Tank is leaking
Water from the tank body, not a fitting, means it's corroded through.
★ 4.8 Stars · 8,500+ Google Reviews · Calls answered 24/7
Water Heater Replacement in Northern California
Tank leaking? Rusty hot water? Running out halfway through every shower? When your water heater's done, Earl's Plumbing gives you straight options, installs the new one to code, hauls the old one away, and often gets it done the same day.
Call or text (530) 343-0330 — a real person answers calls day or night.
Earl's Plumbing replaces tank water heaters throughout Northern California, from Shasta County to Placer County, family-owned since 1998.
We install natural gas, propane, electric, and hybrid heat pump water heaters with earthquake straps and code updates, and we haul away the old unit, with no service call fee and financing on approved credit.
Call or text (530) 343-0330 or schedule online for a free quote.
Same-day when available
$0 service call fee
Old unit hauled away
Lifetime warranty available
Financing (OAC)
CSLB #772565
Web-only offer
$75 OFF
Water Heater Replacement
Mention this page when you call or text, or add "$75 web offer" when you book online.
📞 Claim by Phone 📅 Claim OnlineOffer ends this month. Can't be combined with other offers.
💧 Tank leaking? Shut off the cold water valve on top.
Gas: turn the control to off. Electric: flip its breaker. Smell gas? Leave and call 911. Then call us — 24/7.
Signs It's Time for a New Water Heater
Some problems are a part. These usually mean the tank itself is wearing out. Not sure? We'll check and tell you if a repair will do.
Rusty hot water
Rust from the hot side only often means the tank lining is failing.
10–12+ years old
Most tanks last roughly 8 to 12 years. Past that, it's borrowed time.
Loud popping or rumbling
Heavy sediment that a flush can't clear anymore.
Runs out too fast
Your household outgrew the tank, or sediment is taking up space.
Repair after repair
When fixes keep coming, a new unit is usually the better buy.
Corrosion at the base
Rust on the bottom seam or fittings is a leak waiting to happen.
Safety or code problems
Missing straps, bad venting, or a relief valve with no discharge line.
Water Heaters We Install
Same type, bigger tank, or something more efficient. We'll match it to your home, fuel, and budget.
Natural gas tank
The most common swap. We check venting, gas connections, and the shutoff.
Propane tank
For foothill and rural homes without natural gas.
Electric tank
Straightforward replacement, sized for your household.
Hybrid heat pump
A highly efficient electric option. Needs space, a condensate drain, and the right circuit.
Want endless hot water instead? See tankless installation.
How a Replacement Goes with Earl's
Free quote first. Once you say go, most standard tank swaps take a few hours.
1
Inspect & quote
We check the tank, fuel, size, venting, and code setup, then give you upfront options.
2
Out with the old
We drain, disconnect, and remove the old tank, then haul it away.
3
Install, strap & test
New unit connected, strapped to code, tested for leaks, and explained before we go.
Not Just Swapping Tanks
The tank is the easy part. What makes a replacement safe and long-lasting is everything around it, and that's where cut-rate installs cut corners.
- Earthquake straps, required on water heaters in California
- Relief valve discharge line routed the right way
- Venting checked so gas units draft properly
- New water and gas connections and shutoffs where needed
- Drain pan or expansion tank when your setup requires one
- Old unit removed and hauled off, work area cleaned up
What Our Water Heater Customers Say
Recent 5-star Google reviews.
★★★★★
"Phil arrived to assess and help us replace our water heater. He was professional, calm and very thorough in his approach to the project. He assessed the issue, provided us with options for replacement with associated costs. He then replaced the failed water heater with a very clean and professional installation."
— Lia W. · Leaking water heater replaced · Technician: Phil
★★★★★
"Both plumbers did an excellent job removing my old gas water heater, installing a new heat pump water heater, condensation drain and overflow drain. Both were professional and courteous. I will use them for my next plumbing job."
— Peter S. · Gas to heat pump water heater
★★★★★
"Had a hot water heater replaced, and old one hauled off. This was done in one day. He was very professional and efficient. Financing was available, which was very helpful."
— Anita W. · Replacement & haul-off
Another Tank, or Go Tankless?
Most homes are well served by a new tank. Some are great candidates for tankless. We'll quote both if it makes sense.
Another tank when…
- Your current size has worked well
- You want hot water back fast
- The existing fuel and venting setup is usable
- You want the lower upfront cost
Tankless when…
- You want hot water that doesn't run out
- You have enough gas or propane capacity
- Space savings matter
- You're planning to stay a while. See tankless installation
Why Homeowners Choose Earl's for a New Water Heater
Local, family-owned, and not a national franchise.
Repair first if it'll hold
If a part fixes it, we'll say so. We only recommend replacement when it's time.
Upfront options
Good, better, best when it applies, with the full price before we start.
Lifetime warranty available
Ask which replacements qualify when we quote your home.
No service call fee
Free in-home quote. You decide, no pressure.
Financing available
Didn't budget for a water heater this month? Financing on approved credit.
Noritz-certified
Tank or tankless, we install and service both. 28 years and three local offices.
They Never Retire with Two Weeks' Notice
A water heater will run quietly for ten years and then quit on the coldest morning of the year, usually with a puddle to prove it. Nobody plans for it, which is exactly why we try to make it easy.
We'll check whether it can be fixed first. If it can't, you'll get clear options and one upfront price, and we can often have hot water back the same day. We strap it, vent it, connect it right, and haul the old one away. All you have to do is take a hot shower.
— Clinton EarlOwner, Earl's Plumbing · Your Friend in the Business
28
Years serving Northern CA
8,500+
Google reviews
$0
Service call fee
24/7
Calls answered
Chico 4.8 ★ · 5,039 reviews
Redding 4.8 ★ · 2,527 reviews
Yuba City 4.8 ★ · 1,002 reviews
Call or Text Your Nearest Earl's Office
Three local offices covering eight Northern California counties. Every line takes calls and texts.
Redding
Redding · Anderson · Cottonwood · Shasta Lake · Palo Cedro · Red Bluff · Corning
(530) 244-3275
Schedule Your Free Water Heater Replacement Quote
Book in about a minute, right here on the page. Mention "$75 web offer" in your notes and we'll apply it.
1Pick your service
2Choose a time that works
3Get a confirmation — done
Rather talk to a person? Call or text (530) 343-0330 — we answer 24/7.
Leaking tank or no hot water? Call for the fastest scheduling: (530) 343-0330.
Water Heater Replacement Questions, Answered
Timing, sizing, tank vs. tankless, code, and cost. Straight answers here.
How do I know it's time to replace my water heater?
The clearest sign is water leaking from the tank itself, which means it has corroded through and cannot be repaired. Other signs include rusty hot water, heavy popping or rumbling, hot water running out faster than it used to, repeated repairs, or a tank that is 10 to 12 years old or more. A plumber can confirm it.
How long does a tank water heater last?
Most tank water heaters last roughly 8 to 12 years. Hard water, heavy use, skipped maintenance, and a worn-out anode rod can shorten that. The manufacture date is usually printed on the label or coded into the serial number. If yours is in that range and acting up, it is worth getting a replacement quote before it leaks.
Can you replace my water heater the same day?
Often, yes. Earl's Plumbing offers same-day water heater replacement when the schedule allows and the right unit is available, and most standard tank swaps take a few hours once we start. If your water heater is leaking or you have no hot water, call instead of booking online so we can get you on the schedule faster.
What size water heater do I need?
The right size depends on how many people live in the home, how many showers run at once, and whether you have a large tub or other big hot water users. The first-hour rating on the label matters more than the tank size alone. If your current tank runs out of hot water, we can size the replacement up or recommend a different type.
Should I replace my water heater with a tank, tankless, or heat pump?
Another tank is usually the fastest and simplest replacement when your current setup works. Tankless makes sense if you want endless hot water and have enough gas or propane capacity. A hybrid heat pump water heater is a highly efficient electric option if you have the space and electrical setup. Earl's Plumbing quotes the options that fit your home.
What code updates come with a new water heater in California?
California requires water heaters to be strapped or braced for earthquakes. Depending on the home, a replacement may also need a properly routed relief valve discharge line, venting corrections, a drain pan, or an expansion tank. Earl's Plumbing checks the installation and explains what is required before the work starts, so there are no surprises on the bill.
Do you haul away the old water heater?
Yes. When Earl's Plumbing replaces your water heater, we disconnect, drain, and remove the old unit and haul it away. You will not be left with a rusty tank in the driveway. We also clean up the work area and walk you through the new water heater before we leave.
How much does water heater replacement cost?
It depends on the type and size you choose, gas or electric, the code updates your setup needs, and how easy it is to get to. I won't guess over the phone. We come out with no service call fee, give you upfront options, and online customers get $75 off. Financing is available on approved credit.