Quick Answer: Water heater replacement is permitted work. A proper replacement includes the permit and city inspection, seismic strapping, a correct temperature and pressure relief discharge line and, on a closed system, an expansion tank, plus haul away of the old unit. We pull the permit and install to code, and those items are part of the written quote.
When a water heater quits, the replacement can look like a simple swap: old tank out, new tank in. A proper water heater replacement does more, because the code items around the tank are what an inspector checks and what protects the house. Here is what comes with the job on install day, step by step.
Tank or Tankless Is Decided First
Before install day, settle the type. Tank or tankless depends on how much hot water your household uses, your gas supply, the venting path and how long you plan to stay, and our guide to tank or tankless lays out the tradeoffs. We install both. We do not install heat pump or hybrid units, so this post covers the standard gas or electric tank replacement.
Straps, Discharge Line and Expansion Tank
Three code items sit around every tank, and inspectors look for each one. Seismic strapping holds the tank to the wall so a strong shake cannot tip it and break its gas or water connections. The temperature and pressure relief valve needs a proper discharge line, so a release goes somewhere safe and visible instead of onto someone standing nearby; here is how that relief valve works. And on a closed system, where expanding hot water cannot push back into the city supply, an expansion tank gives that water somewhere to go.
Before the job is called done, the new unit is checked for back drafting, the pressure is checked, and the heater is run to confirm it works as it should.
Venting and the Gas Connection
A gas water heater also needs proper venting, so combustion gases leave the house instead of entering the living space, and the gas line connection is checked for leaks before anyone leaves. The replacement follows local code and the manufacturer's instructions without cutting corners.
How Long Install Day Takes
A typical tank replacement runs 3 to 6 hours. Same day replacement is available whenever scheduling permits and we confirm by early afternoon, at the regular price, never an emergency premium. We stock standard 40, 50 and 75 gallon gas and electric tanks. Bradford White is our house brand, and we also stock and install Rheem. Send a photo of the old unit when you call, and Luis can often quote the replacement before we roll.
The Permit and Inspection
Water heater replacement is permitted work: we pull the permit and coordinate the city inspection. The inspector checks the seismic strapping, the temperature and pressure discharge line, the venting and, on closed systems, the expansion tank. The permit and those code items are part of the written quote, not extras added on the day. Unpermitted swaps tend to surface when the house is sold, when they cost more to fix, so we install to code the first time.
Haul Away of the Old Unit
Old water heaters are heavy and awkward, with gas residue, sharp fittings and pressurized parts. We safely disconnect and haul away the old tank, so it never sits on the curb or in the garage for someone else to deal with.
After Install Day
Once the new tank is in, an annual flush is the habit that keeps it going in our hard water. Ser Plumbing replaces water heaters in Paramount and across Southeast LA County. Call or text (310) 953-3566.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a water heater replacement need a permit in Los Angeles County?
Yes. Water heater replacement is permitted work; we pull the permit and coordinate the inspection as part of the job. Inspectors check the seismic strapping, the temperature and pressure discharge line, the venting and, on closed systems, the expansion tank. The permit and code items are part of your written quote, and a permitted install protects you at inspection time and at resale.
Do I need an expansion tank with my new water heater?
If your plumbing is a closed system, yes. On a closed system, hot water that expands as it heats cannot push back into the city supply, so the pressure has to go somewhere, and without an expansion tank it often shows up as a dripping relief valve. On a replacement, we check whether the system is closed and include the expansion tank in the quote when it is required.
How long does a water heater replacement take?
A typical tank replacement takes 3 to 6 hours. That covers removing the old unit, setting and strapping the new one, connecting the water, gas and venting, running the discharge line, testing and haul away. Standard 40 and 50 gallon replacements confirmed by early afternoon usually have hot water running that evening.
Can I get a new water heater the same day?
Usually, yes, at the regular price and never an emergency premium. Same day replacement is available whenever scheduling permits and we confirm by early afternoon. Send a photo of the old unit when you call; it often lets Luis quote the replacement before we roll, which keeps the same day window open.
What happens to my old water heater?
We take it with us. On every replacement, the old unit is disconnected and hauled away, so nothing is left on the curb or in the garage. Old tanks are heavy, with sharp fittings and pressurized parts, so removal is part of the job.
Do you install heat pump or hybrid water heaters?
No. We do not install heat pump or hybrid units, so if that is your direction, you want a company that does. We install and repair gas and electric tank heaters, with Bradford White and Rheem stocked, and tankless units, and we will say plainly which fits your house.