Your water heater just died. Cold showers aren’t an option. You need it fixed or replaced fast—but not so fast that you hire the wrong company and regret it for years.
Here’s exactly what to look for (and what to avoid) when choosing who works on your water heater in Treasure Coast, FL.
Licensing and Insurance (Non-Negotiable)
This is your first filter. If a company isn’t properly licensed and insured, don’t even consider them—no matter how cheap their quote.
What you need to verify:
Any company working on water heaters in Florida needs a valid contractor’s license. Ask for their license number and verify it through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. They should also carry liability insurance (covers property damage from their mistakes) and workers’ compensation insurance (protects you if someone gets hurt on your property).
How to check: “Can I see your license and insurance certificates before we start?”
Any legitimate company provides this immediately. If they hesitate, make excuses, or say they’ll “send it later,” walk away.
Red flag: “We’re licensed through our supplier” or “My buddy has a license.” These are unlicensed contractors trying to sound legitimate.
Upfront, Transparent Pricing
Good water heater companies give you clear pricing before starting work. Bad ones hit you with surprise charges after the job’s done.
What transparent pricing looks like:
Written estimates that break down labor, parts, permits, disposal fees, and any other costs. No vague “we’ll figure it out after we look at it” promises. You should get clear explanations of why certain repairs or replacements are needed, plus options at different price points.
Questions to ask:
- “Can you provide a written estimate before starting work?”
- “What exactly is included in this price?”
- “Do you charge for the estimate?”
Many companies offer free estimates for replacements. Some charge $75-$150 for diagnostics but apply that toward repairs if you proceed. Both models are fine
Red flag: Companies that refuse written estimates, give wildly different phone vs. in-person quotes, or add mysterious fees after work is complete.
Experience Specifically with Water Heaters
Not all plumbers specialize in water heaters. You want a company that installs and services them regularly, not someone who primarily does drain cleaning and tackles water heaters occasionally.
Why specialization matters:
Water heater installation requires understanding gas lines, electrical connections, venting requirements, expansion tanks, code compliance, and proper sizing. Tankless systems are particularly complex. Florida’s hard water destroys water heaters faster than anywhere else , experienced local companies understand this and recommend appropriate solutions.
Questions to ask:
- “How many water heaters do you install monthly?”
- “Have you worked with my specific brand/model?”
- “Do you install tankless systems regularly?” (if considering tankless)
A company installing 20-30 water heaters monthly has seen every problem. A company doing 2-3 annually is learning as they go.
Response Time and Availability
When your water heater breaks, you need help fast. The best companies understand this and prioritize emergency service.
What good availability looks like:
Same-day or next-day service for emergencies. Clear communication about arrival windows (“We’ll be there between 2-4 PM” not “Sometime Thursday”). After-hours availability for true emergencies. Weekend service for homeowners who discover problems when most companies are closed.
Discount Water Heaters of Treasure Coast offers same-day service for water heater emergencies because we understand you can’t wait days for hot water.
Red flag: Companies that can’t schedule you for 7-10 days are either overbooked or not prioritizing water heater work.
Quality of Work and Warranties
The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. You want quality installation that lasts, not the fastest, cheapest job that fails in two years.
What quality installation includes:
Proper permits pulled (required in most Florida jurisdictions). Code-compliant installation for venting, gas lines, electrical connections, and expansion tanks. Complete cleanup and haul-away of your old water heater. Testing before leaving to verify everything works properly.
Warranties that matter:
Manufacturer warranty on the water heater itself (typically 6-12 years). Labor warranty on installation work (minimum 1 year, ideally 2-5 years). Parts warranty if replacing components beyond the water heater. Get everything in writing—verbal promises mean nothing if problems arise.
Questions to ask:
- “Do you pull permits for water heater installations?”
- “What warranty do you offer on labor?”
- “What happens if there’s a problem after installation?”
Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away
Pressure to decide today. Legitimate companies give you time to think. Scammers create artificial urgency.
Significantly lower prices than competitors. If one quote is 40-50% cheaper, they’re either unlicensed, cutting corners, or planning hidden fees.
No physical address or local presence. Companies operating out of vans with no established location disappear when problems arise.
Pattern of bad reviews. One negative review happens. Ten reviews all mentioning surprise fees, shoddy work, or no-shows? That’s a pattern.
Cash-only payments. Legitimate businesses accept multiple payment methods. Cash-only operations avoid paper trails for a reason.
Pushy upselling. You need a standard water heater but they’re aggressively pushing a $4,000 system you don’t need.
Making Your Decision
When comparing water heater companies, consider total cost (including all fees and warranties), timeline for completion, reputation based on reviews and referrals, and communication quality during the estimate process.
Trust your gut. If something feels off during the estimate , pushy tactics, vague answers, unprofessional behavior. Listen to that instinct.
Get It Done Right the First Time
Choosing the right water heater company saves you money, headaches, and stress. Take the extra time to verify licensing, compare detailed quotes, and check references. The cheapest option today often becomes the most expensive mistake tomorrow.
Need a water heater installed or replaced in Treasure Coast, FL? Discount Water Heaters provides licensed, professional water heater service with upfront pricing, same-day availability, and quality work backed by warranties.
Call or text: 772-202-6671 Contact us today for a free estimate and honest advice.