San Diego Water Heater Installation Services
Looking for San Diego water heater installation from licensed professionals? Whether you're upgrading to a tankless system or replacing a broken tank model, our team has you covered. We provide full-service water heater installation in San Diego — including same-day service, permit handling, and expert recommendations.
At High Tech Plumbing, we specialize in water heater installation and replacement in San Diego.
Since 2012, we’ve completed over 6,000 installations for satisfied homeowners.
Every job is handled by a licensed technician certified by the California State Contractors License Board.
Whether you need a tankless upgrade, a full replacement, or emergency service, we’re here to help.
Call today for a free estimate and same-day availability in most areas.
Next-Day Water Heater Installation in San Diego
If your water heater is over 10 years old, it's likely collecting sediment and mineral deposits that reduce efficiency and can lead to leaks. Whether you're looking for a traditional tank unit or upgrading to a tankless system, High Tech Plumbing makes the replacement process simple, fast, and stress-free.
Here’s how it works:
Tell us about your current setup Answer a few quick questions about your San Diego home and existing water heater.
Get personalized recommendations We’ll recommend the best options based on your household size and water usage — including tank, tankless, or hybrid systems.
Choose your installation date We offer next-day water heater installation throughout San Diego County.
Upfront, honest pricing You’ll know the full cost before we do any work — no hidden fees.
Water Heater Installation Services We Offer
- Tank Water Heater Installation – Traditional systems with a storage tank, available in gas or electric.
- Tankless Water Heater Installation – Heats water only when you need it, for greater energy efficiency.
- Hybrid Water Heater Installation – Combines storage with heat pump technology for lower energy bills.
- Free Estimates – Get honest, upfront pricing before any work begins.
Types of Water Heaters We Install in San Diego
Not sure which system is right for your home? Here’s how the main types compare:
Tank Water Heaters
Tank water heaters are what most people think of when they think of water heaters. They have a heating element that heats the water in a tank. The fuel source can be natural gas, propane, or electricity.
- Pros: Lower upfront cost, simple installation, available in gas and electric
- Cons: Limited hot water, less efficient, prone to leaks with age
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are a more modern type of water heater. They have a heating element that heats the water as it flows through the unit. The fuel source can be natural gas or electricity.
- Pros: Endless hot water, compact design, energy efficient
- Cons: Higher installation cost, may require system upgrades
Hybrid Water Heaters
Hybrid water heaters (sometimes called heat pump water heaters) are the newest type of water heater. They are similar to tank water heaters since they store and heat water in a tank. The difference is that the heating element is not on all the time. It only turns on when hot water is needed. When there is no hot water demand, the heating element is off and the water is heated by the heat pump.
- Pros: More energy efficient and can save you money on your electricity bills.
- Cons: Can only be powered by electricity, installation may require electrical upgrades to your home.
Ready to Replace Your Water Heater?
Schedule your next-day water heater installation now, or get a free quote to see your options.
What to Expect During a Water Heater Installation
Once you've chosen the right water heater for your home using our simple online process, one of our licensed technicians will complete the installation at a time that works for you. We will remove your old water heater, make any necessary modifications and code upgrades, and install your new unit. Then, we’ll test the new system to ensure it’s working properly and efficiently.
What Size Water Heater Do You Need in San Diego?
Getting the right-sized system for your household is important to ensure your home has reliable hot water. With tankless water heaters, you’ll never run out of hot water—as long as your system is powerful enough. Tank and hybrid water heaters have a limited supply of hot water stored in the tank, so it’s important to size the unit to match the number of bathrooms in your home.
Tankless Water Heater Guide
The main factor in determining the right tankless water heater is the number of bathrooms in your home. The key specification to look at is the BTU rating. The higher the BTU rating, the greater the flow rate and the more simultaneous hot water use your system can handle.
The flow rate is also affected by your area’s groundwater temperature. The average groundwater temperature in San Diego is 62°F, which is among the warmest in the country. This allows your tankless unit to achieve a higher flow rate than in colder regions.
| Number of Bathrooms | Recommended BTU Rating |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 | 160,000 BTU |
| 2 | 180,000 BTU |
| 3 or more | 199,000 BTU |
Tank/Hybrid Water Heater Guide
Tank water heater sizing is based on tank capacity (in gallons). If your household has multiple bathrooms in use at the same time, a larger tank will help avoid running out of hot water. Common sizes range from 40 gallons to 75 or even 100 gallons for larger homes.
| Number of Bathrooms | Recommended Tank Size |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 | 40 gallons |
| 2 | 50 gallons |
| 3 or more | 75 gallons |
Should I Install a Circulating Pump?
Many homeowners want the benefits of a tankless water heater but are concerned about higher installation and repair costs. A circulating pump (also known as a recirculating pump) is a cost-effective way to upgrade a tank or hybrid system to deliver instant hot water.
A circulating pump continuously moves a small amount of water from the tank through the pipes in your home, keeping them warm. This means you get hot water the moment you turn on a faucet or shower.
The downside to installing a circulating pump is that some energy is spent on constantly operating the pump. The pump also creates constant hot water demand on the water heater to offset the heat loss in the pipes.
That said, the energy cost is minimal—and for many homeowners, the convenience is well worth it.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a permit for a water heater installation in San Diego?
A: Yes. The City of San Diego requires a plumbing permit for water heater installations and replacements. Don’t worry—we’ll handle the permit process for you.
Q: How long does a water heater installation take?
A: Most water heater installations take between 2 to 5 hours. If you're switching to a tankless unit or need code upgrades, the job might take a bit longer.
Q: How much does a water heater installation cost in San Diego?
The cost of a water heater installation depends on the model, capacity, and whether upgrades are needed. Use our online quote tool to get upfront installation price on multiple models ranging from $1,850 to $2,950.
Q: Can I install a water heater myself in San Diego?
A: Yes, but only under certain conditions. Homeowners can apply for a Simple “No-Plan” Permit to install a standard tank water heater. This permit doesn’t apply to tankless systems or installations involving gas line changes. Not sure if you qualify? Give us a call for a free estimate.
Q: How soon can you install my water heater?
A: We offer next-day installation in most of San Diego County. Use our online quote tool to check the earliest available installation date in your area.
Q: What water heater brands do you install?
A: We only install quality, long-lasting water heaters from trusted brands to ensure your home has a reliable hot water system. Our technicians work with top manufacturers, including: Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Navien, and Noritz.
Q: What types of water heaters can I have installed?
A: We install tank, tankless, and hybrid (heat pump) water heaters throughout San Diego. The right system depends on your home’s hot water needs, space, and energy source. Use our online quote tool to find models that match your home.