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Water Heater Replacement Service in Seattle

4.9/5
Review 35
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Plumber with gas water heater, photo by Ben's Plumbing
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At Ben’s Plumbing, we understand how disruptive a faulty water heater can be to your daily routine. Whether you’re dealing with inconsistent temperatures or an aging unit, a timely replacement can make a world of difference in comfort and energy savings. Serving the greater Seattle and Eastside area, we specialize in providing reliable water heater replacement solutions to keep your home running smoothly. Whether it’s an emergency or routine service, we’ve got you covered.

Is it Better to Repair or Replace?

Deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater often comes down to several key factors. One of the biggest considerations is the age of your unit. Most systems have a lifespan of about 8 to 12 years. If your system is approaching or beyond this range, repairs may only offer a temporary fix, and a replacement of your water heater is likely the more cost-effective and reliable long-term solution.

Another factor to think about is efficiency. Older units typically run less efficiently than modern models, which can lead to higher energy bills. Newer systems—especially tankless heaters—are designed to be much more energy-efficient, potentially saving you money over time. Finally, frequent repairs are another strong indication that it’s time for a replacement. If you’re finding that you need multiple repairs each year, those costs can quickly add up, making a replacement the smarter choice both financially and for your peace of mind.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Replacing

Not sure if your unit is ready for a replacement? Here are some telltale signs:

  • Rusty or Discolored Water: If you're noticing rust, it could mean the inside of your tank is corroding.
  • Leaking Tank: A leak is a clear sign that the tank is compromised. A leaking system is almost always a candidate for replacement.
  • Strange Noises: Hearing popping or banging sounds? That could indicate sediment buildup in the tank.
  • Inconsistent Temperatures: If your hot water supply is frequently running out or fluctuating, your unit might be struggling to keep up with demand.
  • Age of the Unit: If your system is over ten years old and showing signs of wear, it's best to plan for a replacement before it fails.
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Types of Water Heaters We Replace in Seattle

At Ben’s Plumbing, we handle all types of system replacements, from traditional tanks to modern, energy-efficient options. Here’s a look at the most common types of systems we work with:

Water heater icon, icon Ben's Plumbing
Tank Water Heaters

The standard option for most homes, traditional systems store heated water in a tank, typically ranging from 30 to 80 gallons. Over time, these units can become less efficient, making replacement the best choice.

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Tankless Water Heaters

For homeowners looking to upgrade, tankless water heater replacement can be a game-changer. These units provide hot water on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank and often reducing energy bills. If you’re considering switching from a tank to a tankless model, we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.

Gas water heater icon, icon Ben's Plumbing
Gas Water Heaters

A popular option in the Seattle area, gas water heater replacements can provide reliable, cost-effective heating. If you’re dealing with a malfunctioning gas unit, our team will assess whether repair or replacement is your best option.

Electric water heater icon, icon Ben's Plumbing
Electric Water Heaters

For homes without access to natural gas, replacing an electric water heater is a practical option. These systems are easier to install but may have higher energy costs. We can help you weigh the pros and cons to determine the best solution for your needs.

We are highly

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Benefits of Timely Replacement

Delaying a system replacement can lead to bigger problems down the line. Here are some of the benefits of acting sooner rather than later:

Energy Efficiency: Newer models, especially tankless systems, can significantly reduce your energy consumption, saving you money.
Improved Performance: Say goodbye to inconsistency. A new unit will provide a steady and reliable supply.
Avoiding Emergencies: A sudden breakdown can leave you with a cold shower. Replacing your unit before it fails ensures you won’t be caught off guard.
Long-Term Savings: While the upfront cost to replace water heater might feel like an investment, the long-term savings from reduced energy bills and fewer repairs make it worthwhile.
Cost of Water Heater Replacement in Seattle
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Cost of Water Heater Replacement in Seattle

Because every home is different, the best way to understand the cost to replace a water heater is to schedule an in-person estimate. At Ben’s Plumbing, we provide transparent pricing, and we’re happy to discuss the factors affecting your specific situation so you know exactly what to expect.

When it comes to the cost, several factors can influence the final price. These include:

Type of System: Traditional tank-style units tend to have different price points compared to tankless water heater replacement costs, which often have higher initial costs but can provide energy savings in the long run.
Installation Complexity: The layout of your home, existing plumbing, and electrical or gas systems can affect how complex the installation will be, which in turn affects the cost.
Fuel Source: Gas water heater replacements can have different costs than electric water heater replacements, as gas installations may involve additional venting or fuel line work.
Size and Capacity: Larger homes or families with higher demands may require larger units, impacting the overall cost.
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Reasons Seattle Residents Choose Ben’s Plumbing

At Ben’s Plumbing, we bring over 25 years of experience as a trusted, family-owned business in the Seattle and Eastside areas. We’re fully licensed and insured, ensuring safe, compliant installations every time.

Our team doesn’t work on commission, so you’ll get honest, straightforward advice tailored to your needs—no upselling. We pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with our customers by offering quality work, professionalism, and fast, responsive service.

Whether it’s a routine replacement or an emergency, you can count on us to deliver reliable, top-notch service with a focus on your satisfaction. Let us help you with your Seattle water heater replacement!

(206) 789-5353
Areas We Serve
Cities & Neighborhoods
Areas We Serve
  • Sammamish
  • Burien
  • Hilltop
  • Newport
  • Somerset
  • Cougar Mountain/Lakemont
  • Kingsgate
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a water heater?

The cost of replacement can vary depending on factors such as the type of unit, its size, and the complexity of the installation. For instance, to replace a tankless water heater will typically cost more upfront than a traditional tank unit, but it may save you money in energy costs over time. At Ben’s Plumbing, we believe in transparency, so we always recommend scheduling an in-person estimate to get an accurate price based on your specific needs.

How long does it take to replace a water heater?

Most water heater replacements can be completed within 2 to 4 hours. The actual time can vary depending on factors such as the type of unit being installed and whether any modifications are needed for your plumbing or electrical systems. Our team at Ben’s Plumbing works efficiently, but we always prioritize quality and safety, ensuring your new unit is installed properly and up to code.

When should I replace my water heater?

Most systems last between 8 and 12 years. If your unit is within this age range and showing signs of trouble—such as leaking, inconsistent delivery, or strange noises—it’s probably time to consider a replacement. Waiting too long can result in unexpected failures, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and avoid being caught off guard by a sudden breakdown.

How often should I replace my water heater?

While some systems can last beyond 12 years with proper maintenance, most units will need to be replaced within this timeframe. Regular inspections can help you catch potential issues early, but if your system is older, it’s best to start budgeting for a replacement to avoid emergencies. Newer units offer better energy efficiency, so even if your older model is still working, upgrading can help lower your energy bills.

Should I replace my water heater before it fails?

Yes, replacing your unit before it fails is a smart move. Waiting until your unit breaks down can leave you with a cold shower at an inconvenient time, and emergency replacements are often more stressful and expensive. By planning ahead, you can choose a new unit that meets your needs and schedule the installation at a time that works best for you.

Do you need a permit to replace a water heater?

In most cases, yes, a permit is required. Local building codes in Seattle and surrounding areas require permits to ensure that the installation is done safely and up to code. At Ben’s Plumbing, we handle all the necessary permits and paperwork for you, so you don’t have to worry about navigating the process. We’ll make sure everything is done by the book, ensuring your new system is installed properly and compliant with local regulations.

Your Honest Plumbing Partner
Stress-free, Trustworthy Plumbing:

We understand how frustrating it is to call a plumber and be pitched unnecessary services. Our experienced team at Ben’s Plumbing is not paid on commission, so you can gain peace of mind knowing your plumbing needs are met without any upselling.

Stress-free, Trustworthy Plumbing:
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Testimonials

Customer reviews

1
/ 35
Bert C.
5
Bert C.
Ben's responded quickly to a small leak that had developed. They quoted us a rate to find the leak (which they promptly did with a minimum of opening ceiling/wall space). They then quoted us a rate to repair the leak, and then proceeded to do a fine job. Highly recommend.
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Bridget D.
4.5
Bridget D.
The plumbing at our rental house backed up and caused a flood. We hired a local roto-rooter company to come out and clear the line - lots of money but at least they were fast. Two weeks later, our tenants called - basement flooded again and they weren't happy. It was a Saturday and I was out of town. Based on these reviews, I called Ben's Plumbing. Ben called me back within 15 mins. He explained that the costs on the weekend were much higher - but he could stop by the house and see if he could make a temporary fix to hold until Monday. And he did! Then Monday his plumber snaked our line, put a camera down, and found the original roto-rooter guys only cleared the line to a point - creating a jam just beyond that point. From start to finish, Ben kept me informed, the costs were very reasonable, and the work was professional. Plus, he's a really nice guy. Ben's the guy to call!
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Jeanette M.
5
Jeanette M.
Ben and his team are super knowledgeable and efficient. I have always found their prices to be fair and moderate. I will always call Ben's Plumbing first when having a plumbing issue!
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Rey P.
4.5
Rey P.
Have used this service a number of times. This weekend my water heater started leaking and since it was almost 18 years old, clearly needed replacing. Did not have time for multiple estimates but I got two estimates. Ben's crew came out on a Sunday morning early and finished in a timely fashion. They even came in under their original estimate. The other estimate was several hundred dollars more and would have Ben several days later. I am very happy with the service and the water heater heats up faster than my old one.
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Laura Q.
4.5
Laura Q.
I hired Ben's to take care of the plumbing for two bathroom fluffs in our home - the first visit involved removing the old faucets and the second visit was to install new faucets and a (tricky) Kohler Reach toilet. I can't remember the first plumber's name, but Nick did the installs and they were both great to work with. Nick even hauled away our old toilets. With both encounters the experience was positive in every way - they were responsive, able to come out fairly quickly, professional, and cleaned-up well after they were done. Their pricing seemed reasonable, too. We'll definitely use them again.
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M S.
5
M S.
Your technician arrived, got right to work. He replaced an outside faucet and reset my regulator so that I now have the proper water pressure throughout the house. I appreciated that he was very informative with all of my questions. I would use Ben's Plumbing again in the future!
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Tim M.
5
Tim M.
These guys were just incredible. We had kind of a tricky issue with the plumbing under a toilet. We checked three other plumbers and got quotes ranging from $2700 - $4200. And that was just to cut a lead pipe, replace it with modern materials and mount the toilet on a new ring/grease fitting. All the bids included some strange tinker toy like plumbing routing to fix the problem. One plumber suggested that we cut a hole into a plaster wall to gain access to the pipes! Ben's plumbing came in at $1200 and that included a brand new toilet! No strange rerouting of the plumbing. Just an in place repair. The plumber, Nic Huse, was unbelievably competent and efficient. He told us what he intended to do and just...did it. In about 2.5 hours. No fuss, no muss. If I could give these guys six stars out of five, I would.
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Sean G.
5
Sean G.
Ben's Plumbing is AWESOME! They are very responsive, very flexible, very communicative and great to work with! The team had great knowledge and provided suggestions over the phone to attempt to unclog a pipe. They were able to squeeze me into their schedule and it was great because they helped resolve an issue before it became a larger issue. Brian came out and helped provided some preventative support as well. Great, honest people and I recommend them 1000%!
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Phil C.
5
Phil C.
Ben is always the guy I want on the job, and for the past couple years he's been quick, responsive, and a professional at the work I've needed him to get done for me. He's the local guy that always has your best interest in mind - for example this last testing work he did, he noticed that whoever performed my last sprinkler testing forgot to turn the system back on! He truly caught & made a life-saving fix for us, which shows his professional knowledge and attention to what's going on around him. Thanks again for the great work and conversation, Ben, see you next year I hope!
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Tessa V.
5
Tessa V.
I have used Ben's plumbing for all of my plumbing needs for the past few years. Finally decided to have a shower head upgrade and replace the disposal with our most recent visit. It's always been easy to schedule and their work is top notch.
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Wanda C.
5
Wanda C.
Received service through HD Partner, Brian was great and install my new replaced water heater quickly. He also provided feedback what to do with our gas radian heat line incase we want to install ductless mini split AC. Overall, we are very pleased with the professionalism and speed of the work!
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Elizabeth F.
5
Elizabeth F.
They showed up on time. Got the parts and fixed our shower in a very timely manner. Will definitely be contacting Ben's plumbing for any other plumbing issues.
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Cathy G.
5
Cathy G.
I have had them come to my apt in the last couple weeks. Both times the staff were prompt, polite, and easy to discuss the situation with. Thank you very much.
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Anthony Sicola
5
Anthony Sicola
Our water heater decided to start leaking at 3pm on a Friday and the team at Ben's Plumbing got back to me quickly, got me a bid that wasnt outrageous, and scheduled me for their first slot on Monday morning. The installers arrived on time, were quick, thoughtful, and did great work. I'd totally recommend Ben's Plumbing to anyone.
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Laura Anderson
5
Laura Anderson
Nic from Ben’s Plumbing was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING fixing the leak from our toilet yesterday with skill and finesse! Upon arrival, he immediately expertly assessed the problem(s) and proposed an excellent approach, with options, to resolve the issues. I had complete confidence in his capability to handle the expected and unexpected with this repair. I highly, highly recommend Nic (and Ben’s Plumbing) for any work, and we will be coming back again for additional projects and needed repairs at our house. Nic is an excellent communicator and explained everything clearly to a plumbing novice, answered all of my questions, was extraordinarily neat in opening up the drywall and then tidying up at the end of his work. Because of the blessing to me of Nic, I can now sleep peacefully at night knowing that a trustworthy repair has been completed. Thank you, Nic, and Ben’s Plumbing!
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Steve Fuller
5
Steve Fuller
Fast, courteous, and professional. They were able to provide same day service for an urgent matter. I highly recommend.
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Nathan Kurtz
5
Nathan Kurtz
Ben was great! Very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, will use again, happily!
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Nicholas O'Connell
5
Nicholas O'Connell
Fast, friendly, highly effective service!
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Juliana Olivers
5
Juliana Olivers
Easy, kind, down to earth from start to finish. I felt the costs were transparent and the work was done well and efficiently. We had a water heater issue and they took care of us within 24 hours on the weekend. Text communication was an option and online payment made things easy. Will use Ben’s again.
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Charlie Di Bona
5
Charlie Di Bona
"We've turned to Ben's Plumbing/HD Partners several tines and will be coming back whenever we have a plumbing issue. Ben and Brian were both extremely helpful, professional and skilled and were both obviously concerned with providing value and keeping us informed of the tradeoffs in every decision"
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Jean-Masse Buchanan
5
Jean-Masse Buchanan
"Excellent experience! I had a backed up line, and Nick came out and did a thorough job. He explained the situation in laymen's terminology, showed me the issues via video, and solved the problem. I would definitely recommend him to others"
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Virginia Knight
5
Virginia Knight
"Really nice people, from the office to the field. Our engineer was super helpful and got the repair done quickly, including a trip to the hardware store to get the right part for our quirky old house. I’m bummed that we used a “name brand” service on our recent sewer project - wish I had know about"
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Kari Tomosada
5
Kari Tomosada
"We discovered a leak in our basement and Ben’s Plumbing sent Jerry out early the next morning. He was extremely professional, respectful and friendly. He found the issue quickly, resolved it and thoroughly explained what he saw and how he fixed it. Highly highly recommend Jerry and Ben’s Plumbing"
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Jason Abby Kliger Hatch
5
Jason Abby Kliger Hatch
"We have been working with Ben’s Plumbing (now HD Partners) for years. Our house is old with a lot of plumbing issues. Ben and Brian have been wonderful to work with. They are incredibly responsive and know what they are doing. Each issue has been approached thoughtfully and we always know"
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Laura Querry
5
Laura Querry
"I hired Ben's to take care of the plumbing for two bathroom fluffs in our home - the first visit involved removing the old faucets and the second visit was to install new faucets and a (tricky) Kohler Reach toilet. I can't remember the first plumber's name, but Nick did the installs and they were both great to work with"
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Vincent Scott B.
5
Vincent Scott B.
Professional, friendly, excellent work, they clean up as they go, and fairly priced. A great local family business!
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mike r.
5
mike r.
Nick, Michelle, and the whole crew at Ben's Plumbing are the greatest! They were incredibly accommodating, flexible, and knowledgeable. The installation of new fixtures in our home, with their help, became a seamless and even enjoyable task. Thank you, Ben's Plumbing!
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Mark U.
5
Mark U.
We had a water main leak that may have resulted from work done on a neighbors property. Their contractor said he would bring a plumber in to fix it, but the "plumber" turned out to be the contractor, and he had no idea what he was doing; he started the job, and then quit after we found that he double-billed us for materials. Another plumber quoted an astronomical price, and couldn't get to it for two weeks. Two more never called back. Two guys from Ben's/HD Partners showed up the next day, and knew exactly what needed to be done. They got parts from their shop, and 1-1/2 hours later the pipe was replaced with solid fittings, both deep holes filled in, and the sidewalk dirt hosed down, for about 1/4 of what the other plumber quoted. Very competent and professional...worked fast and got the job done quickly at a fair price. I've heard of a few contractors doing stellar work for new customers to get great reviews, and then gouging them later, so I'm hoping that this is a company that always does stellar work at a fair price. I'll be calling Ben's again, so we'll find out. ;-)
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Brad R.
5
Brad R.
We had an unexpected plumbing problem occur during a washer/dryer install. Fortunately, Ben's Plumbing was able to send someone over the same day. Nic did an excellent job. He was conscientious, thorough, and professional. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a plumber.
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Peg M.
5
Peg M.
Ben's Plumbing was great. We needed to replace our 13 year old water heater, fix an leaking outdoor faucet and unplug the pipe feeding out kitchen sink and dishwasher. All done in one day - with no mess or fuss. I appreciated that they wore masks and left the house clean and dry.
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Tee E.
5
Tee E.
We've used Ben's Plumbing for the last ten years or so. Some times it's been for planned work as part of a remodel and several times they've been for emergencies like a burst water tank. Each interaction has been very positive - good communication, thorough follow-through, personal service, and trustworthy. It's great to have a local company that's been so responsive and reliable over the years. (Including this morning's unexpected call for help!) Thank you!
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Huy T.
5
Huy T.
Prior to calling Ben, we had already tried a couple contractors on Thumbtack. Ben came over the same day I called and arrived on time. He found the issue and gave me options to fix it. He even offered to teach me how to do the work myself to save me money! Ben is an incredibly honest and knowledgeable professional. I would not hesitate to recommend him and will definitely call him the next time I have a problem.
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Melanie C.
5
Melanie C.
Ben was great - timely, thorough and very knowledgeable. He fixed our clogged toilet and offered advice for the future.
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Carolyn V.
5
Carolyn V.
We needed someone to come out right away. They traveled to our house in practically Renton from Ballard to replace a pipe that was spraying water in the crawl space. They were professional, responsive, thorough and friendly.
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Kyme M.
5
Kyme M.
As an owner of a 100+ year old house, I'm well acquainted with plumbers. Ben Foster is the best. Great communication from his office, and he offered to come over the same day when I called because my description of the problem made it sound like an emergency (it wasn't). He showed up at the agreed upon time, and efficiently handled the faucet repair. He also let me know that the original sink stopper mechanism (my term, not his) was much higher value that the replacement I had purchased, recommended I retain it, and told me he would make the original work. Ben is friendly and professional and was a joy to work with.
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