A New Water Heater, Sized and Installed Right
Buying a water heater is the easy part. Getting the right size, the right fuel type, and an installation that meets California code — that's where most homeowners get tripped up. An undersized tank leaves you fighting for the last warm shower. A skipped seismic strap or missing expansion tank means a failed inspection and a call-back. We take care of all of it in one clean install.
GB Plumbing installs both tank and tankless water heaters, gas and electric, across Burlingame and San Mateo County. As a licensed contractor (#1158152), every job is done to code, permitted, and finished with your old unit drained, disconnected, and hauled away. Call (415) 738-1450 for a straight answer on the best unit for your home and an upfront installed price.
Whether you want a like-for-like tank replacement or you're ready to switch to endless hot water with a tankless unit, we walk you through the tradeoffs before you commit — no pressure, just the honest math.
"Our 15-year-old tank finally quit. GB helped us figure out the right size, installed a new unit the next morning, added the expansion tank and seismic straps, pulled the permit, and took the old one away. Clean, code-correct, and no upsell. The whole thing was painless."
— Hillsborough homeowner, Lower North ★★★★★
What Our Installation Covers
Choosing the Right Water Heater
Three decisions shape your install. We help you weigh each one:
Tank vs. Tankless
Tanks cost less upfront and are simple to swap. Tankless delivers endless hot water, frees up floor space, and lasts longer — but costs more and may need gas or venting upgrades. We size both against your real usage so the comparison is honest.
Gas vs. Electric
Gas heats faster and often costs less to run, but needs proper venting and gas supply. Electric is simpler to install and a good fit where gas isn't available. We check your existing hookups and recommend the fuel that fits your home and budget.
Brand & Warranty
We install trusted, widely-supported brands with strong parts availability, and we register the manufacturer warranty for you. That means faster future service and no scrambling for obscure parts down the road.
"We switched from an old tank to a tankless unit. GB explained exactly what the gas line and venting would need, gave us a clear installed price, and handled the permit. Endless hot water now and the garage got a lot roomier. Worth every dollar."
— Millbrae homeowner, Meadows ★★★★★
Our Installation Process
In-Home Assessment & Sizing
We look at your household demand, existing connections, space, and venting, then recommend the right unit and fuel type. You get a clear, itemized installed price before we begin.
Permit & Old Unit Removal
We pull the required permit, then safely drain, disconnect, and remove your old heater. No leftover tank sitting in the garage and nothing for you to haul off.
Code-Compliant Installation
We set the new unit with seismic strapping, an expansion tank where required, a proper T&P relief valve and drain line, and correct venting and connections — everything built to pass inspection.
Test, Inspect & Hand Off
We fill, fire, and test the unit, confirm temperature and pressure, coordinate the inspection, and register your warranty. You leave with dependable hot water and clean paperwork.
Permits, Code & Peace of Mind
California requires water heaters to be strapped for earthquakes, fitted with an expansion tank where the system is closed, and protected by a correctly plumbed temperature and pressure relief valve. Skipping these to save a few dollars risks a failed inspection, a voided warranty, and a safety hazard. We do it right the first time so your installation is legal, insurable, and built to last.
Upgrade to Reliable Hot Water — Done Right
From a straightforward tank swap to a full tankless conversion, GB Plumbing sizes it correctly, installs it to code, and hauls the old unit away. Call for honest advice and an upfront installed price.
(415) 738-1450 — Call Now