Water Heater Replacement in Aurora, CO

Clues the tank is near the end

• A slow drip or puddle coming from the tank shell rather than a fitting
• Brown or orange tint in the hot water only
• Crackling or knocking noises each time the burner or element kicks on
• Hot water that runs out halfway through a shower
• Crusty buildup on the inlet, outlet or relief valve connections
• A serial number that dates the unit past roughly a decade of service

A bad thermostat, element or gas valve on a younger heater can usually be fixed. A tank that has rusted through cannot, and a plumber can confirm which situation you are in before you spend money.

Aurora conditions that shape the job

Aurora Water supplies most of the city from mountain snowmelt held in reservoirs across three river basins, plus South Platte water recaptured through the Prairie Waters System. Its 2026 water quality report puts average hardness at about 136 ppm, with a range of roughly 87 to 198 ppm. Minerals at that level settle in the bottom of a tank over the years, which is one reason older heaters get noisy and lose capacity.

Permits run through the Public Works Building Division. The city's building permit application covers plumbing reviews and inspections and includes a field for the water heater's BTU input, so the installer will need the specs of the new unit when applying.

Xcel Energy is the gas utility here. If you ever smell gas near the heater, get everyone out of the house first, then call 911 or Xcel's gas emergency line at 1-800-895-2999 from outside.

Things that change the price

• Fuel type, tank capacity and efficiency rating of the new unit
• Vent condition and whether the flue needs new sections
• Gas connector, shutoff valve and sediment trap updates
• Expansion tank, drain pan or relief line work required at inspection
• How easy the heater is to reach: garage, basement or a tight closet
• The permit and disposal of the old tank

What to expect on the call

You'll be put through to an independent plumber who works in Aurora. It helps to read the label on the old heater first: gallons, gas or electric, and the manufacture date. Ask whether the quote covers the city permit, the inspection, any code corrections and haul-away, so you can compare offers on equal terms.