Our San Jose office has moved:
690 Saratoga Ave Ste 100, San Jose, CA 95129
(669) 280-7227

Repair, Replace or Upgrade? Start Here.

Most water heater calls fall into one of three situations. Pick the one that sounds like yours:

  • It still heats, but something is off. No hot water, a pilot that will not stay lit, a tripped breaker, a dripping relief valve. These are usually parts, and a water heater repair is often finished the same day.
  • The tank is leaking or past its lifespan. Water at the base of the tank, rusty hot water, or a unit older than 10 to 12 years. A leaking tank cannot be repaired, and a water heater replacement swaps it for a code-compliant unit, usually in a few hours.
  • You want something better than another tank. Endless hot water, more room in the garage, or lower energy bills. Tankless water heater installation and heat pump water heaters are the upgrades worth comparing below.

Not sure which one you are dealing with? Call us and describe what the heater is doing. We will tell you on the phone whether it sounds like a repair or a replacement, before anyone is scheduled.

Three Technologies. One Right Answer for Your Home.

Every household uses hot water differently. The right system depends on your family size, energy goals, available space, and budget. Here’s how the three main options compare

Feature

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Standard Tank

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Tankless (On-Demand)

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Heat Pump (Hybrid)

How it works
Stores 40–75 gallons of pre-heated water
Heats water instantly as it flows through
Extracts heat from surrounding air
Energy source
Gas or Electric
Gas (Natural or Propane)
Electric
Best for
Reliable replacement at lower upfront cost
Large families with high simultaneous demand
Homeowners focused on long-term energy savings
Lifespan
8–12 years
15–20 years
12–15 years
Space required
Floor standing (closet, garage)
Compact, wall-mounted
Floor standing (needs airflow)
Sacramento hard water
Sediment buildup reduces efficiency over time
Scale is the #1 killer — annual descaling flush recommended
Less affected, but maintenance extends life
Rebates
Limited
Local incentives may apply
Federal & local rebates available
How it works
Stores 40–75 gallons of pre-heated water
Energy source
Gas or Electric
Best for
Reliable replacement at lower upfront cost
Lifespan
8–12 years
Space required
Floor standing (closet, garage)
Sacramento hard water
Sediment buildup reduces efficiency over time
Rebates
Limited
How it works
Heats water instantly as it flows through
Energy source
Gas (Natural or Propane)
Best for
Large families with high simultaneous demand
Lifespan
15–20 years
Space required
Compact, wall-mounted
Sacramento hard water
Scale is the #1 killer — annual descaling flush recommended
Rebates
Local incentives may apply
How it works
Extracts heat from surrounding air
Energy source
Electric
Best for
Homeowners focused on long-term energy savings
Lifespan
12–15 years
Space required
Floor standing (needs airflow)
Sacramento hard water
Less affected, but maintenance extends life
Rebates
Federal & local rebates available

Why Sacramento Homeowners Trust Us With Their Hot Water

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Committed to delivering award-winning high-quality plumbing solutions for your home.

In-House Licensed Technicians

Every plumber on our truck is on our payroll — trained, background-checked, and certified by the brands we install. We never subcontract your home to strangers.
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From minor leaks to major pipe repairs our experts have you covered.

Upfront Flat-Rate Pricing

You see the full cost before we start. The price you approve is the price you pay — even if the job takes longer than expected.
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All our plumbing services are fully certified licensed and approved for your safety.

Expert Permit Management

Most plumbing companies skip permits to save time. We don’t. Every installation is permitted and inspected, keeping your home compliant and your insurance intact.
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1-Year Labor Warranty

We stand behind our craftsmanship. If anything related to our installation needs attention within the first year, we come back and fix it at no charge.

Financing & Referral Program

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why logo

Flexible Payment Options

For larger projects, financing is available through Wisetack. 
Quick application with a soft credit pull.
Learn More
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We offer a 10% discount on plumbing services for senior citizens.
Promotional banner offering a 10% discount for military and veterans on plumbing jobs.
We honor our military and veterans with a 10% discount on any plumbing service.
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Take advantage of our special plumbing discounts and customer reward programs.

Our Referral Program

Refer a friend or neighbor to 5-Star Plumbing and earn a $100 gift card when they complete their first service with us.
Refer Now
why logo
why logo

Flexible Payment Options

For larger projects, financing is available through Wisetack. 
Quick application with a soft credit pull.
Learn More

Water Heater Questions, Straight Answers

What to Expect — From Call to Hot Water

No guesswork, no open-ended timelines. Here’s exactly how a water heater replacement works with 5-Star Plumbing.

Diagnosis & Recommendation

We inspect your current system, check your water pressure, assess your gas or electrical setup, and recommend the right unit for your household. If a repair makes more sense, we’ll say so.
Step 1

Flat-Rate Quote

You get one number — parts, labor, permits, and haul-away included. No hourly billing, no surprises at the end.
Step 2

Professional Installation

Our in-house technicians install your new system — typically in 2—4 hours for a standard replacement. Tankless and heat pump conversions may take longer depending on the infrastructure work required.
Step 3

Permits & Code Compliance

We pull all required city permits and ensure your installation meets Sacramento building codes. This protects your home insurance and avoids issues if you ever sell.
Step 4

Cleanup & Haul-Away

We disconnect your old unit, haul it away for proper recycling, and leave the area cleaner than we found it. Turn-key — you don’t lift a finger.
Step 5
October SPECIAL
Request a quote online or call us and get extra 20% OFF