Is gas cheaper to operate than electric in Tacoma?

It depends on your electric utility. PSE electric customers (~$0.13–$0.15/kWh after 2026 increases) will find gas significantly cheaper at $25–$45/month vs. $45–$65/month for electric. Tacoma Power customers (~$0.045/kWh) see much smaller savings with gas. A heat pump electric unit beats gas on operating cost for both utilities.

Is natural gas available at my address?

PSE provides gas throughout Pierce County but not every street has a gas main. Rural Graham, parts of Spanaway, and newer Bonney Lake construction are most likely to lack service. Your plumber can confirm availability at your address before quoting.

How much does PSE natural gas cost in 2026?

After a ~7% PSE rate increase in January 2026, the average residential gas customer pays roughly $90/month for all gas use (64 therms). Water heating is ~30–40% of that — approximately $25–$45/month depending on household size.

What venting does a gas water heater require?

Standard atmospheric-vent models use a metal B-vent flue to the roof. Power-vent models use PVC through a wall — more flexible placement. Direct-vent pulls combustion air from outside. Your plumber will recommend the right type for your space and budget.

Gas tank vs. gas tankless — which should I get?

A gas tank costs $2,500 installed and lasts 8–12 years. Gas tankless costs $5,000–$7,000 installed, lasts 20+ years, and cuts water heating energy costs by 24–34%. Tankless also qualifies for a federal tax credit of up to $600/year through 2032 if the unit has a UEF of 0.82+.

How long does a gas water heater last?

Gas tank water heaters last 8–12 years with proper maintenance. Annual flushing and anode rod inspection can push lifespan to 15 years. Gas tankless units last 20+ years with annual descaling.

Are gas water heaters safe?

Yes, when properly installed. All gas installations require a shutoff valve within reach, a sediment trap on the gas line, proper venting, and CO detectors on every level of the home. A licensed plumber ensures all Washington State Plumbing Code requirements are met.

What should I do if I smell gas near my water heater?

Leave the house immediately. Do not flip any light switches or create sparks. Call 911 from outside, then call PSE at 1-888-225-5773. A licensed plumber can inspect the unit after the gas company clears it.

Does the plumber dispose of the old water heater?

Yes. Your plumber will drain, disconnect, and haul away the old unit. A small disposal fee may be included in the final cost.

Gas Water Heater Service — Tacoma, WA

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Gas vs. Electric Operating Costs in Pierce County (2026)

Your best option depends entirely on which utility serves your address.

	Gas Tank (PSE Gas)	Electric Tank (Tacoma Power)	Electric Tank (PSE Electric)	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%. Tacoma Power ~$0.045/kWh (April 2025). PSE electric ~$0.14/kWh after Jan 2026 increase.

Gas Water Heater Installation Requirements

What Tacoma and Pierce County plumbing code requires on every gas install.

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Venting

B-vent flue to roof (atmospheric), PVC through wall (power-vent), or dual PVC pipes (direct-vent). Type depends on unit and space.

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Gas Shutoff & Drip Leg

Dedicated shutoff valve within 6 feet of unit plus a sediment trap (drip leg) on the gas supply line.

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Earthquake Straps

Two straps required — upper and lower third of tank. Washington State code for all water heater installations.

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Expansion Tank

Required on all closed plumbing systems to absorb thermal expansion and protect pipes from pressure damage.

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Plumbing Permit

City of Tacoma and all Pierce County jurisdictions require a permit ($85–$150). Your plumber handles the application and inspection.

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CO Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors required on every level of the home per Washington State law. Your plumber will verify compliance.

Gas Water Heater Types & Sizes

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 Pierce 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.

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Gas Water Heater Service — Tacoma, WA

Natural gas water heaters are the most popular choice among Tacoma homeowners, and for good reason. Gas heats water faster than electric elements, recovers more quickly after heavy usage, and — in most cases — costs less to operate in areas served by Puget Sound Energy’s natural gas network.

Gas Water Heater Installation Requirements in Tacoma

Gas water heater installations in Tacoma must meet specific venting and safety requirements under the Washington State Plumbing Code. Standard atmospheric-vent gas water heaters require a metal B-vent flue pipe routed to the exterior of the home. Power-vent and direct-vent models use PVC or CPVC venting that can be routed horizontally through a wall, providing more flexibility in placement. All gas installations require a gas shutoff valve within reach of the unit, a drip leg (sediment trap) on the gas supply line, adequate combustion air supply, and carbon monoxide detection in the home.

Gas Water Heater Repair

Common gas water heater repairs include thermocouple replacement (when the pilot light won’t stay lit), gas valve replacement, burner assembly cleaning, and anode rod replacement. If you smell gas near your water heater at any time, leave the house immediately, call 911, and then contact a licensed plumber. Do not operate any electrical switches or create sparks.

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Gas Water Heater Service — Tacoma, WA

Gas vs. Electric Operating Costs in Pierce County (2026)

Gas Water Heater Installation Requirements

Venting

Gas Shutoff & Drip Leg

Earthquake Straps

Expansion Tank

Plumbing Permit

CO Detectors

Gas Water Heater Types & Sizes

Gas Water Heater Installation & Repair in Tacoma, WA

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Gas Water Heater Service — Tacoma, WA

Gas Water Heater Installation Requirements in Tacoma

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Gas Water Heater Service — Tacoma, WA

Gas vs. Electric Operating Costs in Pierce County (2026)

Gas Water Heater Installation Requirements

Venting

Gas Shutoff & Drip Leg

Earthquake Straps

Expansion Tank

Plumbing Permit

CO Detectors

Gas Water Heater Types & Sizes

Gas Water Heater Installation & Repair in Tacoma, WA

Get Your Free Water Heater Estimate

What do you need help with?

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Gas Water Heater Service — Tacoma, WA

Gas Water Heater Installation Requirements in Tacoma

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