716 Water Heaters (Tank & Tankless) in Buffalo & Western New York
In most Western New York homes the water heater lives in the basement, next to the furnace and the floor drain. Plumbers and heating contractors here replace failed tanks, install tankless (on-demand) units, convert tank systems to tankless, and repair burners, elements, thermostats and venting. Gas and electric models are both common.
What to know in WNY
Winter makes a water heater work harder in Buffalo: the water coming in from the street or well is much colder in January than in July, so a heater that kept up in summer can run short in winter. Hard water also leaves mineral scale in tanks and tankless heat exchangers, which is why many installers recommend periodic flushing or descaling. A leaking tank is a basement flood risk, so a drain pan, a nearby floor drain, or a leak sensor is worth asking about.
Budgeting? See our Water Heater Replacement Cost for Buffalo & WNY Homes guide.
Water heaters by town
10 water heaters companies serving WNY
Listed by number of published reviews. Ratings show their source; blank means we have not verified one. Listing is free and is not an endorsement.
T-Mark Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric
No rating collected yetBasement drainage channels, plumbing; Tank and tankless water heaters, tank-to-tankless conversion, repair, 24/7 emergency repair
Cellino Plumbing
No rating collected yetDrainage, plumbing; Tank and tankless water heater installation; whole-house filtration and RO water treatment
Reimer Home Services
No rating collected yetFrench drains, dry wells, regrading; Water heater replacement (same-day, 24/7); whole-home filtration, RO, carbon/sediment filters, water softeners
Kevin's Plumbing
No rating collected yetTank and tankless water heater installation, gas and electric, replacement
Jim Ando Plumbing
No rating collected yetTankless water heater installation and repair; same-day appointments
Buffalo Plumbing
No rating collected yetWater heater repair, maintenance and replacement; tank and tankless, gas or electric; emergency service
Towlson Plumbing
No rating collected yetGas and electric water heater removal and installation; 24-hour emergency service
Tropical Heating & Cooling
No rating collected yetTank, tankless, hybrid and solar water heater installation
The Plumber Heating & Cooling
No rating collected yetTankless, gas and electric water heater installation and replacement
Premier Plumbing 716
No rating collected yetWater heater replacement
Frequently asked questions
Tank or tankless: which is better for a WNY home?
Tank heaters cost less up front and are simple to replace. Tankless units provide continuous hot water and save space but cost more to install, especially if gas lines, venting or electrical service need upgrading. Ask each installer to size the unit for winter inlet water temperature, not summer.
How long does a water heater last?
Several local plumbers cite roughly 8 to 12 years for a tank heater, depending on water quality and maintenance. Rust-colored water, rumbling noises or moisture at the base are signs to get it checked.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?
Often yes, particularly for gas units, because venting and gas connections are safety items. The City of Buffalo and each town building department set their own rules, so ask who pulls the permit.
What does replacement cost?
See our water heater cost guide, which cites published national ranges.
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