Reno, NV · plumbing service
Water Heater Replacement in Reno, NV
Homes from the 1990s growth years are replacing heaters. Call to be connected with an independent, licensed plumber who handles water heater replacement in Reno; they diagnose the problem and quote the work before starting.
By calling, you agree to be connected with an independent plumbing contractor serving your area. Calls may be recorded for quality and training. The call and referral are free, and you are never obligated to hire.- Licensed local plumbers
- Free call and referral
- You approve the quote first
Common signs
- Water around the tank base
- rusty hot water
- a tank past 10 years
Water Heater Replacement services in Reno
- Water Heater ReplacementReplacing a failing or leaking tank heater.
- Water Heater RepairNo hot water, leaking tank, strange noises or uneven temperature.
- Tankless Water HeatersTankless installation, descaling and repair.
- Water Heater MaintenanceFlushing, anode checks and safety-valve testing.
- Gas Line Installation and RepairGas piping for appliances and gas leak repairs.
Problems water heater replacement fixes
- A leaking tank
- A tank past roughly 10 to 12 years with frequent repairs
- Rusty hot water or sediment noise
- Not enough hot water for the household
Why water heater replacement comes up in Reno
Homes from the 1990s growth years are replacing heaters.
49% of Reno's occupied homes are owner-occupied. If you rent, the water heater is normally the landlord's to repair or replace, so report a leak to them in writing as well as calling for help.
- Typical home built
- 1993
- Homes before 1980
- 34%
- Water hardness
- 3.5 gpg
- moderately hard
- Winter freezes
- Regular hard freezes
How the work is done
- 1Size the replacementMatch capacity and fuel to the household, or compare tankless.
- 2PermitMany cities require a permit and inspection for water heater replacement.
- 3Remove and installDrain and remove the old tank; install with code-required venting, relief valve piping and, where required, an expansion tank.
- 4Test and explainCheck for leaks and correct temperature, and show where the shutoffs are.
What affects the price
The plumbing company sets the price after seeing the job; ask for it in writing before work starts.
- Tank or tankless, gas or electric
- Capacity
- Code updates such as an expansion tank, venting or a drain pan
- Location and access
- Permit and haul-away
Plumbing work we connect Reno homeowners with
Water Heater RepairNo hot water, leaking tank, strange noises or uneven temperature. Tankless Water HeatersTankless installation, descaling and repair. Water Heater MaintenanceFlushing, anode checks and safety-valve testing. Gas Line Installation and RepairGas piping for appliances and gas leak repairs.
Water Heater Replacement in Reno: questions
How much is a water heater permit in Reno?
Under Reno's FY26/27 fee schedule, a residential water heater permit costs $45.00 and a commercial one $133.00.
What does Reno check when I replace a water heater?
Reno requires seismic strapping in the tank's upper and lower thirds, a pan at least 1 1/2 inches deep where leaks could cause damage, and a manometer test for gas units.
Why is water heater replacement a common call in Reno?
Homes from the 1990s growth years are replacing heaters.
How old are most homes in Reno?
The median home in Reno was built in 1993, and 34% of homes were built before 1980 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey).
How hard is Reno's water?
About 3.5 grains per gallon (moderately hard), per Truckee Meadows Water Authority, Water Quality.
Does water heater replacement in Reno need a permit?
Usually, when piping changes; the plumber normally pulls it.
When is a leaking water heater an emergency in Reno?
A leak from the tank itself won't stop and usually means replacement; turn off the gas or power and the cold-water valve, then call. In Reno: homes from the 1990s growth years are replacing heaters.
Who supplies water in Reno?
Truckee Meadows Water Authority. Past the meter, plumbing is the owner's.
Water Heater Replacement near Reno
More plumbing services in Reno
- Frozen Pipe Repair in Reno, NVFrozen Pipe Repair in Reno, NV: high-desert winters freeze exposed pipes and hose bibs.
- Backflow Testing in Reno, NVBackflow Testing in Reno, NV: irrigation backflow devices need winterizing and testing.
- Emergency Plumbing in Reno, NVPlumbing emergency in Reno, NV? Who to call (Truckee Meadows Water Authority or a plumber), what to shut off first, and the emergencies most likely in Reno homes.
- All plumbing services in RenoEvery plumbing service available to Reno homes.
Local rules and details for Reno
Reno facts behind this page
For water heater replacement that changes or replaces piping, Reno's plumbing code and permit rules apply (see the source below). Ask the plumber whether your job needs a permit and who pulls it; a licensed plumber normally does.
- The median home in Reno was built in 1993. [1]
- About 34% of Reno's housing units were built before 1980, the era of galvanized steel supply pipe, cast iron drains and clay sewer laterals. [1]
- Treated Truckee River water in fall and winter typically measures about 3 to 4 grains per gallon (50 to 68 mg/L); hardness varies with nearby production wells and season, since summer brings a blend of surface and well water. [2]
- Plumbing contractors in Reno must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board (C-1 plumbing and heating classification). [3]
- The City of Reno's FY26/27 adopted fee schedule lists a residential water heater permit at $45.00 each and a commercial water heater permit at $133.00. The same schedule lists water pipe repair or replacement at $45.00 and a residential whole house repipe at $360.00. [4]
- Reno's EZ Permit requirements say water heaters must be strapped against earthquake motion within the upper and lower thirds of the tank, with the lower strap at least 4 inches above controls. Tanks where leaks would cause damage need a pan at least 1 1/2 inches deep, and gas change-outs need a manometer test by a Washoe County card holder. [5]
Reno rules and programs for water heater replacement
- The City of Reno's FY26/27 adopted fee schedule lists a residential water heater permit at $45.00 each and a commercial water heater permit at $133.00. The same schedule lists water pipe repair or replacement at $45.00 and a residential whole house repipe at $360.00. [4]
- Reno's EZ Permit requirements say water heaters must be strapped against earthquake motion within the upper and lower thirds of the tank, with the lower strap at least 4 inches above controls. Tanks where leaks would cause damage need a pan at least 1 1/2 inches deep, and gas change-outs need a manometer test by a Washoe County card holder. [5]
Other common plumbing calls in Reno
- Frozen Pipe Repair: high-desert winters freeze exposed pipes and hose bibs.
- Backflow Testing: irrigation backflow devices need winterizing and testing.
Safety first
Leaking tank: shut its power or gas and the cold-water valve.
Sources (5)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
- Truckee Meadows Water Authority, Water Quality · checked 2026-10-01
- Nevada State Contractors Board · checked 2026-10-01
- City of Reno, FY26/27 Adopted Fee Schedule · checked 2026-10-19
- City of Reno Development Services, EZ Permits General Requirements (updated 07/01/2025) · checked 2026-10-19