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Your best option depends entirely on which utility serves your address.
| Gas Tank (PSE Gas) | Electric Tank (PSE Electric) | Heat Pump Tank (PSE) | Heat Pump (Any Area) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed Cost | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Utility Rate | ~$0.75–$1.40/therm | ~$0.045/kWh | ~$0.14/kWh | ~$0.045–$0.14/kWh |
| Monthly Cost | $25–$45/mo | $20–$30/mo | $45–$65/mo | $12–$25/mo |
| Lifespan | 8–12 yrs | 10–15 yrs | 10–15 yrs | 13–15 yrs |
| Venting | Required | None | None | None |
| Tax Credit | Up to $600* | None | None | Up to $2,000 |
*Gas tankless only (UEF ≥ 0.82). PSE gas avg. ~$90/mo total bill; water heating is ~30–40%. PSE electric ~$0.14/kWh after Jan 2026 increase.
What Bellevue and King County plumbing code requires on every gas install.
B-vent flue to roof (atmospheric), PVC through wall (power-vent), or dual PVC pipes (direct-vent). Type depends on unit and space.
Dedicated shutoff valve within 6 feet of unit plus a sediment trap (drip leg) on the gas supply line.
Two straps required — upper and lower third of tank. Washington State code for all water heater installations.
Required on all closed plumbing systems to absorb thermal expansion and protect pipes from pressure damage.
City of Bellevue and all King County jurisdictions require a permit ($85–$150). Your plumber handles the application and inspection.
Carbon monoxide detectors required on every level of the home per Washington State law. Your plumber will verify compliance.
Choosing the right type and size prevents running out of hot water and avoids paying for capacity you do not need.
| Type | Best For | Tank Size / Flow | Installed Cost | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric Vent Tank | Budget replacement, existing B-vent flue | 40–75 gal | $2,500 | 8–12 yrs |
| Power Vent Tank | Flexible placement, no existing flue | 40–75 gal | $2,500–$3,200 | 8–12 yrs |
| Direct Vent Tank | Tight spaces, no indoor combustion air needed | 30–50 gal | $2,800–$3,500 | 8–12 yrs |
| Gas Tankless | High demand, long-term savings, unlimited hot water | 6–11 GPM | $5,000–$7,000 | 20+ yrs |
| Household Size | Recommended Tank | Tankless (GPM) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 30–40 gal | 4–6 GPM | Smaller unit, lower operating cost |
| 3–4 people | 50 gal | 6–8 GPM | Most common size in King County homes |
| 5+ people | 75 gal | 8–11 GPM | Or consider tankless for unlimited supply |
Gas water heaters recover faster than electric — a 50-gal gas tank typically recovers in 30–40 minutes vs. 60–80 minutes for electric. This means you can often size down slightly compared to an equivalent electric unit.
Water Heater Installation Service Near Me in Bellevue WA