Water Heater Upgrades
When your water heater is old, inefficient, or struggling to keep up with your household needs, water heater upgrades are one of the smartest investments you can make. At Trusted Plumbing & Heating LLC, we specialize in water heater upgrades that deliver more comfort, lower utility bills, and long-term peace of mind throughout King and Pierce Counties. Whether you prefer a conventional storage tank, a compact tankless system, or a high efficiency heat pump model, our team helps you compare capacity, fuel type, installation needs, and lifetime energy costs so you can choose with confidence. We prioritize quick scheduling, clean workmanship, and code compliant safety checks, and we guide you on available rebates and simple steps to reduce operating costs from day one.
What’s a Water Heater Upgrade and Why It’s Important
A water heater upgrade means replacing your current system, whether it’s a conventional storage tank, tankless water unit, or heat pump water heater, with a newer model or adjusting components so your hot water supply is safer, more reliable, and more energy-efficient. Homeowners often choose water heater upgrades when their water heaters:
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are more than 10–15 years old
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show signs of corrosion, leaks, or rust
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don’t keep up during peaks (e.g. morning showers, dishwasher + laundry)
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are costly to operate or failing safety checks
Upgrading can improve energy performance, reduce heating costs, increase capacity, and get your system up to current code requirements. Choosing the right fuel type such as gas heaters, electric water models, or even solar water systems also makes a major difference in efficiency and longevity.
Our Water Heater Upgrade Services
Here are the specific water heater upgrades Trusted Plumbing & Heating provides to local homes and businesses:
New System Assessment & Sizing:
We begin with a full inspection of your existing water heating setup, including tank capacity, usage patterns, energy source, venting, and space constraints. That allows us to recommend the best heater options for your home, whether that’s a larger tank, a tankless water model, or a hybrid heat pump water heater.
Choosing the Right Technology:
We work with a range of water heating technologies including:
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Conventional storage water heaters (gas, electric)
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Tankless water heaters (on-demand)
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Hybrid heat pump water heaters
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Indirect or solar water systems (where applicable)
We explain trade-offs clearly: upfront costs versus long-term savings, hot water recovery speed, energy efficiency ratings such as ENERGY STAR certification, and space requirements. Our goal is to find the ideal balance of performance and operating costs for your household.
Installation & Replacement:
Our licensed and insured technicians handle the full heater replacement process: safe removal and disposal of your old tank, new unit installation, gas or electric water line connections, venting modifications, and pressure relief valve setup. We strictly follow all local building and plumbing codes to protect your home and ensure optimal heating performance.
Retrofitting & Component Upgrades:
Sometimes you don’t need a full heater replacement. We can upgrade specific parts like:
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Better insulation around the tank or water pipes
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High-efficiency heating elements or burners
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Smart power controllers or thermostats
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Expansion tanks, new shutoff valves, or improved venting
These targeted improvements can enhance your water heating system’s reliability, reduce power use, and extend its life without the cost of installing a brand-new unit.
Energy Efficiency & Rebate Guidance:
We help you evaluate efficiency ratings (EF, UEF) to ensure your new water heater saves on heating costs. We also provide guidance on local utility rebates and incentives for installing ENERGY STAR-rated water heaters, which can significantly offset upfront costs.
What to Expect During the Upgrade Process
- Free Estimate & Consultation: We visit, assess, and provide clear pricing
- Recommendation of Best Option: Based on your hot water usage, budget, energy goals
- Scheduling & Installation: We coordinate removal and installation on your schedule
- Testing & Cleanup: We test for leaks, heating output, safety, and clean up
- Support & Warranty: We offer follow-up support and warranty on parts and labor
How to Know If an Upgrade Is Right for Your Home in King or Pierce County
These are the most common signs it’s time for water heater upgrades:
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Running out of hot water too quickly or getting inconsistent hot water
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Higher energy bills without any increase in usage
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Rumbling, popping, or banging noises from the tank
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Leaks, rust, or corrosion around your water heater
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Current system doesn’t meet safety codes or your family’s growing demand
If any of these issues are showing up, water heater upgrades will likely pay off in safety, comfort, and reduced heating costs.
Why Choose Trusted Plumbing & Heating
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Over 40 years of experience with water heating systems in the Pacific Northwest climate
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Licensed, insured, and bonded professionals who ensure code-compliant installations
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Honest assessments of heater options, energy sources, and costs without upselling
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Fast, responsive service from a local company serving King and Pierce Counties
We’re committed to clear communication and reliable workmanship that makes your home more comfortable and energy-smart.
How Much Do Water Heater Upgrades Cost
The total cost of water heater upgrades depends on several factors:
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The type of water heater (conventional storage, tankless water, hybrid heat pump water heater)
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Capacity and size needed for your household
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The fuel type (gas heaters, electric water models, or solar water options)
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Installation complexity (venting, electrical, plumbing adjustments)
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Local permitting and code compliance costs
During your free estimate, we’ll give a detailed breakdown so you can make an informed decision. Sometimes targeted upgrades can extend the life of your existing water heater, while other situations call for a complete heater replacement to improve efficiency and reduce long-term costs.
What Are the Best Water Heater Options for Local Homes
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Conventional storage water heaters store hot water in a tank and are ideal if you want a lower upfront cost and simpler installation.
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Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, saving energy and space while providing endless hot water, but they typically have higher initial costs and may require gas or electrical upgrades.
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Hybrid heat pump water heaters combine a heat pump with storage to move heat rather than generate it, offering excellent energy savings if you have the space for them.
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Solar water systems can dramatically cut power use if your property gets enough sun exposure and you’re ready to invest upfront for long-term gains.
How Long Does It Take to Upgrade a Water Heater
Most water heater upgrades take 4 to 8 hours from start to finish. This includes draining the old tank, disconnecting electrical or gas lines, completing the new installation, testing for leaks, and confirming safe operation. If the project requires major venting or electrical work, it can take longer, but our technicians always aim to complete the job efficiently while ensuring top-quality heating performance.
Contact Us: Serving King & Pierce Counties
Trusted Plumbing & Heating proudly serves homes and businesses throughout King and Pierce Counties, including Renton, Kent, Tacoma, and surrounding neighborhoods. No matter where you are in the region, our local team delivers prompt, respectful service and reliable water heating expertise. We are a fully Licensed Plumbing Contractor – License #TRUSTPH781NC. Learn more about our License and Certifications.
If your water heater is outdated or struggling to meet your family’s hot water demands, don’t wait for a complete failure. Contact Trusted Plumbing & Heating today to schedule your free consultation and explore your water heater upgrades.
Phone: (206) 222-1055