Free replacement estimates and upfront, transparent pricing before any work begins.
- Permits pulled and code work included: seismic straps and expansion tanks where required.
- Approved PSE Trade Ally contractor for water heaters.
- 1-year labor warranty on installations, and we support the manufacturer's warranty on covered parts.
- Book by phone or online. Our plumbers work Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with same-day service when possible.
Water heater replacement FAQ
What is the average cost to replace a water heater in the Seattle-Tacoma area?
For a standard 50-gallon tank, Angi lists $800 to $2,500 installed nationally (July 2026), and its Seattle data puts gas tankless installs at $1,925 to $3,500 (February 2026). Your price depends on type, fuel, size and code work; our online water heater quote gives a price for your home. For Seattle permits, City Light rebates and local details, see water heater replacement in Seattle.
Do you need a permit to replace a water heater in Washington state?
Many cities and counties in Washington require one. Home Comfort Alliance pulls the required permit for every water heater replacement and installs to code, including seismic straps and an expansion tank where the water system is closed.
Should I replace my 20-year-old water heater?
Usually, yes. A tank that old is running on borrowed time, and replacing it on your schedule avoids an emergency leak. If it shows rust, leaks or runs out of hot water, plan the replacement now and compare a heat pump model for the rebates.
Is a heat pump water heater worth it in the Puget Sound area?
For electric homes it usually is. Utility rebates of $500 to $1,000, and more for income-qualified households, cover much of the extra cost over a standard electric tank, and it uses far less electricity to heat water.
Tank or tankless: which is better?
A tank costs less up front and is a simple swap. A tankless unit costs more but gives continuous hot water and saves space, and it suits gas homes best. Heat pump tanks are the lowest-running-cost option for electric homes.
How much is a service call if my water heater needs repair?
The plumbing dispatch fee is $99. A standard tank flush is $150 and a tankless flush is $429. Replacement estimates are free.
How fast can you fix a leaking water heater?
If your tank is leaking, shut off the cold water valve and the power or gas first. Then book a plumber by phone or online; our plumbers work Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with same-day service when possible.
Sources: Angi (national and Seattle water heater cost data, February and July 2026), PSE, Seattle City Light, Tacoma Power, Snohomish County PUD, WA Department of Commerce and IRS, all checked September 2026.
Why Choose Home Comfort Alliance for Your Water Heater?
Your Comfort is Our Promise
We promise...
Reliable heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical service, all from one trusted company.
To educate and guide you through your options so you’ll find the right solution at the right price.
Knowledgeable and respectful workers who ensure both your own comfort during the installation process, and lasting comfort from your home systems.
Outstanding service, communication, and follow-up, so your home is comfortable now and for years to come.
Get a water heater replacement estimate
A licensed plumber will size your new water heater, confirm your utility rebate and give you written options with financing.
Get an estimate
A local comfort advisor will call you to set up your visit.