Storage tank
$1,600–$2,400Typical cost, including installation
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT IN BOULDER
Boulder Water Heater
Replacement
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Replacing a water heater in Boulder.
In Boulder, replacing a water heater needs a mechanical permit from the city's Planning & Development Services. The fee depends on the job's value and starts at $13.60. A contractor needs a city license (Mechanical Class E covers water heaters). A homeowner can pull a permit for one project a year on their own home. Boulder's water is soft, about 2.4 grains per gallon.
- Permit to replace with the same type
- Yes · City of Boulder Planning & Development Services (Building Permits and Inspections)
- Permit fee
- Based on job value (2026 schedule): $13.60 for work of $100 or less, $16.75 for $100.01-$400, $19.90 for $400.01-$800, and above $800 it's $19.90 plus $3.75 for each extra $100 or part of $100. The fee doubles if work starts without a permit. Construction use tax is paid up front when the permit is issued.
- Who gets the permit
- A licensed contractor, or a homeowner with a homeowner contractor permit for work they do themselves on their own home that isn't for rent or sale. This exemption covers one project per calendar year, and any subcontractors must be licensed.
- Electric utility
- Xcel Energy
- Gas utility
- Xcel Energy
- Water
- City of Boulder Utilities · Average 42 mg/L (about 2.4 grains per gallon), per the city's drinking water quality page
- Rebate worth checking
- Boulder County EnergySmart Income-Qualified Rebates (2026) (Active)
- Typical home
- Built 1977 (median) · 47% owner-occupied
- Companies found
- 11 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 Boulder averages or guaranteed quotes.
Compare what each quote includes.Equipment · Labor · Permits · Old heater removalHow to compare quotes →
What we know about prices in Boulder
- National installer’s published rangeThe ranges above. Home Depot ↗
- Local permit feeBased on job value (2026 schedule): $13.60 for work of $100 or less, $16.75 for $100.01-$400, $19.90 for $400.01-$800, and above $800 it's $19.90 plus $3.75 for each extra $100 or part of $100. The fee doubles if work starts without a permit. Construction use tax is paid up front when the permit is issued.. City of Boulder Planning & Development Services (Building Permits and Inspections) fee source ↗
- Local company’s advertised price9 of the companies listed for Boulder post water heater prices or specials on their websites: Canyon Plumbing & Heating, Inc., Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric, Brothers Plumbing, Heating and Electric, Colorado Green Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Flatirons Plumbing, Heating & Air, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Northern Colorado, Plumb Pros Inc., Plumbline Services, Tipping Hat Plumbing, Heating & Electric. Each offer has its own conditions.
- Measured local dataNot collected yet, so no Boulder average is shown.
What can change the price in Boulder?
Energy code: a 'Level 3' alteration (work on over 50% of the building) that changes mechanical or water heating equipment must make the equipment space ready for electric. A 'Level 3+' substantial alteration must use electric equipment as the main water heater. The city's energy code page doesn't say a simple water heater replacement must go electric.
02 / COMPANIES WE FOUND
Who replaces water heaters in Boulder?
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 →
Canyon Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Lists Boulder among the areas it serves. Based in Boulder, CO.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Coupons: "$150 OFF Water Heater Installation or Replacement" and "$250 OFF Tankless Water Heater Installation or Replacement" (also "$50 Any Service") —
What the reviews say
We haven’t found reviews that mention this company’s water heater work yet.
Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric
Lists Boulder among the areas it serves. Based in Denver, CO.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
Published price: Coupon: "$50 OFF Any Plumbing Service" — covers items including "Water Heater Tune Up and Flush" (Limit one coupon per transaction; Valid through September 30, 2026). No water heater replacement price published —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback A reviewer praised next-morning water heater replacement.
Worth knowing A water heater customer disputed the installation price and warranty choices.
2 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Blue Sky Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical
Lists Boulder among the areas it serves.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback A reviewer said Blue Sky made them feel they got full value on a boiler and water heater replacement, and a BBB complainant said a follow-up visit fixed their installation problems.
Worth knowing One BBB complainant said Blue Sky charged for a warranty replacement water tank; Blue Sky said an internal policy change caused confusion, issued a $2,977.52 credit and the customer accepted.
3 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Brothers Plumbing, Heating and Electric
Lists Boulder among the areas it serves.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
Published price: Coupon: "$150.00 Off Water Heater Installation" (also a general "$50 Off Work Performed*" offer) — and
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback One customer praised fast scheduling and communication after their water heater failed.
Worth knowing Another customer reported recurring water heater faults and poor follow-up.
2 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Colorado Green Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Lists Boulder among the areas it serves. Based in Erie, CO.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
Published price: Coupon: "$200 off the purchase and installation of a new water heater." —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Company-hosted testimonials praise responsive scheduling, maintenance advice and clear explanations during tank and tankless installs.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
3 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Flatirons Plumbing, Heating & Air
Lists Boulder among the areas it serves. Based in Arvada, CO.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Coupon: "$75 Off Water Heater Services" (must be presented at time of service/estimate; not valid for work previously completed; cannot be combined) —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Angi reviewers praised same-day or same-night water heater replacement, technicians who explained options with photos, and professional installers.
Worth knowing A February 2025 BBB complainant said a $4,589.24 replacement cost far more than another contractor's price, was never inspected despite promised code work, ran loudly, and came without an itemized invoice.
5 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Northern Colorado
Lists Boulder among the areas it serves.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Special offers: "$200 Off Water Heater Special" and "$500 Off Tankless Water Heater Installation" (Expires: 09/30/2026) — Installation page FAQ states homeowners "tend to pay an expected sum of $500 to $3,000 for the complete installation, including the price of the water heater itself" —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Customers quoted on the company's site praised weekend water heater replacements with added code or safety improvements, and help with tankless units.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked; one company-hosted review mentions a supplier-damaged unit delaying a replacement, which the reviewer did not attribute to the plumber.
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Plumb Pros Inc.
Lists Boulder among the areas it serves. Based in Arvada, CO.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Coupon: "10% OFF Off New Water Heater, Furnace, or Air Conditioner (Up to $500)" (Expires 10/31/26; offers may not be combined) — Its Denver water heater cost article publishes typical ranges, e.g. replacement "$900–$2,500 installed, depending on unit size and type" and repairs typically "$150 and $950"; after-hours/same-day emergency calls "typically an additional $75–$150 service fee" —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback BBB reviewers praised clear explanations of tank and tankless options, polite crews and clean installations.
Worth knowing A BBB complainant said their home-improvement credit card was charged the full credit line instead of the contract amount after a water heater install.
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Plumbline Services
Lists Boulder among the areas it serves.
- Tank
- Emergency service
Published price: Coupon: "$250 Off a Water Heater Installation" (promo code 250-waterheater, expires 12/29/2026; existing residential only) — Water heater page also states a "$49 service fee (we waive the service charge if you choose us to repair the issue)" and that in-home estimates are free —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback BBB reviewers praised replacements of old water heaters, clear explanations of options and code-related parts, and quotes that held without add-ons.
Worth knowing In a September 2026 BBB review, a customer said a water heater installed August 21, 2026 needed four return visits for the same loss of hot water; no business reply was shown.
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Tipping Hat Plumbing, Heating & Electric
Lists Boulder among the areas it serves. Based in Denver, CO.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
Published price: Water heater page offers: "$350 OFF WATER HEATER Off Unit & Installation"; "Tankless Water Heater $750 OFF Unit and Installation"; "$46 Get a 14-point Tune & Flush!" (each: "Limited time offer. Call for details."). Also mentions financing "with $0 down for qualifying customers" —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Customers quoted on the company's site praised a thorough tank flush and inspection, and a replacement that improved a poorly designed older setup.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked; Tipping Hat's BBB complaints are consolidated under its parent ARS/Rescue Rooter and could not be attributed to Denver water heater work.
2 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Also listing Boulder: Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup (Denver).
Order: companies based in Boulder 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. Colorado DORA license lookup ↗.
FROM COMPANIES SERVING BOULDER
Photos of water heater jobs from these companies.
HOMES IN BOULDER
What Boulder homes are like.
1977Median year built
55%Built before 1980
47%Owner-occupied
63%Heat with utility gas
46%Single-family homes
About 55% of homes were built before 1980. Older homes often have older venting, smaller closets and shutoff valves that should be checked before install day.
63% of homes heat with utility gas, so gas water heaters with existing venting are common here.
Only 47% 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 Boulder.
Soft water
Boulder's water averages about 2.4 grains per gallon of hardness. The city says white bits clogging faucet aerators can come from a water heater's dip tube breaking down.
One homeowner permit a year
Boulder lets a homeowner skip the contractor license for one project per calendar year on their own home.
No city-wide standard rebates in 2026
From 2026, EnergySmart offers only income-qualified rebates. Standard rebates have ended.
ENERGY & WATER
Who supplies Boulder homes.
Energy
- Electric: Xcel Energy (Boulder works with Xcel Energy under a franchise and partnership voters approved in 2020)
- Gas: Xcel Energy (The city sends electric and gas questions to Xcel)
Water
City of Boulder Utilities: Average 42 mg/L (about 2.4 grains per gallon), per the city's drinking water quality page
REBATES & CREDITS
Rebates for Boulder homes.
For Xcel Energy customers in Boulder. Ask installers for the price before rebates, then check with the program that you qualify.
- Boulder County EnergySmart Income-Qualified Rebates (2026) ↗ActiveFor Boulder County households at or below 100% of area median income: 50% of the cost of electric upgrades, including heat pump water heaters, up to $2,000 a year.
- Xcel Energy heat pump water heater rebate ↗Active$750 for an Xcel customer who installs a qualifying heat pump water heater.
- Colorado heat pump tax credit ↗Active for 2026 installs$250 credit for an ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater installed in 2026, claimed by a state-registered contractor, who must pass at least $83 to you as an invoice discount.
- Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) ↗EndedCovered improvements made through December 31, 2025.
Checked September 29, 2026. Who qualifies and the conditions: Colorado rebates · How to check an incentive.
PERMITS & LICENSING
Permits and licenses in Boulder.
Permits and who issues them
The city lists 'Mechanical including water heaters, furnaces and fireplaces' as a building permit type. Apply on the city's EnerGov Customer Self-Service portal; an inspection follows. If a condensing (Category IV) heater uses plastic venting, the inspector must be able to see the vent to check its listing and type. Otherwise the vent must be approved by the maker for cell-core pipe, or a new exhaust vent must be put in.
Yes. The city licenses mechanical and plumbing contractors. Mechanical Contractor Class E covers 'boilers, water heaters, and hydronics' ($63.50 in the 2026 schedule), and a Plumbing Contractor license is $278.95. The city also checks state plumbing and electrical licenses at the same time.
City of Boulder Planning & Development Services (Building Permits and Inspections) ↗ · City of Boulder: Building Permits and Inspections ↗ · City of Boulder: 2026 Schedule of Fees ↗ · City of Boulder: Contractor Licensing ↗ · City of Boulder: Energy Conservation Code ↗
Check the installer’s license
Ask for the license number and search it yourself on the Colorado DORA license lookup ↗. A listing on Ember & Tank is not a license check. Colorado licensing explained →
NEARBY CITIES
Compare places near Boulder.
| City | Distance | Permit to replace | Fee | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunbarrel | 5 mi | Required (county) | By job value (from $38.95) | Xcel Energy |
| Louisville | 7 mi | Required | By job value (from $28) | Xcel Energy |
| Superior | 8 mi | Required | By job value (from $28.50) | Xcel Energy |
| Lafayette | 8 mi | Required | $100 | Xcel Energy |
| Erie | 11 mi | Required | $35 | United Power, Xcel Energy |
| Broomfield | 12 mi | Required | By job value (from $23.50) | United Power, Xcel Energy |
COMMON QUESTIONS
Boulder water heater questions.
Does Boulder's energy code force me to switch to a heat pump water heater when I replace my gas tank?
The city's energy code page requires all-electric water heating only for substantial alterations (over 50% of floor area plus major mechanical and envelope work) and electric-ready space for larger alterations. It doesn't say a simple replacement has to go electric. Check with Planning & Development Services (303-441-1880).
How much is the permit?
The mechanical permit fee is based on job value: $19.90 covers the first $800, plus $3.75 for each extra $100. Construction use tax is paid when the permit is issued, and fees double if work starts without a permit.
Are there rebates in Boulder for a heat pump water heater?
Boulder County EnergySmart offers income-qualified rebates in 2026: 50% of the cost, up to $2,000 a year, for households at or below 100% of area median income. You must get approval first.
More guides: Colorado water heater replacement · All local guides