Storage tank, tankless, or heat pump — we help you choose the right system, size it correctly, and install it to code. Same-day replacement available on like-for-like swaps throughout San Francisco and Marin County.
The proven standard. A 40-50 gallon insulated tank stores hot water ready to use; when it cools below the setpoint, the burner fires. About 80-85% efficient with a recovery rate around 45 gallons/hour. Most affordable to install and the simplest like-for-like swap — we can often complete the job same day. Works in any space that fits the tank. Good for San Francisco homes with existing closet or utility room installs and for most Marin homes.
Best for straightforward replacements
Tankless units heat water on demand as it passes through a high-combustion heat exchanger — no storage, no standby heat loss. About 95% efficient and capable of 5-7 gallons per minute. Ideal for San Francisco homes where space is tight — they mount on a wall and can fit in a storage closet. Switching from tank requires gas line and venting upgrades in most cases. Not sure where to mount it? Check out our guide on indoor vs. outdoor tankless heaters.
Best for space-constrained SF homes
Electric units that work like a refrigerator in reverse — pulling heat from surrounding air to warm the water. Extremely efficient at 300-400% vs standard electric, but slower recovery (27 gal/hour at 220v, 9 gal/hour at 110v). They're taller units that need significant clearance and airflow, making them ideal for Marin garages but challenging in tight SF utility closets. With the upcoming 2027 Bay Area gas water heater phase-out, these are becoming the standard replacement. A good fit for all-electric Marin homes.
Best for Marin homes with garage space
San Francisco and Marin County have very different home layouts, and that matters when choosing a water heater. In SF, space is the constraint — Victorian flats and Edwardian homes have tight utility closets where a tankless unit's wall-mount pays dividends. In Marin, you typically have more room, which opens up heat pump options that simply won't fit in city apartments. Regardless of location: like-for-like is always simplest and cheapest. If your needs haven't changed, replacing the same type saves money and complexity. If your family has grown, you've added bathrooms, or you want to switch from gas to electric, that's when the conversation gets more detailed — and we'll walk you through it honestly.
Most hot water complaints after installation come down to incorrect sizing — not equipment failure.
A 40-gallon gas heater recovers ~45 gallons per hour. A 40-gallon heat pump recovers ~27 gallons per hour. Direct swap = running out of hot water by the second shower. If you can't make it as fast, you need to store more of it — typically size up to 65 or 80 gallons.
What was already installed may have been undersized for years. We calculate based on your actual simultaneous demand — number of people, bathrooms, appliances running concurrently. Don't assume the previous size was correct.
Tankless units need larger gas lines and different venting. Heat pumps may require a 240v circuit. We assess these upfront so there are no mid-project surprises. Budget for the full scope, not just the unit cost. If you're also considering heating your home, a combi-boiler can handle both domestic hot water and radiant heating in one unit.
California code requires seismic strapping on all tank water heaters. We include proper double-strap bracing on every installation. If your existing tank isn't strapped, that's a code violation worth fixing regardless of whether you're replacing the unit.
We install all types — storage tank, tankless, and heat pump. The key is correct sizing before the order is placed. We come out, assess your space and usage, and give you options at different price points with honest trade-offs explained.
Get an EstimateNo hot water? Lukewarm output? Strange noises or a leaking tank? We diagnose fast and give you a straight answer on whether repair or replacement makes more sense — no pressure to go either direction.
Annual maintenance extends the life of any water heater — tank or tankless. We flush sediment, check the anode rod, test the T&P relief valve, and inspect for slow leaks before they become failures. Marin's hard water makes flushing especially important.
Schedule MaintenanceWhether your tank just failed, you're planning ahead, or you want to make the switch to tankless or heat pump — we'll come out, look at your space, and give you straight advice on what makes sense for your home and budget.
Licensed & Insured • SF & Marin County • Same-Day Available on Like-for-Like Swaps
