All Things BendBend, OregonLocal guide

Bend home guide · checked October 23, 2026

Water Heater Repair & Replacement in Bend, Oregon

16 Bend-area installers compared on their own websites, plus what a new heater really costs here, the $1,000–$1,800 heat pump rebates, the City of Bend permit, and when tankless makes sense on soft Bend water.

  • $180City of Bend permit
  • $1,200Energy Trust heat pump incentive
  • 0.99–1.46grains/gal: Bend water is soft

By All Things Bend · Updated October 23, 2026 · Every company checked on its own website

A white Watts potable water expansion tank hanging from copper pipes above a water heater
The City of Bend requires an expansion tank like this on every replacement. Photo: Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Leaking or no hot water?

Water on the floor

  1. Close the cold-water valve on the pipe into the top of the heater (or the house main).
  2. Electric: switch off the heater’s breaker, only if you can reach the panel without standing in water. Gas: turn the control knob to OFF or PILOT.
  3. Call a plumber. A leak from a fitting or the relief valve can often be fixed; a leak from the tank body means replacement.

Smell gas? Get out first

Leave the house without flipping switches, then call 911 or Cascade Natural Gas from outside.

Cascade Natural Gas 24/7888-522-1130

24/7 water heater service

Bend water heater installers and repair companies

Every company below lists water heater work on its own website. Hours, licenses, brands and prices are what each site said on October 23, 2026; “not posted” means the site didn’t say. Filter by what you need.

CompanyTypesHours (as posted)Posted priceCCB #Phone
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Central OregonGas and electric tanks; tankless install, repair and maintenance24/7 scheduling; says it never adds overtime fees for nights, weekends or holidaysMost repairs $375–$650, depending on the part and gas vs. electric. Replacement is a flat price quoted up front.168903541-239-3826
Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water CleanupGas and electric tanks, gas and electric tankless, hybrid heat pumpOpen 24/7, 365 days a year, including emergency water heater repair—Not posted541-312-5235
Central Oregon Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & ElectricalGas and electric tanks (40–80 gal), gas and electric tankless, hybrid heat pump, solarOffice Mon–Fri 8–4:30; 24/7 emergency service, including emergency water heater replacementNavien tankless installed “as low as $5,999” (natural gas or propane, with coupon)93654541-227-6258
Severson Plumbing & HeatingGas, electric and tankless24/7 emergency plumbing; says you reach a real person any time—63655541-631-0373
Renew Plumbing ServicesTank and tanklessNot posted—116029541-388-0800
Sunset Plumbing of BendGas, electric and tankless, including full tank-to-tankless conversionsMon–Fri 8–4—69172541-382-0109
Deschutes Plumbing CompanyElectric, natural gas, propane and tanklessMon–Fri 7:30–5—Not posted541-385-6060
Firkus Plumbing, Heating & RepairsGas, electric, hybrid and tanklessLists this as its emergency service line; office hours not posted—60562541-382-7710
Bjork & Sons PlumbingTank and tankless; electric, gas and hybridMon–Fri 8–5Bend installs “can start from $600” (labor and materials), depending on type and complexityNot posted541-420-9370
Central Oregon Water Heaters (ALL-WAYS Plumbing)Tank, tankless and hybrid; expansion tanksLists 24 hours Mon–Fri; closed weekends—Not posted541-420-0950
Stark PlumbingGas and electric tanks; tanklessMon–Fri 8–5—222421541-848-7261
Peak Performance PlumbingTank repair and replacement; tankless installation24/7 emergency availability, including water heater failures—250731541-323-3000
Pearl Plumbing & Fire ProtectionWater heater installation; tanklessMon–Fri 7–5; says “24/7 Emergency Services Available”—Not posted541-410-0028
Einstein Pros Plumbing, Heating & CoolingTraditional tank and tanklessOffice Mon–Fri 7:30–4:30; says it’s available 24/7 for emergencies—Not posted541-420-8888
McDermott PlumbingAll types: tank and tankless, gas and electricNot posted; lists emergency service—186210541-678-8134
Smith Rock PlumbingTank and tankless, gas and electricMon–Fri 8–5; weekends by appointment; says emergency help day, night or weekend—Not posted541-350-1986

Plumber · north Bend

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Central Oregon

The only Bend company that posts a repair price range, and it offers same-day or same-night swaps of standard 40- and 50-gallon tanks.

  • 24/7 emergency
  • Posts prices
  • Redmond & Sisters
  • Sunriver & La Pine
Call 541-239-3826Website
Types
Gas and electric tanks; tankless install, repair and maintenance
Brands
Installs Bradford White
Posted price
Most repairs $375–$650, depending on the part and gas vs. electric. Replacement is a flat price quoted up front.
Warranty
1 year on repairs and installations, plus the manufacturer’s tank warranty (tankless page: 90 days on repairs, 1 year on replacements)
Hours
24/7 scheduling; says it never adds overtime fees for nights, weekends or holidays
Service area
Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Tumalo, Sunriver, La Pine, Prineville, Madras, Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman, Crescent and more
Oregon CCB
#168903
Booking
Online estimate form or phone, 24/7
Listed services
  • Same-day or same-night replacement of standard 40- and 50-gallon gas and electric tanks; larger or specialty units may need a scheduled visit
  • Water heater repair
  • Tankless installation, maintenance and repair
  • Recommends an annual flush and insulated supply lines for heaters in unheated garages or crawl spaces

Energy Trust of Oregon’s water heater page links to a Mr. Rooter offer for a professionally installed heat pump water heater with the Energy Trust incentive applied up front; ask the Central Oregon office whether it applies here.

Checked October 23, 2026 on: mrrooter.com, mrrooter.com

Plumber + water cleanup · NW Crossing area

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

Covers every type, including hybrid heat pump units, around the clock, and can dry out the floor if the old tank flooded it.

  • 24/7 emergency
  • Heat pump
Call 541-312-5235Website
Types
Gas and electric tanks, gas and electric tankless, hybrid heat pump
Brands
Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Rinnai, Navien
Hours
Open 24/7, 365 days a year, including emergency water heater repair
Service area
Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties
Oregon CCB
Not posted on its site
Booking
Phone 24/7, online scheduling or the Roto-Rooter app
Listed services
  • Repair, installation, replacement and maintenance
  • Same-day repair
  • On-site estimate before work starts
  • Water extraction and drying after a tank failure

Its Bend page notes that hybrid units may qualify for Oregon utility rebates. Financing through Synchrony.

Checked October 23, 2026 on: rotorooter.com

Plumbing + HVAC + electrical · Bend, Redmond, Madras

Central Oregon Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

One company for the plumbing, the 240-volt circuit and the gas line, which matters on a heat pump or tankless conversion. Posts a tankless price.

  • 24/7 emergency
  • Heat pump
  • Posts prices
  • Redmond & Sisters
  • Sunriver & La Pine
Call 541-227-6258Website
Types
Gas and electric tanks (40–80 gal), gas and electric tankless, hybrid heat pump, solar
Brands
Navien (tankless promotion)
Posted price
Navien tankless installed “as low as $5,999” (natural gas or propane, with coupon)
Hours
Office Mon–Fri 8–4:30; 24/7 emergency service, including emergency water heater replacement
Service area
Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver, La Pine, Prineville, Madras, Powell Butte
Oregon CCB
#93654
Booking
Phone or online request
Listed services
  • Repair, maintenance, installation and replacement
  • Leak, sediment and corrosion repair
  • Says many high-efficiency models qualify for Energy Trust of Oregon rebates
  • Tankless: annual maintenance, flushing mineral buildup, venting per manufacturer and code

Offices in Bend (two), Redmond (2516 SW Glacier Pl) and Madras. Advertises 100% no-interest financing.

Checked October 23, 2026 on: coheating.com, coheating.com, coheating.com

Plumber · east Bend + Redmond

Severson Plumbing & Heating

Since 1977, with free estimates for converting a gas or electric tank to tankless.

  • 24/7 emergency
  • Redmond & Sisters
  • Sunriver & La Pine
Call 541-631-0373Website
Types
Gas, electric and tankless
Hours
24/7 emergency plumbing; says you reach a real person any time
Service area
Bend, Redmond, Sunriver, La Pine, Sisters, Prineville, Terrebonne, Crooked River Ranch, Culver
Oregon CCB
#63655
Also
Redmond 541-209-0390
Booking
Phone
Listed services
  • Traditional and tankless repair and installation
  • Free estimates on tank-to-tankless conversions
  • Annual maintenance: flush tanks, descale tankless (every 6 months in hard-water areas)

Checked October 23, 2026 on: seversonplumbers.com, seversonplumbers.com

Plumber · downtown Bend

Renew Plumbing Services

Posts the longest labor warranty we found: 2 years on top of a 6-year tank warranty.

    Call 541-388-0800Website
    Types
    Tank and tankless
    Brands
    Stocks Bradford White; installs A.O. Smith, Rheem, State or Polaris if you supply the unit
    Warranty
    6-year tank warranty and 2-year labor warranty at no extra charge
    Hours
    Not posted
    Service area
    Bend and Central Oregon
    Oregon CCB
    #116029
    Booking
    Phone or service@renewplumbing.com
    Listed services
    • Thermostat and element replacement, sediment flushing
    • Full replacement
    • Tankless installation

    Checked October 23, 2026 on: renewplumbing.com, renewplumbing.com

    Plumber · north Bend

    Sunset Plumbing of Bend

    Serving Bend since 1982; pulls the permit and gives a written estimate before any install.

    • Redmond & Sisters
    • Sunriver & La Pine
    Call 541-382-0109Website
    Types
    Gas, electric and tankless, including full tank-to-tankless conversions
    Brands
    Installs all major brands of standard and tankless heaters
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8–4
    Service area
    Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Tumalo, Terrebonne, Sunriver, La Pine, Black Butte Ranch, Brasada, Pronghorn, Powell Butte
    Oregon CCB
    #69172
    Booking
    Phone, weekdays
    Listed services
    • Written estimate before installation
    • Handles permits and Bend code compliance
    • Drains and removes the old unit
    • Tankless testing, inspection, maintenance and repair (gas and electric)

    Checked October 23, 2026 on: sunsetplumbingofbend.com, sunsetplumbingofbend.com

    Plumber · SE Bend

    Deschutes Plumbing Company

    Handles propane units as well as electric, natural gas and tankless, plus the gas piping.

      Call 541-385-6060Website
      Types
      Electric, natural gas, propane and tankless
      Brands
      Bradford White (tank), Navien (tankless)
      Hours
      Mon–Fri 7:30–5
      Service area
      Bend and Central Oregon
      Oregon CCB
      Not posted on its site
      Booking
      Phone, weekdays
      Listed services
      • Replacement, installation, repair and maintenance
      • Gas piping
      • Free quotes; says most installs take 2–4 hours
      • Emergency water heater service

      Checked October 23, 2026 on: deschutesplumbing.com

      Plumber · central Bend

      Firkus Plumbing, Heating & Repairs

      In business since 1971; gas, electric, hybrid and tankless.

      • Heat pump
      • Redmond & Sisters
      • Sunriver & La Pine
      Call 541-382-7710Website
      Types
      Gas, electric, hybrid and tankless
      Hours
      Lists this as its emergency service line; office hours not posted
      Service area
      Bend, Redmond, Sunriver, La Pine, Sisters, Madras, Black Butte Ranch
      Oregon CCB
      #60562
      Booking
      Phone
      Listed services
      • Maintain, repair or replace
      • Annual inspection and flushing
      • Tankless installation

      Checked October 23, 2026 on: firkusplumbing.com, firkusplumbing.com

      Plumber · SE Bend, family-owned

      Bjork & Sons Plumbing

      Posts a starting price and offers same-day installation. Listed as a heat pump water heater installer on ENERGY STAR’s Oregon list.

      • Heat pump
      • Posts prices
      • Redmond & Sisters
      • Sunriver & La Pine
      Call 541-420-9370Website
      Types
      Tank and tankless; electric, gas and hybrid
      Posted price
      Bend installs “can start from $600” (labor and materials), depending on type and complexity
      Hours
      Mon–Fri 8–5
      Service area
      Bend, Redmond, Sunriver, La Pine, Prineville, Madras, Terrebonne, Millican
      Oregon CCB
      Not posted on its site
      Booking
      Phone, weekdays
      Listed services
      • Same-day installation
      • Repair or full replacement
      • Annual tank cleaning, relief valve and leak checks
      • Reviews the warranty with you after install

      Checked October 23, 2026 on: bjorkandsonsplumbing.net, energystar.gov

      Water heater specialist · Bend

      Central Oregon Water Heaters (ALL-WAYS Plumbing)

      A water heater sideline of a Bend plumber. Unusually candid: its FAQ says it does not recommend tankless for most Bend applications.

      • Redmond & Sisters
      • Sunriver & La Pine
      Call 541-420-0950Website
      Types
      Tank, tankless and hybrid; expansion tanks
      Brands
      Typically Bradford White; also A.O. Smith
      Warranty
      1 year on installation, plus the manufacturer’s 6–12 year warranty
      Hours
      Lists 24 hours Mon–Fri; closed weekends
      Service area
      Bend, Redmond, Tumalo, Sunriver, Eagle Crest, Brasada Ranch, Pronghorn, Powell Butte and Bend neighborhoods from Awbrey Butte to Widgi Creek
      Address
      Bend (no street address posted)
      Oregon CCB
      Not posted on its site
      Booking
      Online booking, phone or reserve-a-call
      Listed services
      • Installation, repair and inspection
      • Expansion tank installation
      • Online booking widget or “reserve a call”

      Checked October 23, 2026 on: awporegon.com

      Plumber · south Bend

      Stark Plumbing

      Tankless installs with sizing, gas supply, venting and combustion air handled; separate gas and electric tank replacement services.

      • Redmond & Sisters
      • Sunriver & La Pine
      Call 541-848-7261Website
      Types
      Gas and electric tanks; tankless
      Brands
      Rinnai, Navien, Bradford White
      Hours
      Mon–Fri 8–5
      Service area
      Bend, Sunriver, Redmond, Sisters and Deschutes County
      Oregon CCB
      #222421
      Booking
      Online quote request or phone
      Listed services
      • Electric tank replacement sized to household demand, with code updates and haul-away
      • Gas tank replacement
      • Tankless installation; recommends annual descaling

      Checked October 23, 2026 on: starkplumbing.com

      Plumber · Bend-based

      Peak Performance Plumbing

      Says it will recommend a repair when it’s safe and cost-effective rather than pushing a new heater.

      • 24/7 emergency
      • Sunriver & La Pine
      Call 541-323-3000Website
      Types
      Tank repair and replacement; tankless installation
      Hours
      24/7 emergency availability, including water heater failures
      Service area
      Bend, Redmond, Sunriver, Three Rivers, Prineville
      Address
      Bend (no street address posted)
      Oregon CCB
      #250731
      Also
      text 541-395-4206
      Booking
      Call or text
      Listed services
      • Water heater repair and replacement
      • Tankless installation to code
      • Gas and propane piping

      Checked October 23, 2026 on: performanceplumbingbend.com, performanceplumbingbend.com

      Plumbing + fire sprinklers · Bend

      Pearl Plumbing & Fire Protection

      Navien-certified for tankless; 10% off basic service calls for first-time customers, first responders and seniors.

      • 24/7 emergency
      • Redmond & Sisters
      • Sunriver & La Pine
      Call 541-410-0028Website
      Types
      Water heater installation; tankless
      Brands
      Navien Tankless Water Heater Certified
      Hours
      Mon–Fri 7–5; says “24/7 Emergency Services Available”
      Service area
      Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver, La Pine, Crescent, Madras, Prineville, Burns
      Address
      Bend (no street address posted)
      Oregon CCB
      Not posted on its site
      Booking
      Phone
      Listed services
      • Water heater installation
      • Tankless water heaters
      • Emergency plumbing

      Checked October 23, 2026 on: pearlplumbingbend.com

      Plumbing + HVAC · Bend

      Einstein Pros Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

      Flat-rate pricing with an up-front estimate, and furnace service from the same company.

      • 24/7 emergency
      • Redmond & Sisters
      • Sunriver & La Pine
      Call 541-420-8888Website
      Types
      Traditional tank and tankless
      Hours
      Office Mon–Fri 7:30–4:30; says it’s available 24/7 for emergencies
      Service area
      Bend, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, Sunriver, Prineville, Madras
      Oregon CCB
      Not posted on its site
      Booking
      Phone or online
      Listed services
      • Installation, repair and maintenance for all types
      • Upfront flat-rate estimate before work begins

      Checked October 23, 2026 on: einsteinpros.com, einsteinpros.com

      Plumber · north Bend

      McDermott Plumbing

      Covers the resort communities, from Black Butte Ranch to Brasada.

      • Redmond & Sisters
      • Sunriver & La Pine
      Call 541-678-8134Website
      Types
      All types: tank and tankless, gas and electric
      Hours
      Not posted; lists emergency service
      Service area
      Bend, Sunriver, Redmond, La Pine, Terrebonne, Prineville, Madras, Sisters, Black Butte Ranch, Crooked River Ranch, Brasada Ranch
      Address
      Bend (no street address posted)
      Oregon CCB
      #186210
      Booking
      Phone
      Listed services
      • Water heater installation and repair
      • Emergency service

      Checked October 23, 2026 on: mpbend.com

      Plumber · Redmond

      Smith Rock Plumbing

      North-county option that will talk through tank vs. tankless and gas vs. electric before you buy.

      • Redmond & Sisters
      Call 541-350-1986Website
      Types
      Tank and tankless, gas and electric
      Hours
      Mon–Fri 8–5; weekends by appointment; says emergency help day, night or weekend
      Service area
      Redmond, Bend, Terrebonne, Tumalo, Sisters, Black Butte Ranch, Prineville, Madras
      Address
      Redmond (no street address posted)
      Oregon CCB
      Not posted on its site
      Booking
      Phone
      Listed services
      • Installation, maintenance and repair
      • Advice on tank vs. tankless and electric vs. gas

      Checked October 23, 2026 on: smithrockplumbing.com

      More Central Oregon plumbers that list water heaters

      Their sites name water heater work but give few details, so ask about types, brands and price when you call. Handy as a second or third quote, especially outside Bend.

      Also serving Bend: Fast Water Heater Co. · 425-636-7038. A water heater replacement chain (Oregon office in Troutdale, CCB 168049) with a Bend service page: same-day install in Deschutes County if you call before noon, free written quotes that include permit and haul-away, no trip fee, and gas, electric, tankless and heat pump units. Mon–Fri 7–7, Sat–Sun 8–5. Its only phone number is a Washington area code.

      Check any contractor’s license on the Oregon CCB search. More plumbing help: Bend plumbers guide.

      Repair or replace?

      Age alone doesn’t decide it. What failed does. Bend plumbers put typical tank life at 8 to 12 years (Firkus, Deschutes Plumbing).

      Usually worth repairing

      • No hot water on an electric tank: often a thermostat or heating element (Renew lists both as common fixes)
      • Gas pilot won’t stay lit: thermocouple or gas control
      • Drip from a fitting, valve or the relief valve, not the tank
      • Rumbling or popping from sediment: flushing may help (Firkus)
      • The heater is young and otherwise reliable

      Mr. Rooter posts most repairs at $375–$650. Peak Performance says it will recommend repair when it’s safe and cost-effective.

      Time to replace

      • Water leaking from the tank body, or rust at the base
      • Rusty or discolored hot water (Bjork & Sons)
      • Past 10 years and starting to need repairs
      • A repair quote that’s a big share of a new heater
      • You run out of hot water, or want to switch to a heat pump or tankless

      Electric tank? Price a heat pump water heater before buying the same thing again: the rebate is $1,000 or more.

      Tank vs. tankless vs. heat pump water heaters

      The three choices most Bend homeowners compare. Gas service in Bend is Cascade Natural Gas; electric is Pacific Power or, outside the core, a co-op.

      Storage tankTanklessHeat pump (hybrid)
      How it heatsBurner or elements keep 40–80 gallons hotBurner or elements heat water as it flowsA compressor pulls heat from the room air into the tank
      Best Bend fitLike-for-like swap; fastest and simplestGas homes with room on the gas line and a vent pathReplacing an electric tank in a space that stays above about 40°F
      Hot water supplyRuns out when the tank is spentEndless, but limited by flow rateLike a tank; slower recovery in cold air
      Rebate (Oct 2026)None$400 gas (Energy Trust, replacing a gas tank)$1,000–$1,200 Energy Trust; $1,000 CEC; up to $1,800 Midstate
      Watch forExpansion tank, venting, strapsGas line size, venting, winter sizing, descalingRoom air volume, noise, cold garages, condensate drain
      Typical life8–12 years (Firkus, Deschutes Plumbing)15–20 years with care (Stark), 20+ (Sunset)Ask the installer for the model warranty
      A newly installed gray Rheem gas water heater with its vent pipe and copper water lines

      Storage tank (gas or electric)

      The simple, cheapest swap, and the one Mr. Rooter and Bjork & Sons can often do the same day for standard 40- and 50-gallon units. On a replacement the City requires an expansion tank. Ask for the first-hour rating, not just gallons: it’s the number that says whether two back-to-back showers will work.

      Photo: Tim Evanson (CC BY-SA 2.0).

      Two wall-mounted Noritz tankless water heaters with blue expansion tanks on an exterior wall

      Tankless (on-demand)

      Endless hot water as long as you stay under the unit’s flow rate. Gas units need an adequate gas line and a new vent, which means a mechanical permit in Bend. Energy Trust pays $400 for a qualifying gas tankless replacing a gas tank. Stark recommends annual descaling and quotes 15 to 20 years of life. Not everyone is a fan: ALL-WAYS Plumbing says it doesn’t recommend tankless for most Bend applications. Get the sizing in writing.

      Photo: Downtowngal (CC BY-SA 4.0).

      A gray Rheem 40-gallon electric water heater held to the wall with black seismic straps

      Heat pump water heater (hybrid)

      Looks like a tall electric tank with a fan on top. It moves heat from the surrounding air into the water, so it uses far less electricity than a standard electric tank, and it gets the biggest rebates in Central Oregon. It needs room: the U.S. Department of Energy says about 1,000 cubic feet of air and a space that stays roughly 40–90°F. It also cools and dries the room and makes a fan hum. Roto-Rooter, Central Oregon Heating, Firkus and Bjork & Sons list hybrid units.

      A standard 40-gallon electric tank, the kind heat pump rebates are meant to replace. Photo: Steven Pavlov (CC BY-SA 4.0).

      Bend factors that change the answer

      Soft water (on city water)

      The City of Bend says its water runs 0.99 to 1.46 grains per gallon, which counts as soft to slightly hard. Some installer pages call Central Oregon water hard; on City of Bend water that’s not what the City’s numbers say. Sediment and scale still build up over years, so the annual flush and tankless descaling still apply. On a private well or another water system, test your water before buying a softener or a tankless unit. More on what’s in it: Bend tap water guide.

      Cold winter water and freezing garages

      Supply water is colder in winter, so a heater has to work harder in January. That matters most for tankless: size it for winter, not summer. Heaters in unheated garages or crawl spaces should have insulated supply lines (Mr. Rooter), and Central Electric Co-op requires insulated lines for a heat pump unit in an unconditioned space. A heat pump water heater in a garage that dips below about 40°F will lean on its slower electric backup. See our frozen pipe guide before the first cold snap.

      3,600 feet of elevation and gas venting

      Bend sits at about 3,623 feet. Gas burners get less oxygen up here, so manufacturers publish high-altitude ratings and some tankless units have an altitude setting. Ask your installer to confirm the model is rated for your elevation and set up for it. Any new gas line or vent, including a switch from electric to gas, needs a City of Bend mechanical permit.

      Second homes and rentals

      In Sunriver, Black Butte Ranch and Caldera Springs, a heater can leak for days before anyone sees it. Ask about a drain pan and leak sensor or a smart shutoff valve (Peak Performance installs them), and keep the heat on in winter. Many resort homes are on a co-op: Midstate in the south county pays up to $1,800 for a heat pump water heater.

      What a water heater costs in Bend

      Only these prices are posted by Bend companies or the City. Everything else is quote-only, so get two written quotes for the same model.

      $180City of Bend water heater permit (more if the job adds piping)City of Bend
      $375–$650Most repairs, depending on part and gas vs. electricMr. Rooter
      From $600Installed water heater, labor and materials, depending on type and complexityBjork & Sons
      From $5,999Navien gas or propane tankless installed, with couponCentral Oregon Heating
      −$1,000 to −$1,200Energy Trust heat pump incentive (retail or contractor), for Pacific Power customersRebates
      −$400Energy Trust gas tankless incentive, for Cascade Natural Gas customersRebates

      What moves the price

      • Like-for-like or a conversion. Same fuel, same spot is the cheapest. Switching to tankless or from electric to gas can add a gas line, venting and a mechanical permit.
      • Electrical work. A heat pump unit usually wants a 240-volt circuit; new wiring may need an electrical permit.
      • Code items. Expansion tank (required in Bend), permit, haul-away. Ask if they’re in the quote. Fast Water Heater says its written quotes include the permit and haul-away; Sunset says it handles permits and removes the old unit.
      • Size and access. Bigger tanks, attics, tight closets and crawl spaces take longer.
      • Timing. After-hours rates vary. Mr. Rooter says it never adds overtime fees for nights, weekends or holidays; ask anyone else.
      • Labor warranty. Ranges from 1 year (Mr. Rooter, ALL-WAYS) to 2 years (Renew).

      Rebates and tax credits (October 2026)

      Which program you get depends on your utility, so look at your power and gas bills first. Read the rules before you buy: the Energy Trust heat pump money only comes as an instant discount at the store or through your contractor’s distributor, never after the fact.

      Energy Trust of Oregon

      Pacific Power customers (electric) and Cascade Natural Gas customers (gas)

      • $1,200Heat pump water heater installed by a licensed contractor. Applied when the contractor buys through a participating distributor; no form for you. Must be NEEA Tier 3 or higher and replace a standard electric water heater in an existing home.
      • $1,000Heat pump water heater bought in store at a participating retailer, as an instant discount at the register. In Bend and Redmond that’s The Home Depot and Lowe’s, plus Habitat ReStore in Bend. Online orders, including in-store pickup, don’t count. One per customer.
      • $400ENERGY STAR gas tankless water heater replacing a gas storage tank, on an existing ½″ or ¾″ gas line that can carry the load. Apply within 60 days of installation.
      energytrust.org

      Central Electric Cooperative

      Central Electric Co-op members (the name on your power bill; common outside Bend’s city core)

      • $1,000Heat pump water heater replacing a basic electric water heater in an existing site-built, manufactured or multifamily home. DIY installs qualify if done to the manufacturer’s specs; CEC verifies the install.
      • $300New-construction single-family home, or switching from a non-electric water heater to a heat pump unit.
      cec.coop

      Midstate Electric Cooperative

      Midstate members (La Pine, Sunriver area and south county)

      • Up to $1,40040-gallon heat pump water heater, any tier.
      • Up to $1,80050-gallon-plus unitary heat pump water heater, Tier 4 ($1,600 for Tier 3). Never more than the cost of the unit; submit within 180 days.
      midstateelectric.coop

      Federal tax credit: ended

      The 25C credit (30% of a heat pump water heater, up to $2,000) was ended by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025. If you installed one in 2025, claim it on your 2025 return with IRS Form 5695. Oregon’s federally funded Home Energy Rebates for income-qualified households aren’t open yet: the Oregon Department of Energy says there’s no date for applications.

      Water heater permits in Bend and Deschutes County

      From the City of Bend’s water heater permitting guide.

      • Plumbing permit required to install or replace a water heater: $180, usually processed in 2–3 days.
      • Expansion tank required when replacing or adding a water heater.
      • Mechanical permit for gas piping and venting on a new gas heater or an electric-to-gas switch.
      • Electrical permit may be needed for electrical changes, like adding or moving an outlet.
      • Final inspection required; schedule it in the City’s Online Permit Center.
      • Homeowners may do it themselves and pull the permit; the City recommends a licensed contractor.

      Permit Center: 541-388-5580, permitcenter@bendoregon.gov, City Hall, 710 NW Wall St. Permit questions Mon–Fri 9–4.

      Outside Bend city limits: Deschutes County Community Development issues permits for unincorporated areas (Tumalo, Deschutes River Woods, Three Rivers); Redmond and other cities run their own. Licensed contractors anywhere in Oregon can instead use the state’s minor label program, which covers water heater replacements in one- and two-family homes and includes an inspection.

      Ask every installer: “Does your price include the permit, the expansion tank and the inspection?”

      Close-up of a gas water heater control valve with a temperature dial set between low and hot and a pilot igniter button
      A gas control valve. Gas piping or venting changes need a separate mechanical permit in Bend. Photo: Infrogmation of New Orleans (CC BY-SA 4.0).

      Questions to ask before you approve a quote

      The heater

      • Repair or replace, and why? What exactly failed?
      • Exact brand and model number?
      • First-hour rating (tank) or flow rate at a winter temperature rise (tankless)?
      • Is it rated and set up for Bend’s elevation?
      • Does it qualify for Energy Trust or my co-op’s rebate, and who handles it?

      The job

      • Are the permit, expansion tank, inspection and haul-away included?
      • Any gas line, venting or electrical work? Is it in the price?
      • What could add cost once you start?
      • Can you do it today, and is there an after-hours charge?
      • What’s your Oregon CCB number?

      After

      • Labor warranty, and tank warranty years?
      • Maintenance schedule: flush, anode, descaling, filter?
      • Heat pump: is this room big and warm enough? How loud is it?
      • Will you register the warranty, or should I?

      Water heater maintenance for Bend homes

      Follow your manual first. This is what Bend plumbers recommend on their own sites.

      Every yearFlush a tank to clear sediment and check components (Severson, Firkus, Mr. Rooter). Test the relief valve and look for leaks (Bjork & Sons).
      TanklessAnnual service: flush mineral buildup, check flow, inspect the heat exchanger (Central Oregon Heating, Stark). Severson says every 6 months on hard water.
      Heat pumpClean the air filter and keep the condensate drain clear, per the manual.
      ThermostatThe U.S. Department of Energy recommends 120°F: safe for most people and cheaper to run.
      Before winterInsulate supply lines in unheated garages and crawl spaces; a frozen line can split right at the heater.
      Keep the paperworkModel, install date and service dates. Maintenance keeps warranties valid (Severson).

      Water heater FAQ for Bend

      How much does it cost to replace a water heater in Bend?

      Few Bend plumbers post replacement prices, so get two written quotes. What is posted: Bjork & Sons says installs can start from $600 for labor and materials, Central Oregon Heating advertises a Navien gas tankless install from $5,999 with a coupon, and Mr. Rooter posts most repairs at $375 to $650. The City of Bend water heater permit is $180. A heat pump water heater replacing an electric tank can knock $1,000 to $1,200 off through Energy Trust of Oregon, or $1,000 through Central Electric Cooperative.

      Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Bend?

      Yes. The City of Bend requires a plumbing permit to install or replace a water heater ($180 as of October 2026), plus an expansion tank and a final inspection. Gas piping or venting needs a mechanical permit and new wiring may need an electrical permit. Homeowners can pull the permit and do the work themselves, though the City recommends a licensed contractor. Outside city limits, Deschutes County Community Development (or Redmond’s building department) issues it, and licensed contractors can use the state’s minor label program.

      Is Bend water hard? Do I need to flush my water heater?

      City of Bend water is soft to slightly hard: 0.99 to 1.46 grains per gallon, according to the City. So scale is less of a problem on city water than many sales pages suggest. Private wells and other water systems can be different, so test if you’re not on city water. Flushing is still worth doing on a tank: Firkus and Severson both recommend an annual flush, and tankless units need periodic descaling per the manufacturer.

      Is a tankless water heater worth it in Bend?

      It depends on your gas line, venting and how much hot water you use at once. Cold winter supply water means a tankless unit has to raise the temperature further, so it must be sized for January, not July. Energy Trust pays $400 for a qualifying gas tankless replacing a gas tank. Most Bend plumbers install them, but at least one Bend water heater specialist (ALL-WAYS Plumbing) says it does not recommend tankless for most Bend applications. Get a sizing calculation in writing.

      Do heat pump water heaters work in Bend’s cold winters?

      They work best where the surrounding air stays roughly 40–90°F year-round and there’s about 1,000 cubic feet of air around the unit (U.S. Department of Energy). A basement, conditioned utility room or a garage that stays above freezing is a better spot than a garage that drops into the teens; units fall back to slower electric-resistance heating in cold air. Central Electric Cooperative requires insulated water lines if the unit is in an unconditioned space.

      Is there still a federal tax credit for water heaters?

      No, not for new installs. The federal 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which covered 30% of a heat pump water heater up to $2,000, was ended by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025. If you installed one in 2025, you can still claim it on your 2025 return with IRS Form 5695.

      When should I repair instead of replace?

      Repair a younger heater with a failed part: a thermostat, heating element, gas control, valve or fitting. Replace when the tank itself leaks, it’s corroded, repairs keep coming, or a repair is a big share of a new unit. Bend plumbers list typical tank life at 8 to 12 years (Firkus, Deschutes Plumbing). If the tank is leaking from the body, replacement is the only fix.

      What should I do if my water heater is leaking?

      Turn off the cold-water supply valve on top of the heater (or the house main). For electric, switch off its breaker if you can reach the panel without standing in water. For gas, turn the control to OFF or PILOT. Then call a plumber; Mr. Rooter, Roto-Rooter, Central Oregon Heating, Severson and Peak Performance all post 24/7 emergency service. If you smell gas, leave the house and call 911 or Cascade Natural Gas at 888-522-1130 from outside.

      Sources and photo credits

      Business details were read on each company’s own website on October 23, 2026; the pages used are listed on each card. Prices, hours and rebates change, so confirm when you call. Know a Bend company we missed? Tell us.

      Photos

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