Water Heater Installation & Replacement in Aurora, CO
Grig Plumbing installs and replaces water heaters across Aurora, CO — gas, electric, tankless, and heat pump units. When your old heater fails, we offer same-day replacement: we size the right unit, haul away the old one, pull the permit, and install to code.
Why Aurora homeowners choose Grig for water heater installation
A water heater is a ten-year decision, so it pays to get it right the first time. We help you pick the correct size and type for how your household uses hot water, then deliver a clean, code-compliant install — without the pressure to overspend.
Licensed & insured locals
Aurora-based plumbers who know local permit and code rules.
Honest sizing advice
We recommend the unit that fits your home and budget, not the priciest one.
Upfront, all-in pricing
Unit, labor, permit, expansion tank, and haul-away — quoted before we start.
Same-day replacement
When your old heater quits, we move fast to restore hot water.
Every type & brand
Gas, electric, tankless, and heat pump from all major manufacturers.
Hard-water & altitude ready
We size and set up units for Aurora's water and elevation.
Need an emergency water heater replacement in Aurora?
How to know it's time for a new water heater
- The unit is 10+ years old (most tanks last 8–12 years; electric 10–15)
- The tank itself is leaking or rusting from the inside
- You've already paid for repeated repairs
- Hot water runs out too quickly for your household
- You want lower energy bills or a rebate-eligible upgrade
Still unsure? Our water heater repair in Aurora team gives an honest repair-or-replace assessment — never an upsell.
Tank, tankless, or heat pump — which is right for your home?
Each type suits a different home, budget, and priority. Here's a straight comparison.
| Standard tank | Tankless (on-demand) | Heat pump (hybrid) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cost (typical) | $1,000 – $3,100 | $1,400 – $5,600 | $2,500 – $5,000+ |
| Lifespan | 8–12 yrs (electric 10–15) | 15–20+ yrs | 13–15 yrs |
| Efficiency | Standard | High — heats on demand | Highest — up to ~3× electric |
| Hot water | Limited by tank size | Endless (flow-rate limited) | Limited by tank size |
| Space | Floor, larger | Wall, compact | Floor, needs air space |
| Best for | Budget / simple swap | Larger homes, energy savers | Lowest long-term bills, rebates |
For a smaller home on a budget, a quality tank is often the best value. For larger households or energy-minded owners, tankless or heat pump can pay off over time. Want endless hot water? Ask about our tankless water heater installation in Aurora.
Gas vs electric water heater — which is better?
| Gas | Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Recovery speed | Faster | Slower (needs larger tank) |
| Operating cost | Usually lower (cheap gas) | Higher (standard) / lowest (heat pump) |
| Best for | Larger households, existing gas line | Smaller homes, no gas line, max efficiency |
What size water heater do I need?
The right size comes down to your household and how much hot water you use at once. A starting guide:
| Household | Tank (storage) | Tankless (flow rate) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 30–40 gallons | 6–8 GPM |
| 3–4 people | 40–50 gallons | 8–10 GPM |
| 5+ people | 50–80 gallons | 10+ GPM |
How much does water heater installation cost in Aurora?
Every Grig installation includes
- The new water heater, sized for your home
- Professional installation to local code
- Haul-away and disposal of your old unit
- A new expansion tank, fittings, and connections as needed
- The Aurora permit (typically $50–$150) and all code compliance
Converting a tank to tankless costs more — it can need gas-line resizing, new venting, or an electrical upgrade. Whatever the job, we itemize everything before any work begins. Ranges are typical 2026 guidelines, not a quote.
Is a tankless or heat pump water heater worth it?
The trade-off is the upfront price. A tankless system lasts 15–20+ years versus 8–12 for a tank, so over two decades you may buy one tankless unit instead of two tanks — and energy savings plus rebates shorten the payback. For a small, budget-focused home, a quality tank still wins.
Colorado rebates & 2026 efficiency standards
A planned replacement is the perfect time to cut costs. Depending on the unit, you may qualify for:
- Colorado Heat Pump Tax Credit — a state incentive applied through registered contractors for eligible heat pump units, shown as an upfront discount.
- Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) — up to 30% of cost, with caps by type (heat pump water heaters up to $2,000; efficient gas units up to $600).
- Xcel Energy rebates — for ENERGY STAR-certified efficient models in our service area.
Colorado's 2026 standards are shifting new gas units toward lower-NOx, higher-efficiency designs. We install code-compliant units and help you find which incentives apply — so you don't leave money on the table. Eligibility varies by unit and program.
Built for Aurora's altitude & hard water
At more than 5,400 feet, altitude matters. Gas units lose roughly 4% of capacity per 1,000 feet of elevation, so a unit sized at sea level can fall short here — we account for derating when we size your system, especially with tankless.
Aurora's hard water (around 11 grains per gallon) also builds scale faster than average, so we set up every new unit for easy maintenance and recommend periodic tankless descaling and maintenance.
Should you install a water heater yourself?
Our water heater installation process
Free estimate
We assess your space, needs, and fuel type, then quote all-in.
Pick your unit
We recommend the right size and type — and explain why.
Permit & schedule
We pull the Aurora permit and book, often same day.
Install
2–4 hours typical. We haul away the old unit and install to code.
Test & walkthrough
We confirm safe operation and show you how it works.
We install all major brands
We're not tied to one manufacturer, so we recommend the best unit for your home, budget, and availability. Every unit carries its manufacturer warranty.
Trusted by Aurora homeowners
“Garik was on time, excellent, and completed the job quickly. I would definitely recommend his work and his company.”
“Karapet called me and quoted a reasonable price for labor and parts over the phone. Showed up the next day and fixed the issue. It was easy working with him.”
“Excellent service! Garik was professional, punctual, and very knowledgeable. He quickly identified the issue, explained the repair process clearly, and completed the work efficiently.”
Water heater installation across Aurora
We install and replace water heaters throughout Aurora and nearby neighborhoods, including Saddle Rock, Tallyn's Reach, Southlands, Murphy Creek, Heather Ridge, Side Creek, Tollgate Crossing, and the Original Aurora area. Older homes often have aging gas tanks due for replacement; newer builds are good candidates for tankless or heat pump upgrades.
Grig Plumbing
5029 S Wenatchee Cir, Aurora, CO 80015
Phone: (983) 218-4929
Hours: [Mon–Fri: 8am–7pm | Sat: 8am–7pm | Sun: 9am–5pm
Licensed & insured · Serving Aurora, CO
Water heater installation FAQs
How much does it cost to install a water heater in Aurora?
Most installations run $1,000 to $3,100 for a standard tank and $1,400 to $5,600 for tankless, depending on the unit, size, and any upgrades. The price includes the unit, labor, permit, and old-unit haul-away. You get a free, upfront quote before any work starts.
Can you replace my water heater the same day?
Yes, in most cases. For a standard same-size replacement, we can often install your new unit the same day. A typical tank install takes about 2 to 4 hours, including removing and hauling away the old heater.
Is gas or electric better for a water heater?
Gas heats faster and usually costs less to run for larger families with a gas line. Electric is cheaper upfront, simpler to install, and works without gas — and electric heat pump models are the most efficient. We'll recommend the right fit for your home's hookups and usage.
Should I switch to a tankless water heater?
Tankless suits larger households or anyone wanting long-term energy savings and endless hot water. It costs more upfront and may need gas, venting, or electrical upgrades. For a smaller home on a budget, a quality tank is usually the better value.
What brand of water heater is best?
There's no single best brand — the right choice depends on your home, budget, and availability. We install all major brands, including Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Rinnai, and Navien, and recommend the best unit for your situation rather than pushing one label.
Do you handle the permit and old water heater removal?
Yes. We pull the required Aurora permit (typically $50–$150), install to code, and haul away and dispose of your old unit — all included in your quote.
What size water heater do I need for my home?
As a rough guide: 30–40 gallons for 1–2 people, 40–50 for 3–4, and 50–80 for 5 or more. Electric and heat pump units often need a larger tank than gas. We confirm the exact size on-site.
Are there rebates for a new water heater in Colorado?
Possibly. Heat pump units may qualify for the Colorado Heat Pump Tax Credit and a federal efficiency credit, and efficient models may earn Xcel Energy rebates. We'll help you identify which incentives apply.
How long does a new water heater last?
A standard tank lasts about 8–12 years (electric 10–15), a heat pump unit 13–15 years, and a tankless system 15–20+ years with regular maintenance. Aurora's hard water can shorten these, so annual flushing or descaling helps.
Can I install a water heater myself?
For gas units, it's not recommended. Aurora requires a permit and inspection, and mistakes with gas, venting, or pressure relief can cause carbon monoxide or water damage. A licensed plumber keeps the install safe, to code, and warranty-valid.
Ready for a new water heater?
Grig Plumbing's licensed Aurora plumbers install gas, electric, tankless, and heat pump units — same-day replacement, upfront pricing, permit and haul-away included.