Hot Water, Guaranteed

Water Heater Installation and Repair in Berkeley

Heat pump water heaters, tankless, traditional, or hot water recirculation. Whether you're replacing a unit that just failed or preparing for the coming gas ban, we help you choose the right setup and install it carefully so it actually delivers what you expect.

Reliable Hot Water

Water Heater Installation, Repair, and Upgrades

From a quick replacement when your old tank fails to a tankless conversion that gives you endless hot water, we handle every part of the job.

  • Tankless and on-demand installation
  • Heat pump (hybrid) water heater installation
  • Traditional tank water heater service
  • Hot water recirculation pump installation

Curious about a heat pump water heater? It pulls warmth from the surrounding air to heat your water, using far less energy than a standard electric tank. That means lower bills and a smaller footprint, a natural fit for Bay Area homes built for the long haul. We'll talk through whether your space and hot water habits make it the right call before anything goes in.

Signs You Need Service

When to Call About Your Water Heater

Water heaters usually warn you before they fail. Here's what to watch for.

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10+ Years Old

Most tank water heaters last 8-12 years. If yours is older, replacement is usually the smart move.

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Running Out of Hot Water

A clear sign of sediment buildup or a failing heating element.

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Leaks Around the Tank

Any moisture around the base usually means the tank itself is failing and needs replacement.

The Afterglow Finish

How We Handle Water Heater Jobs

Careful sizing, careful installation, and a walkthrough so you understand your new system.

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1. Flow check

We look at your current setup, your hot water usage, and your goals before recommending anything.

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2. Recommend

You get clear options with honest trade-offs. Tankless isn't always the right answer.

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3. Install

Done by specialists, including any venting, gas line, or plumbing modifications needed.

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4. Afterglow Finish

We confirm everything works as it should and walk you through operation and maintenance.

Why Choose Afterglow for Water Heaters

We'll Tell You What You Actually Need

After 20 years in the field, we know when tankless makes sense and when it doesn't. Our job is to match you with the right system for your home, not the most expensive one.

  • Honest recommendations based on your actual usage
  • Familiar with every major brand
  • We install it and stand behind the work

What Our Neighbors Are Saying

Mniska was amazing, he helped set up our water filter and was great to work with. He was extra clean and tidy, was thoughtful and provided excellent ideas and information including a video to make sure I knew what to do in the future. He was quick to respond to my inquiries and did a quick job. I will be using him moving forward for all my plumbing needs. I highly recommend him.
Malinda W.
Mniska repaired my radiant heating system after it got inadvertently damaged. The repairs were thorough. His work was excellent and he provided informative explanations of his repairs as well as suggestions for future maintenance. Thanks, Mniska!
Ras O.
All plumbing experiences should be this pleasant and easy. Mniska gave me a clear, accurate estimate for all work, including the installation of an automatic gas shut-off valve on my house gas line, which shuts off in case of earthquake, along with a tutorial on how to use and/or reset it. He also performed a major seasonal flush of my on-demand water heater, as well as several minor deferred maintenance faucet-related fixes. Thanks!
Sharon R.
Mniska is fantastic! He come over right away when our hot water went out and ended up having to install a whole new boiler the next day. It was a long day, but he stayed until evening to be sure we had hot water that night. He also left a carbon monoxide tester just to be sure, since our fire alarm went off randomly. There was absolutely no problem and his customer service and attention to detail were amazing! 100% reccomend!
Cheryl G.
Professional and great to work with. Highly recommended!
Brian L.
Afterglow heating, just go with them. Mniska has those old school values that are harder and harder to find: professional, detailed oriented, consistent and takes a lot of pride in everything he does.
Mike D.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from Bay Area homeowners about water heaters and hot water systems.

Still Have Questions?
Is a tankless water heater worth it?
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It depends on the home. Tankless gives you endless hot water and saves energy in homes with moderate use, but it requires a larger gas line and proper venting. For larger families or simultaneous use, sizing matters a lot. We'll tell you honestly whether it's the right call.

I heard gas water heaters are being banned in the Bay Area — what does that mean for me?
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remove first person: Starting January 1, 2027, only zero-NOx (low-emission) water heaters may be sold or installed in all nine Bay Area counties under BAAQMD Rule 9-6. In plain terms: if your gas water heater fails after that date, a licensed plumber won’t be able to install a new gas unit to replace it. This is a point-of-sale restriction — not a forced retrofit mandate. If you already have a gas water heater running, you’re not required to rip it out. But the moment it needs replacing, your options change significantly. Residents are looking at roughly a $3,500 cost increase for heat pump models compared to traditional tank water heaters. The upside: the federal 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit offers up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump water heaters, and state programs through TECH Clean California have offered rebates of $1,000–$3,100+ depending on income eligibility — though funding moves fast and waitlists are common. If your gas water heater is aging, 2026 is genuinely your last window to replace it on your own terms. I’m happy to walk you through your options — whether that’s going in with a gas unit now or planning ahead for a heat pump system. Regulations in this area are evolving — I’ll always do my best to keep this information current, but confirm the latest with BAAQMD or give me a call.

What's a hot water recirculation pump?
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A small pump that keeps hot water moving through your plumbing so it's available almost instantly at every fixture. It's one of the best comfort upgrades for larger homes and reduces water waste significantly.

Can you install a heat pump water heater?
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Yes, and they're an excellent option for homes looking to reduce energy use. They run on electricity, are eligible for rebates, and work well in Bay Area garages or basements.

Do you offer same-day water heater replacement?
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When we have availability and the right unit in stock, yes. As an owner-operated business we can't always promise it, but we treat failed water heaters as a priority.

Where the Warmth Reaches

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area

From Craftsman bungalows in North Berkeley to Tudor Revivals in Rockridge and the grand Colonials of Piedmont, we know these homes and the systems inside them.”

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Berkeley
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Oakland
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Piedmont
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Emeryville
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Kensington
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El Cerrito
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Orinda
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Berkeley
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Oakland
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Piedmont
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Emeryville
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Kensington
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El Cerrito
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Orinda
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Berkeley
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Oakland
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Piedmont
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Emeryville
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Kensington
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El Cerrito
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Orinda

Need Hot Water? Let's Talk

Whether you're dealing with a failed unit, planning a tankless upgrade, or just want better hot water delivery, one call to us gets you a clear plan and an honest estimate.