Storage tank
$1,600–$2,400Typical cost, including installation
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT IN TEMPE
Tempe Water Heater
Replacement
Take a photo of your old water heater to start a replacement quote.
Get a water heater quotePhotos optional. No payment or booking.
See what replacement costs ↓TEMPE AT A GLANCE
Replacing a water heater in Tempe.
In Tempe, you don't need a permit to replace a water heater with one of the same type and fuel, in the same spot, with equal or lower amperage (2024 code). Changing the type, fuel or location does need one. Tempe water averages 12.3 gpg but varies widely.
- Permit to replace with the same type
- No, for a qualifying same-type replacement
- Electric utility
- Salt River Project (SRP) and Arizona Public Service (APS)
- Gas utility
- Southwest Gas
- Water
- City of Tempe · Average 12.3 grains per gallon (211 ppm), range 10.4-32.6 (2025 report)
- Rebate worth checking
- SRP heat pump water heater rebate (Through April 30, 2027)
- Typical home
- Built 1984 (median) · 42% owner-occupied
- Companies found
- 17 that advertise water heater work
01 / TYPICAL PRICES
What a new water heater costs.
Know before you call.
Heat-pump tank
$2,500–$5,000Typical cost, including installation
Tankless
$2,400–$5,400Typical cost, including installation
AI equipment illustrations; models vary and images are not to scale. Typical national prices from Home Depot ↗, checked September 28, 2026. The source doesn’t say how many jobs the ranges are based on. These are not Tempe averages or guaranteed quotes.
Compare what each quote includes.Equipment · Labor · Permits · Old heater removalHow to compare quotes →
What we know about prices in Tempe
- National installer’s published rangeThe ranges above. Home Depot ↗
- Local company’s advertised price8 of the companies listed for Tempe post water heater prices or specials on their websites: George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical, Hobaica Services, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Phoenix, Parker & Sons, Plumbing Masters, Chas Roberts Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Howard Air & Plumbing, John's Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing. Each offer has its own conditions.
- Measured local dataNot collected yet, so no Tempe average is shown.
What can change the price in Tempe?
The exemption needs the same type and fuel in the same location, so changing the type (for example tank to tankless), fuel or location means you need a permit. For an emergency replacement that needs a permit, apply by the next business day (105.2.1).
02 / COMPANIES WE FOUND
Who replaces water heaters in Tempe?
Companies that advertise water heater replacement here, with what their water heater customers say.
Companies we found in our research. They are not Ember & Tank providers or partners. We show selected reviews, not a rating or every review. How we choose reviews →
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Phoenix
Lists Tempe among the areas it serves. Based in Phoenix.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback A BBB reviewer praised the quick response and a new water heater installed right away, saying the service was worth the somewhat high price.
Worth knowing A tankless owner told BBB the technician recommended a larger replacement, charged $260, and missed problems the owner later fixed himself.
2 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Bumble Bee Home Services (Bumble Bee Plumbing)
Lists Tempe among the areas it serves. Based in Glendale.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback BBB reviewers praised same-day water heater replacement and patient explanations from the installers.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
3 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Cool Blew, Inc.
Lists Tempe among the areas it serves. Based in Peoria.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Reviewers praised same-day diagnosis and replacement, and a technician who called manufacturers to find a specific unit.
Worth knowing One BBB reviewer said they were overcharged by $960 for a water heater installation (per quotes from three other companies) and that the technician arrived hours after the window.
3 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing
Lists Tempe among the areas it serves. Based in Phoenix.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Customers praised tankless water heater installation support and recirculation-pump work.
Worth knowing One tankless water heater conversion required repeated visits for valve noise; the customer said it was ultimately resolved.
2 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical
Lists Tempe among the areas it serves. Based in Phoenix.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Water heater page states installs 'typically range from $1,200 to $3,500' depending on type/capacity/complexity, with flat-rate pricing; offers page lists water heater diagnosis $0 with repair / $49 standalone ($39.95 member), Water Heater Protection Service $119, Tankless Descale & Protection $300, $50 off flood protection add-on
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback One BBB reviewer praised quick water heater replacement.
Worth knowing Another water heater customer said separate electrical billing increased the total unexpectedly.
2 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Hobaica Services
Lists Tempe among the areas it serves. Based in Phoenix.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Water heater page advertises 'Water Heater Install + Free Proposal' financing 'As Low As $15/mo' and no service call/dispatch fees no install price published
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback A BBB reviewer praised a thorough plumbing inspection that included draining the water heater and testing water quality.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
1 water heater review read, checked September 29, 2026.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Phoenix
Lists Tempe among the areas it serves. Based in Mesa.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Coupon: '$200 Off Water Heater Installation' (expires 01/31/2027); also $75 off any plumbing service and 10% senior/military discount up to $100 —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Reviewers in the feed praised same-day emergency replacements, clear pricing up front, and a smooth tankless installation.
Worth knowing One reviewer said the installer brought a heater that did not fit the closet and said a county office called that a code issue.
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Parker & Sons
Lists Tempe among the areas it serves. Based in Phoenix.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Coupon: '$100 Off Traditional Tank Water Heater' (code WATERTANK100, expires 12/29/2026); '$20 Off Any Service or Repair'
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback One reviewer praised a thorough water heater maintenance visit.
Worth knowing A Scottsdale customer disputed a water heater replacement recommendation after getting a second opinion.
2 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical
Lists Tempe among the areas it serves. Based in Phoenix.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback BBB reviewers praised a same-weekend emergency replacement in which the technician drained the old tank to limit flooding, and a replacement in which the technician called a restoration company.
Worth knowing One service-plan member said a $600 (after discount) quote for water heater elements was excessive and that the technician shorted the unit.
3 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Plumbing Masters
Lists Tempe among the areas it serves. Based in Peoria.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Offer: 'Standard Water Heater Flush' $89 + same day service no replacement price published
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback BBB reviewers praised efficient water heater replacement and a technician who found high water pressure and brought water heater pressure equipment up to code.
Worth knowing A BBB complainant whose main dispute was a leaking shower repair said an earlier water heater install went well but they believed they overpaid.
3 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Also listing Tempe: Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup (Phoenix), Water Heaters Only, Inc., AP Plumbing, Chas Roberts Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Howard Air & Plumbing, John's Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air (Phoenix).
Order: companies based in Tempe first, then companies whose water heater reviews we’ve read. Each group is alphabetical. These businesses are not our employees or vetted partners and do not receive requests from Ember & Tank. We haven’t checked their license, insurance or quality of work. Arizona ROC contractor search ↗.
FROM COMPANIES SERVING TEMPE
Photos of water heater jobs from these companies.
HOMES IN TEMPE
What Tempe homes are like.
1984Median year built
41%Built before 1980
42%Owner-occupied
19%Heat with utility gas
48%Single-family homes
The median home was built in 1984. A first or second replacement is common in homes this age.
78% of homes heat with electricity, which usually means an electric water heater. It’s worth getting a price on a heat pump model too.
Only 42% of homes are owner-occupied. Renters should ask the landlord or property manager; replacing the heater is usually the owner’s decision.
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey ACS 2024 5-year ↗ (2020-2024). Heating fuel is what homes use to heat the house. It often, but not always, matches the water heater’s fuel.
LOCAL CONDITIONS
What’s different in Tempe.
Switching to the 2024 codes
Tempe adopted the 2024 I-Codes and 2023 NEC effective July 1, 2026. Through Dec. 31, 2026, you can apply under the 2018 or 2024 codes; from Jan. 1, 2027, only the 2024 codes.
ENERGY & WATER
Who supplies Tempe homes.
Energy
- Electric: Salt River Project (SRP) (The city directory lists both SRP and APS; your provider depends on your address)
- Electric: Arizona Public Service (APS) (Both SRP and APS are in the city directory; it depends on your address)
- Gas: Southwest Gas
City of Tempe New Community Member Directory (Electricity/Gas) ↗
Water
City of Tempe: Average 12.3 grains per gallon (211 ppm), range 10.4-32.6 (2025 report)
City of Tempe 2025 Consumer Confidence and Water Quality Report ↗
REBATES & CREDITS
Rebates for Tempe homes.
For Salt River Project (SRP), Arizona Public Service (APS) and Southwest Gas customers in Tempe. Ask installers for the price before rebates, then check with the program that you qualify.
- SRP heat pump water heater rebate ↗Through April 30, 2027$500 for an ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater (UEF 2.8 or higher) that replaces an existing water heater.
- Efficiency Arizona ↗Income-qualifiedUp to $1,750 toward a heat pump water heater for households at or below 150% of area median income.
- Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) ↗EndedCovered improvements made through December 31, 2025.
Checked September 29, 2026. Who qualifies and the conditions: Arizona rebates · How to check an incentive.
PERMITS & LICENSING
Permits and licenses in Tempe.
Permits and who issues them
Tempe's code exempts replacing a water heater with one of the same type, fuel and location, with equal or lower amperage, including small hookup changes. It applies to detached single-family homes, two-family homes and townhomes where the heater serves one home. Tempe adopted the 2024 codes effective July 1, 2026, and allows the 2018 codes through Dec. 31, 2026.
City of Tempe Community Development, Building Safety Division ↗ · Tempe City Code Ch. 8, Art. I, Tempe Administrative Code (2024), 105.2 Work exempt from permit ↗ · Tempe Building Codes and Amendments ↗
Check the installer’s license
Ask for the license number and search it yourself on the Arizona ROC contractor search ↗. A listing on Ember & Tank is not a license check. Arizona licensing explained →
NEARBY CITIES
Compare places near Tempe.
| City | Distance | Permit to replace | Fee | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chandler | 9 mi | Not required (conditions apply) | — | Salt River Project (SRP), Arizona Public Service (APS) |
| Paradise Valley | 11 mi | Required | $145 | Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP) |
| Gilbert | 12 mi | Not required (conditions apply) | $150 | Salt River Project (SRP), Arizona Public Service (APS) |
| Mesa | 12 mi | Not required (conditions apply) | — | Salt River Project (SRP), City of Mesa Electric |
| Sun Lakes | 13 mi | Not required (conditions apply) (county) | — | Salt River Project (SRP) |
| Phoenix | 16 mi | Not required (conditions apply) | — | Salt River Project, APS |
COMMON QUESTIONS
Tempe water heater questions.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Tempe?
Not if it's the same type and fuel, in the same location, with equal or lower amperage, and serves one home.
Tempe City Code Ch. 8, Art. I, Tempe Administrative Code (2024), 105.2 Work exempt from permit ↗
What if I need an emergency replacement that isn't exempt?
Tempe's code says to submit the permit application by the next business day.
Tempe City Code Ch. 8, Art. I, Tempe Administrative Code (2024), 105.2 Work exempt from permit ↗
How hard is Tempe water?
12.3 grains per gallon on average, ranging from 10.4 to 32.6 in the 2025 report.
City of Tempe 2025 Consumer Confidence and Water Quality Report ↗
More guides: Arizona water heater replacement · All local guides