Water Heater Installation & Replacement Services in Los Angeles

Quick answer: Replace a tank water heater when it leaks from the tank, is past about 10 to 12 years old, or keeps needing repairs. Boss Plumbing installs gas, electric and tankless water heaters across Los Angeles, usually replacing a standard tank in a single visit. We handle the permit, the inspection, the required earthquake straps and removal of the old unit. Call or text (323) 464-4700.

What's included in a water heater replacement

Sizing the new heater for your household and fixtures
Removing and hauling away the old water heater
New water and gas connections, venting and shut-off valve as needed
Seismic strapping, which California requires on water heaters
Temperature and pressure relief valve and discharge line
An expansion tank where the plumbing system needs one
Permit and inspection

Signs it's time to replace your water heater

Water leaking from the tank itself
Rusty or discolored hot water
Rumbling or popping from sediment that flushing no longer fixes
Not enough hot water for your household
The heater is 10 to 12 years old or more
Repairs are becoming frequent

Choosing the right water heater

Gas tank: the most common choice in Los Angeles homes. Quick recovery and a lower upfront cost.
Electric tank: useful where there is no gas line. Needs the right electrical circuit.
Tankless: heats water on demand, saves space and can last longer, but often needs a larger gas line and new venting. See tankless water heater services.
Heat pump: a high-efficiency electric option that needs space and airflow around the unit.

Size matters as much as type. We look at how many people live in the home, how many bathrooms run at the same time and where the heater sits, then recommend a size that won't run out mid-shower.

Los Angeles rules for water heater installation

Water heater replacement generally needs a permit. In the City of Los Angeles, permits come from the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Glendale, Burbank, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Culver City issue their own. California law requires water heaters to be braced against earthquakes, and inspectors also check the gas connection, venting, the relief valve line and clearances. We pull the permit and schedule the inspection as part of the job.

Hard water is common in Los Angeles, and mineral scale builds up in tanks over time. Flushing the tank periodically, and checking the anode rod, helps a new heater last longer. Our water heater maintenance service covers both.

Water heater installation questions, answered

How much does water heater replacement cost in Los Angeles?

It depends on the type and size of heater, the venting and gas line, access to the installation spot and the permit. We look at your current setup and give you the price before we start.

How long does a water heater replacement take?

Most standard tank replacements are done in one visit. Tankless installations and jobs that need gas line or venting changes take longer.

Can you replace my water heater the same day?

Often, yes, especially for standard gas tank sizes. Call or text (323) 464-4700 and we'll tell you what we can do today.

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Los Angeles?

Generally yes. In the City of Los Angeles the permit comes from LADBS, and nearby cities issue their own. We handle the permit and the inspection.

What size water heater do I need?

It depends on the number of people, bathrooms and fixtures used at once. Many homes use a 40- or 50-gallon tank, but larger households may need more capacity or a tankless system. We size it for your home.

How long does a water heater last?

Tank water heaters usually last 8 to 12 years. Hard water, sediment and a worn-out anode rod can shorten that. Tankless units often last longer with regular descaling.

Do water heaters need earthquake straps in California?

Yes. California requires water heaters to be strapped or braced to resist earthquake movement, and inspectors check for it.

Should I repair or replace my water heater?

If the tank is leaking, replace it. If the heater is fairly new and the problem is a part like a thermocouple, gas valve or element, repair usually makes sense. See our water heater repair page.

Areas we serve

We provide water heater installation and replacement across Los Angeles, including Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Glendale, Burbank, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Rancho Park, Beverlywood, Culver City, Santa Monica and Venice. Our shop is at 826 Seward Street in Hollywood.

Related services and guides

Need a new water heater?

Call or text (323) 464-4700, day or night, or send the form on this page. Boss Plumbing is family-owned, has served Los Angeles for over 37 years and is licensed and insured; see our license information.