Storage tank
$1,600–$2,400Typical cost, including installation
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT IN DENVER
Denver Water Heater
Replacement
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See what replacement costs ↓DENVER AT A GLANCE
Replacing a water heater in Denver.
In Denver, replacing a water heater in a single-family home is a quick permit: no plans, one inspection, and a fee based on the job's value. Most homes get power and gas from Xcel Energy and water from Denver Water. Denver sits at about 5,280 feet, so ask whether a gas model is rated for the altitude and whether Xcel's heat pump rebate applies.
- Permit to replace with the same type
- Yes · Denver Community Planning and Development
- Permit fee
- $35 for jobs worth $501–$2,000, plus $8 for each extra $1,000
- Who gets the permit
- A contractor licensed in Denver, or an owner who lives in a single-family home and passes Denver's homeowner exam.
- Electric utility
- Xcel Energy
- Gas utility
- Xcel Energy
- Water
- Denver Water · Soft to moderately hard; about 105 mg/L average in the 2026 report
- Rebate worth checking
- Xcel Energy heat pump water heater rebate (Active)
- Typical home
- Built 1975 (median) · 49% owner-occupied
- Companies found
- 16 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 Denver averages or guaranteed quotes.
Compare what each quote includes.Equipment · Labor · Permits · Old heater removalHow to compare quotes →
What we know about prices in Denver
- National installer’s published rangeThe ranges above. Home Depot ↗
- Local permit fee$35 for jobs worth $501–$2,000, plus $8 for each extra $1,000. Denver Community Planning and Development fee source ↗
- Local company’s advertised price11 of the companies listed for Denver post water heater prices or specials on their websites: Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric, Mr Perfect Plumbing, Tipping Hat Plumbing, Heating & Electric, Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, Brothers Plumbing, Heating and Electric, Flatirons Plumbing, Heating & Air, Hot Water Now!, Plumb Pros Inc., Plumbline Services, Canyon Plumbing & Heating, Inc., Golden Plumbing Company. Each offer has its own conditions.
- Individual customer reportOne water heater review mentions specific amounts. These are single customer accounts, not checked invoices or typical prices.
Show what it says
Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric: The customer described adequate installation but disputed an $8,448 charge and said a 10-year warranty could not be declined. BBB complaint · September 3, 2026 · Resolved · Source ↗
- Measured local dataNot collected yet, so no Denver average is shown.
We don't have a Denver average price yet. The national installer examples below are for comparison; the three local company pages we checked don't post full installed prices.
What can change the price in Denver?
A new circuit needs an electrical permit. Denver hasn't published single-family rules for moving a heater or switching from gas to a heat pump.
02 / COMPANIES WE FOUND
Who replaces water heaters in Denver?
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 →
Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric
Lists Denver 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.
Mr Perfect Plumbing
Lists Denver among the areas it serves. Based in Denver, CO.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Page title: "Water Heater Replacement Denver | From $2,900". States: "Most Denver homeowners invest between $2,900 and $4,700 for a complete water heater replacement, including removal, installation, and all required code components." Financing example: "A standard $2,900 replacement financed over 60 months at an example 8.9% APR is about $60/month" —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Reviewers praised thorough explanations during a water heater flush and tankless service, and timely work on a replacement.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
3 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Tipping Hat Plumbing, Heating & Electric
Lists Denver 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.
Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup (Denver)
Lists Denver among the areas it serves. Based in Denver, CO.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
We haven’t found reviews that mention this company’s water heater work yet.
Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical
Lists Denver among the areas it serves.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Coupon: "$125 Off A Tank or Tankless Water Heater" (Expires 10/31/26; not valid with any other offer) — Water heater installation page advertises "FREE estimates for water heater installations throughout Denver" —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback A BBB reviewer said Bell fixed complications with a new water heater installation, apologized and discounted the fee.
Worth knowing One BBB complainant said a boiler fired without water after a side-arm water heater replacement.
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Blue Sky Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical
Lists Denver 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.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Denver
Lists Denver among the areas it serves. Based in Centennial, CO.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback A reviewer praised a technician who replaced an old water heater with a tankless unit and repaired a drain, calling the price reasonable for the work.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
1 water heater review read, checked September 29, 2026.
Brothers Plumbing, Heating and Electric
Lists Denver 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.
Flatirons Plumbing, Heating & Air
Lists Denver 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.
Hot Water Now!
Lists Denver among the areas it serves. Based in Lakewood, CO.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Homepage coupons: "MILITARY 5% DISCOUNT", "FIRST RESPONDERS 5% DISCOUNT", "TEACHERS 5% DISCOUNT". No water heater price published —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback One reviewer praised tankless water heater exhaust-piping work and cleanup.
Worth knowing Too little water heater replacement feedback to assess installation pricing or outcomes.
1 water heater review read, checked September 29, 2026.
Also listing Denver: Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Denver, Plumb Pros Inc., Plumbline Services, Canyon Plumbing & Heating, Inc., Golden Plumbing Company, Z PLUMBERZ of Southwest Denver.
Order: companies based in Denver 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 DENVER
Photos of water heater jobs from these companies.
HOMES IN DENVER
What Denver homes are like.
1975Median year built
56%Built before 1980
49%Owner-occupied
61%Heat with utility gas
49%Single-family homes
About 56% of homes were built before 1980. Older homes often have older venting, smaller closets and shutoff valves that should be checked before install day.
61% of homes heat with utility gas, so gas water heaters with existing venting are common here.
Only 49% 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 Denver.
Altitude affects gas models
Denver sits at about 5,280 feet. Whether a gas water heater works at altitude depends on the model: A.O. Smith's power-vent manual approves use up to 10,100 feet with no changes, while a Rheem Maximus spec sheet requires a high-altitude kit above 2,000 feet.
Ask: Is this exact model rated for Denver’s elevation as installed, or does it need a kit or high-altitude version?
Soft to moderately hard water
Denver Water calls its water soft to moderately hard, and harder in winter. Its 2026 report averages about 105 mg/L total hardness. Suburbs with other water providers can be different.
Ask: What flushing or maintenance does the manufacturer require for this model?
Energize Denver rules are for larger buildings
Energize Denver's limits on replacing gas water heaters apply to commercial and apartment buildings. A single-family home can still use a quick permit to replace a gas heater. If you own a condo or apartment, check with your building.
ENERGY & WATER
Who supplies Denver homes.
Energy
- Electric: Xcel Energy
- Gas: Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy - Colorado Communities Served (Denver: GE) ↗ · City and County of Denver - Denver and Xcel Energy partnership (franchise for electricity and gas) ↗
Water
Denver Water: Soft to moderately hard; about 105 mg/L average in the 2026 report
REBATES & CREDITS
Rebates for Denver homes.
For Xcel Energy customers in Denver. Ask installers for the price before rebates, then check with the program that you qualify.
- 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 Denver.
Permits and who issues them
Denver lists water heaters as a quick permit for single-family homes and duplexes: no plan review, just an inspection on site. The city's plumbing permit form has a water heater section and asks for a State Master License number. Apartment buildings and commercial properties follow different rules.
Quick permits have no plan review fee. Denver's fee policy (revised May 21, 2024) sets the permit fee by job value: $35 for $501–$2,000, plus $8 for each extra $1,000. Reinspections are $100 an hour.
A Denver-licensed contractor usually pulls the permit. An owner who lives in a single-family home can get a homeowner permit after passing Denver's homeowner exam (a state plumbing license also works), and applies by email instead of e-permits.
Adding a new circuit for a heat pump water heater is electrical work, which also needs a Denver permit. Denver hasn't published single-family rules for moving a heater or switching from gas to a heat pump, so ask for the permit plan in writing.
Denver says it will never ask for permit payments by wire transfer, cryptocurrency or gift cards.
Contractors must be licensed with the City and County of Denver.
Denver Community Planning and Development ↗ · Denver plumbing permit form ↗ · Denver fee policy (Admin 138) ↗ · Denver homeowner permits ↗
Check who handles your address
Having a Denver mailing address doesn't mean you're in the City and County of Denver. Check which office issues permits for your property before relying on this guide.
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 Denver.
| City | Distance | Permit to replace | Fee | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four Square Mile | 6 mi | Required (county) | By job value (from $94.73) | Xcel Energy |
| Welby | 7 mi | Required (county) | By job value (from $24) | Xcel Energy |
| Sherrelwood | 8 mi | Required (county) | By job value (from $24) | Xcel Energy |
| Berkley | 8 mi | Required (county) | By job value (from $24) | Xcel Energy |
| Aurora | 9 mi | Required | $99 | Xcel Energy |
| Commerce City | 10 mi | Required | By job value | United Power, Xcel Energy |
COMMON QUESTIONS
Denver water heater questions.
Can I replace my own water heater in Denver?
Only in a single-family home you own and live in, after passing Denver's homeowner exam or if you hold a state plumbing license. Homeowner permits aren't allowed for townhomes, condos, duplexes or ADUs.
More guides: Colorado water heater replacement · All local guides