San Diego Water Heater Installation & Replacement
Reliable Water Heater Installation Services in the Greater San Diego Area
Determining whether you need to replace an old water heater can be confusing. Maybe you notice inconsistent temperatures, hear strange noises coming from the tank, or simply know your unit is over ten years old. A new, high-efficiency water heater can save you money on utility bills and provide superior performance for many years. If you think it may be time to consider a replacement, reach out to our team at Ability Plumbing Service and Repair for transparent advice.
Our family-owned plumbing company can assess the condition of your current water heater and advise whether repairs can restore its performance or if replacement is the best path forward. Our licensed and insured plumbers bring over 25 years of collective experience to every job and can help you make an informed decision. If replacement is necessary, we can help you choose the ideal new unit that suits your home’s needs and budget, whether that’s a traditional tank-based model or a modern tankless system. Then, we can complete a professional and efficient installation that sets you up for success.
We recognize that a new water heater can be a major unexpected expense, which is why we offer financing options and payment plans. Ask about our industry-leading warranties and satisfaction guarantee.
When you need dependable San Diego water heater installation and replacement services, call (619) 941-0650 or contact us online to request a free estimate. Se habla español.
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How Long Does Water Heater Replacement Take?
Replacing a standard tank-based water heater is usually a straightforward process. For most residential installations where we replace an old unit with a similar model (also known as a like-for-like replacement), our experienced plumbers can typically complete the job within two to three hours. This timeframe covers draining the old tank, disconnecting and removing it, setting the new unit in place, making all necessary plumbing and utility connections, and carefully filling and testing the new heater to confirm everything functions as it should.
Replacing a tank unit with a tankless water heater, or installing a water heater in a new location, demands a little more time. Tankless installations often require upgrading gas lines, installing new ventilation, and sometimes modifying electrical systems to meet the unit’s higher demands. These more complex jobs usually take four to eight hours, depending on the scope of the modifications needed.
When we provide your free estimate, we can give you an anticipated timeline. Our plumbers work diligently and efficiently to minimize disruption, but we never sacrifice safety or service quality.
Why Choose Ability Plumbing Service and Repair?
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FamilyWe treat every customer like family. Your safety and comfort are our top priority.
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High-Quality Workmanship GuaranteedEvery plumbing project is completed with care, attention to detail, and lasting results.
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Customer Care, Start to FinishFrom the first call to the final walkthrough, we make sure your experience is simple, smooth, and stress-free.
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Upfront Pricing, No SurprisesWith transparent quotes and honest recommendations, you’ll always know exactly what to expect before we begin.
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Skilled Technicians, Quality WorkOur licensed plumbers bring experience, precision, and care to every service call—no shortcuts, just solutions.
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Fast Response, Real ResultsWhen plumbing problems strike, we act quickly and efficiently to restore comfort and peace of mind to your home.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a New Water Heater?
Choosing a new water heater involves more than simply picking the newest model. The right decision depends on your household's size, hot water demands, energy priorities, and available space. Making an informed choice now helps maximize your long-term savings and comfort.
We know the options can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help. Our team at Ability Plumbing Service and Repair can walk you through every factor and present the best traditional and tankless models available, helping you feel confident in your final selection.
Here are some key factors we can help you consider when choosing a new water heater:
- Fuel type and energy source. Water heaters typically use natural gas, electricity, or propane. Your home's existing utility connections often determine the most practical and cost-effective fuel source. Gas water heaters generally have a higher upfront cost but lower operating costs in many areas, while electric models offer simpler installation.
- Capacity and sizing. This is crucial for avoiding cold showers. We can calculate the correct size based on your household's peak hot water usage, which means considering how many people live in your home and how many hot water appliances (like washing machines and dishwashers) might run simultaneously.
- Energy efficiency and UEF rating. The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating measures a water heater's overall energy efficiency. A higher UEF number indicates greater efficiency, meaning the unit converts more of its fuel into useful heat and costs less to operate monthly. We generally recommend models with high UEF ratings to maximize your savings.
- Tank versus tankless models. Tank-style heaters heat and store a set volume of water. Tankless heaters heat water only when you need it, providing a continuous supply. Tankless models save space and significantly reduce standby energy loss, but their installation is more complex and expensive upfront. We can help you evaluate the long-term cost benefits.
- First-hour rating (FHR). This rating applies to storage tank water heaters. The FHR tells you how much hot water the heater can deliver in an hour when the tank is full. We compare the FHR to your household's peak demand to confirm the unit can keep up during your busy morning routines.