North County water heater specialists since 1980
Oceanside water heater repair, installation & tankless upgrades
Fast repairs, same-day replacements, tankless upgrades and yearly maintenance. Family-owned in North County for 45+ years, with every price in writing before we start.
- Same-day repairs and tank swaps
- Tankless upgrades, permitted
- Yearly flush and descaling
- Rheem, Navien, Rinnai and more
Family-owned & operated
Michael C. Welch, owner
Serving North County since 1980
45+
years in
the trade
Licensed, bonded & insured
CSLB #1015115
Family-owned
Since 1980
Same-day service
Call before noon
Written estimates
Price agreed before work starts
Permit & haul-away
Included in the price
Water heater help, start to finish
Water heaters are all we do. We fix the one you have, replace it when it's done, upgrade you to tankless when that makes sense, and keep it running with a yearly service.
Water Heater Repair
No hot water, a leak or an error code. We find the cause, quote the fix in writing, and usually repair it the same visit.
Book a repair
Water Heater Installation & Replacement
A new tank installed, often the same day you call, with the permit, seismic straps and old-unit haul-away included.
Get a replacement quote
Tankless Water Heater Upgrades
Trade your tank for endless hot water. We size the unit, upgrade the gas line if needed, and handle the venting and permit.
Price a tankless upgradeWater Heater Maintenance
A yearly flush or descale, plus safety checks, so your water heater lasts longer and fails less often.
Schedule maintenanceWhy homeowners call Welch's
A small, local shop that has been doing this a long time, and does it the same way every time.
You deal with the owner
Mike Welch has run this business for 45+ years. You talk to the person responsible for the work, not a call center.
Price in writing first
You get a clear written quote before any work begins. No hourly surprises and no add-ons after the fact.
Straight repair-or-replace advice
If a repair makes sense, we'll say so. If the unit is done, you'll see both prices side by side.
Fast when it matters
Call before noon and a failed tank can usually be replaced the same day in most of North County.
Done to code, every time
Permits, seismic straps, relief valve piping and expansion tanks. The things that keep your home safe and your sale clean.
Installed to manufacturer specs
Venting, gas sizing and clearances done the way the manufacturer requires, so your warranty stays valid.
What customers say
Reviews from North County homeowners, as posted on Yelp.
Becky P.
Oceanside, CA
"I had a 21-year-old water heater that was on its last legs. I called and got a quote, liked the price, and booked the appointment. They showed up on time, put a new water heater in, didn't leave a mess, and stuck to the price they quoted. The next day I had a little issue and they came right out and fixed it. It's been perfect ever since."
Ash C.
Oceanside, CA
"If you're looking for an honest plumber who is responsive, helpful and professional, then call Mike Welch. He showed up on time, explained everything clearly, and the price was exactly what he quoted. Couldn't be happier with the service."
Angela B.
North County San Diego, CA
"Mike, Chaz and Eric are friendly, nice, efficient, and professional! They installed our new tankless water heater quickly and cleanly. The whole team was a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend Welch's for anyone in the area."
Cathleen G.
North County San Diego, CA
"The owner has assisted us many times with a variety of major/minor repairs to our old house. He has always come quickly, assessed issues successfully, and is very fair on price. Personable and honest. Can't say enough. 5 Star Service."
Joan & Peter
San Diego, CA
"I really appreciate Mike Welch who came quickly to fix several plumbing problems. He did a great job at a very reasonable price and was very honest and straightforward. I highly recommend him to anyone who has a plumbing problem. Thank you Mike!"
How a job works
Step 1
Call or send a request
Tell us what is happening. Most questions get answered on the first call.
Step 2
Free in-home estimate
We look at the unit, gas line and venting, then give you a written price. Nothing starts until you approve it.
Step 3
Installation or repair
Often the same day for tank replacements. Tankless installs usually take one day.
Step 4
Permit, inspection, cleanup
We pull the permit, schedule the city inspection and haul away your old unit.
Brands we install and service
We work on these every week, so we stock the common parts and know their quirks. See how the tankless brands compare.
Tankless upgrades
Our usual pick when a household moves from a tank to tankless. High-efficiency condensing units, many with built-in recirculation.
High demand
Dependable tankless units that keep up when several showers run at once. We install, descale and repair them.
Tank & tankless
We repair, maintain and replace Rheem tank and tankless water heaters, and can usually match a like-for-like swap the same day.
Made in the USA
Tank and tankless heaters built in America and sold only through licensed plumbers. Our standard for tank replacements.
We also repair and replace A.O. Smith, State, American Standard, GE, Kenmore and most other brands. If it heats water, call us.
Serving all of North County San Diego
Based in Oceanside and working throughout the region. Pick your city for local details, or see the full coverage map.
- Water heaters in OceansideZIP 92054, 92056, 92057, 92058
- Water heaters in CarlsbadZIP 92008, 92009, 92010, 92011
- Water heaters in VistaZIP 92081, 92083, 92084
- Water heaters in San MarcosZIP 92069, 92078
- Water heaters in EscondidoZIP 92025, 92026, 92027, 92029
- Water heaters in EncinitasZIP 92024, 92007
Also serving: Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, Fallbrook, Bonsall, San Luis Rey, Poway, Carmel Valley, La Jolla. Not listed? Call (760) 753-3042 and ask.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what North County homeowners ask us most.
Get your free estimate
Call us directly for the fastest response, or fill out the form and we'll get back to you within 1 business day.
Call
(760) 753-3042
For fastest service, call us directly
Business Hours
Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Emergency calls taken 7 days a week
Welchplumbing@aol.com
We reply within 1 business day
Our Location
4035 Oceanside Blvd #A5, Oceanside, CA 92056
Get directions