Types of Traditional Water Heaters
We carry top-brand traditional tank water heaters in all three types. Ready for professional traditional water heater installation or replacement in Washington, Oregon, or California? We offer same-day and next-day service, proper permitting, and old unit removal.
1. Natural Gas Water Heaters
- How they work: Use a gas burner at the bottom of the tank to heat water. Exhaust gases are vented through a flue.
- Pros:
- Faster recovery rate (heats water quicker after heavy use)
- Lower operating costs in areas with affordable natural gas
- Performs well during power outages
- Cons:
- Requires a gas line and proper venting
- Slightly higher installation cost if venting needs upgrades
- Best for: Larger households in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, and other West Coast cities with natural gas service.
3. Electric Water Heaters
- How they work: Use upper and lower heating elements inside the tank to warm water—no combustion or venting required.
- Pros:
- Easiest and often cheapest to install
- No venting needed
- No risk of gas leaks
- Many high-efficiency models qualify for rebates in WA, OR & CA
- Cons:
- Slower recovery rate than gas models
- Higher operating costs in regions with expensive electricity
- Dependent on electrical service
- Best for: Apartments, smaller homes, or locations in Kirkland, Bothell, Beaverton, or Bay Area communities where gas isn’t available.
2. Propane Water Heaters
- How they work: Similar to natural gas models but use propane stored in an on-site tank.
- Pros:
- Excellent option for rural or off-grid homes without natural gas lines
- Fast heating and high efficiency
- Same reliable performance as natural gas models
- Cons:
- Requires propane tank refills
- May have higher fuel costs depending on propane prices
- Best for: Homes in rural areas of Washington, Oregon, or Northern/Southern California without municipal gas service.
How Traditional Tank Water Heaters Work
Conventional (tank-style) water heaters remain the most popular and trusted choice for homeowners across Washington, Oregon, and California. These reliable systems store a large reservoir of hot water—typically ranging from 40 to 120 gallons—ensuring you always have plenty on demand for showers, laundry, dishwashing, and more.
Here’s how they operate:
- Hot water is drawn from the top of the tank (where it naturally rises as the hottest layer).
- As hot water leaves, cold water enters through the bottom via the dip tube.
- The burner (gas/propane) or heating elements (electric) automatically activate to heat the incoming water, maintaining your set temperature.
- An insulating blanket and modern design help minimize heat loss, keeping energy costs down.
This simple, proven design delivers consistent hot water performance with lower upfront costs compared to tankless systems, making traditional tank water heaters ideal for most West Coast homes.
Ready for professional traditional water heater installation or replacement in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, or nearby areas? Our licensed technicians at Fast Water Heater Company ensure proper sizing, efficient models, and full code compliance.
GAS WATER HEATERS
How Natural Gas Tank Water Heaters Work
A natural gas burner located at the bottom of the tank continuously heats the stored water. As hot water is drawn from the top of the tank, cold water enters at the bottom, triggering the burner to maintain your set temperature. This proven design provides reliable, on-demand hot water for showers, laundry, and dishes.
Expected Lifespan
Most natural gas traditional tank water heaters last 8–12 years with proper maintenance. As units approach the end of their lifespan, repairs often become uneconomical, making replacement the smarter choice. Regular flushing and anode rod checks can help maximize longevity.
Popular Tank Sizes for Residential Use
We most commonly install:
- 40-gallon – Ideal for 1–2 people
- 50-gallon – Best for 3–4 people (the most popular size)
Larger options are also available for bigger households or higher demand:
- 66-gallon
- 75-gallon
- 80-gallon
- 120-gallon
Our technicians will properly size your new natural gas water heater based on your household size, usage patterns, and local code requirements.
Types of Natural Gas Water Heaters We Install
- Standard atmospheric-vented models – Reliable and budget-friendly
- Power-vented models – More flexible installation options
- High-efficiency ENERGY STAR® models – Qualify for rebates and reduce energy use
(Note: Tankless/on-demand water heaters are a separate category with different technology and installation requirements.)
Ready to install or replace a natural gas traditional tank water heater in Washington, Oregon, or California? We provide fast, permitted installation, old unit removal, and help with rebate paperwork.
Electric Water Heaters
How Electric Tank Water Heaters Work
Electric models feature upper and lower heating elements (submerged rods) inside the tank that warm the water directly. As hot water is drawn from the top of the tank, cold water enters at the bottom, and the elements activate automatically to maintain your preferred temperature. Modern insulation minimizes standby heat loss for better efficiency.
Expected Lifespan
With proper maintenance (such as periodic flushing and anode rod replacement), electric traditional tank water heaters typically last 10–15 years—often longer than gas models.
Popular Tank Sizes for Residential Use
We most commonly install:
- 40-gallon – Perfect for 1–2 people or smaller homes
- 50-gallon – Ideal for 3–4 people (our most requested size)
Larger capacities are available for higher demand:
- 66-gallon
- 75-gallon
- 80-gallon
- 120-gallon
Our technicians will recommend the right size based on your household, hot water usage, and local building codes in WA, OR, and CA.
Types of Electric Water Heaters We Install
- Standard electric models – Affordable and reliable for everyday needs
- High-efficiency models – Many qualify for ENERGY STAR® certification and utility rebates in Washington (Puget Sound Energy), Oregon (Energy Trust of Oregon), and California (PG&E, SoCal Edison, SDG&E)
- Tall and short configurations – To fit any space, from closets to garages
Benefits of Electric Traditional Tank Water Heaters
- Simple, low-cost installation – No gas lines or venting required
- Safe and clean operation – No combustion or risk of gas leaks
- Flexible placement – Can be installed almost anywhere in your home
- Quiet performance – No burner noise
- Rebate opportunities – High-efficiency units often qualify for incentives that reduce upfront costs
give us a call to talk water heaters!
(425) 636-7038
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Traditional Water Heater Installation
Looking for reliable traditional water heater installation on the West Coast? Fast Water Heater specializes in traditional tank-style water heater replacement and installation across Washington, Oregon, and Northern & Southern California. Whether you need a new gas or electric tank water heater in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, or anywhere in between, our licensed technicians deliver fast, code-compliant service you can trust.
Why Choose a Traditional Tank Water Heater?
Traditional tank water heaters remain the most popular choice for West Coast homeowners because they’re:
- Affordable upfront – Lower initial cost than tankless systems.
- Reliable performance – Consistent hot water storage for households of any size.
- Simple to maintain – Straightforward repairs and long-lasting durability.
- Energy-efficient options available – Many modern tank models qualify for ENERGY STAR® ratings and utility rebates in Washington, Oregon, and California.
Our experts help you select the right size and efficiency level for your home, ensuring lower energy bills and years of dependable hot water.
Professional Traditional Water Heater Installation Services
We make the entire process simple:
- Free consultation – We assess your current setup and recommend the best traditional tank replacement.
- Expert selection – Choose from top brands with high-efficiency gas, electric, or propane models.
- Permitted installation – Full compliance with local codes in Washington, Oregon, and California.
- Old unit removal – We haul away and responsibly recycle your old water heater.
- Same-day & next-day service available in most areas.
Install a Traditional Water Heater Today!
For nearly 40 years, Fast Water Heater Company has been the trusted choice for homeowners across Washington, Oregon, and Northern & Southern California when they need reliable hot water solutions. We specialize in traditional tank water heater installation, replacement, and service, working with top brands and a wide range of makes and models to deliver fast, professional results.
In addition to our expertise with conventional storage tank water heaters, we also offer:
- Maintenance and repair services – Extend the life of your existing unit with expert tune-ups and fixes
- Tankless water heater installation – For on-demand endless hot water
- Heat pump (hybrid) water heaters – Ultra-efficient options that can significantly lower energy bills
Same-Day Installation & Unbeatable Value
Need a new high-efficiency traditional tank water heater fast? Call before noon and we can often provide same-day installation in most service areas. We also back our work with a price-match guarantee—if you find a lower quoted price for the same service and model, we’ll match it.
Many of our ENERGY STAR®-certified traditional tank models qualify for utility rebates in Washington, Oregon, and California, helping you save even more.
Ready to schedule your traditional water heater installation or replacement? Contact us today!
Call (425) 407-5985 for fast, upfront pricing and professional service.
Proudly Serving Communities Across the West Coast
Our licensed technicians serve homeowners throughout Washington, Oregon, and California, including:
- Washington: Seattle, Kirkland, Bothell, Auburn, Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett
- Oregon: Portland, Troutdale, Gresham, Beaverton
- California: Los Angeles, Gardena, Richmond, San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento