Does Costco Sell Gas Water Heaters in 2026?

Where Costco Sells Gas Water Heaters: Warehouse Stock Versus Costco.com

If you walk into your local Costco warehouse, you will see groceries, televisions, tires, and seasonal furniture. What you will not see sitting on the concrete floor is a row of gas water heaters. Physical warehouses operate on high inventory turnover and limited shelf space. Water heaters are bulky, heavy, and come in dozens of variations to match local plumbing codes and fuel lines. Storing large metal tanks in a local warehouse does not fit their high-volume store model.

Costco sells gas water heaters almost entirely through Costco.com. The online store connects you directly to major appliance makers and regional freight carriers. When you purchase online, the heater ships straight from a factory distribution center to your home address.

Online freight delivery comes with one key detail to keep in mind. Costco freight deliveries are standard curbside drop-offs. The truck driver lowers the boxed heater onto your driveway or garage apron with a pallet jack. They will not carry a 150-pound steel tank down your basement stairs, unpack the box, or handle plumbing lines. You will need a heavy-duty hand truck and an extra set of hands to move the unit inside safely.

How the Costco Home Installation Service Works

Costco offers an alternative path for members who do not want to lift heavy equipment or manage plumbing tasks themselves. Through Costco Home Installation Services, you can hire a professional team to manage the replacement from start to finish.

Costco does not employ in-house plumbers. Instead, they partner with national home service companies that contract with licensed, insured local plumbing contractors in your area. You begin by booking a free consultation online or through service kiosks near the warehouse exit. A certified technician visits your home, inspects your existing water heater, checks your gas supply line, checks your venting, and provides a flat-rate quote.

If you accept the estimate, the contractor supplies the unit, pulls municipal permits, delivers the heater, installs it, and hauls away your old broken tank. The main financial perk for members is the Costco Shop Card incentive. Costco often sends members a digital Shop Card worth 10% to 15% of the pre-tax project total after completion. Executive members also earn their regular 2% annual reward, and paying with a Costco credit card adds more cash back.

The trade-off involves pricing and contractor availability. Full turnkey packages include premium equipment, licensed labor, permits, and warranty backing, but the total bill often runs higher than hiring an independent local plumber directly. Availability also depends on your zip code. If Costco lacks a contracted plumbing partner in your area, this service will not be available.

Online Gas Water Heater Options: Tankless Versus Storage Tanks

Browsing the plumbing category on Costco.com reveals a clear trend. The catalog leans heavily toward tankless gas water heaters (on-demand heaters without a storage tank) rather than traditional storage tanks.

A tankless gas water heater warms water only when you turn on a hot water tap. Cold water enters the unit, passes over a gas burner and heat exchanger, and gets hot in seconds. Because it does not rely on a limited water reservoir, a tankless system provides continuous hot water during long or back-to-back showers. Tankless units mount directly on a wall, saving floor space in tight basements or utility closets. They also eliminate the risk of a 50-gallon tank rusting through and flooding your finished floors.

Standard storage tanks, by contrast, keep 40, 50, or 75 gallons of water hot around the clock. Once that hot water is used up, you must wait 30 to 45 minutes for the burner to reheat incoming cold water. But standard tanks remain common because they cost less upfront and connect directly into existing chimney flues and 1/2-inch gas lines without pipe modifications.

Costco carries fewer standard tank models online due to freight handling constraints. When they do offer standard tanks, regional inventory limits which models ship to your zip code. Also note that manufactured homes require specialized equipment. If you live in a manufactured home, standard residential gas units will not pass local building codes. In that case, look into a certified heater for mobile home setup that meets HUD venting standards.

Things to Check Before Ordering a Gas Water Heater

Ordering a gas appliance online without confirming your home utility hookups can lead to dangerous hazards and frustrating return shipping. Check these four critical items before placing an order:

• Fuel supply type: Confirm whether your home runs on natural gas (fuel delivered through street pipes) or liquid propane (bottled fuel from an outdoor tank). Natural gas and propane burn at completely different pressures. Running a natural gas heater on propane without an approved conversion kit causes severe soot buildup and dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
• Gas pipe diameter: Older storage tanks usually connect to a 1/2-inch gas line. Tankless heaters demand an intense burst of fuel to heat water on demand, often requiring a wider 3/4-inch gas line. If your gas line is too small, the unit will starve for fuel and shut off mid-shower.
• Venting setup: Venting refers to the exhaust pipe carrying fumes outside. Older heaters use vertical metal pipes that vent naturally through the roof. High-efficiency heaters and tankless units use electric exhaust fans that push fumes out a side wall through PVC pipes. Always verify your current vent path before buying.
• Water flow rate (GPM): Gallons per minute (GPM) measures running hot water volume. A standard shower uses roughly 2.0 GPM, and a kitchen faucet draws about 1.5 GPM. If your household runs two showers and a washing machine at once, look for a unit rated for at least 7.0 GPM.

If your water heater sits in an unheated space, freezing temperatures can damage water lines if the burner goes out. In drafty garages, pairing your setup with an electric heater for garage with thermostat can keep ambient temperatures safely above freezing during sudden winter cold snaps.

Steps to Take Right Now if Your Water Heater Fails

If you wake up to no hot water, a flooded basement floor, or strange hissing near your tank, do not drive to Costco. Follow these numbered steps to keep your home safe and get hot water back quickly.

1. Shut off the cold water supply valve above the heater. Turning the valve handle clockwise cuts incoming water flow, stopping water pressure from forcing more liquid through cracked seams onto your floor.
2. Turn the gas supply valve to the off position. Turning the gas line shutoff handle perpendicular to the pipe stops fuel flow, preventing burner damage or gas leaks while the tank sits empty.
3. Read the rating plate on the front of your existing unit. Taking a quick photo of the data sticker gives you the exact fuel type, gallon capacity, BTU rating, and venting style so you do not order the wrong replacement.
4. Compare Costco delivery dates against your household needs. Costco.com freight delivery generally takes three to seven business days, which is fine if you have an alternate shower but difficult during a family emergency.
5. Visit a local home center or plumbing distributor for same-day pickup. Stores like Lowe's, The Home Depot, and regional plumbing supply houses keep physical gas water heaters on their sales floor for immediate pickup.
6. Hire a licensed plumbing contractor to install the new heater. Connecting gas pipes, setting up carbon monoxide vents, and meeting local plumbing codes carry serious safety risks that require professional tools, permits, and leak checks.

Choosing the Right Gas Water Heater Setup

Selecting the right gas water heater comes down to your daily hot water demand and your home existing utility layout. If your current unit sits in a utility closet with a vertical metal chimney flue, replacing it with a similar storage tank is the fastest and most economical approach. You avoid the cost of drilling exterior wall vent holes, running wider gas pipes, or installing new electrical outlets.

If your household frequently runs out of hot water, an on-demand tankless gas heater provides continuous hot water while opening up extra floor space. When choosing a tankless unit, look for models with built-in freeze protection, digital thermostats accurate to within one degree, and forced-air exhaust blowers to stop fume backdrafts. Verify that the unit carries certified safety marks like CSA or UL listings on the label, and confirm that the flow rate matches your local ground water temperature.

1

Rheem RTG-70DVLN-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Natural Gas Water

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• BWP Score

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  8.9
• Brand
  Rheem

Key specs2

Gas Type and Venting

Runs on piped natural gas and requires an indoor direct-vent exhaust pipe to vent combustion gases safely outside.

Safety Protections

• LeakGuard internal leak detection
• Built-in freeze protection
• Flame failure automatic shut-off

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Delivers up to 7.0 GPM with 160,000 BTU output to supply two or three hot water fixtures at once
• Built-in LeakGuard sensor alerts you to internal leaks to help prevent water damage
• Direct vent indoor design with digital temperature control accurate to within 1 degree
• Wall-mount format frees up floor space compared to a standard 50-gallon tank heater

Cons

• Natural gas fuel requirement means homes running on propane cannot use this model without conversion
• Indoor setup requires running dedicated direct venting through an exterior wall or roof

2

Ranein Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater, 8.5 GPM, 190,000 BTU,

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  7.8
• Brand
  Ranein

Key specs2

Elevation Limit

Not recommended above 2,000 feet

Plumbing Connection

Standard 3/4-inch NPT fittings

Pros & cons42

Pros

• High 8.5 GPM flow rate and 190,000 BTU rating provide enough hot water for four to six faucets or showers
• Bottom-mounted variable blower automatically adjusts speed to prevent smoke backflow and maintain combustion
• Uses standard 3/4-inch NPT fittings for straightforward plumbing connections
• Backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Not recommended for installations at elevations above 2,000 feet
• Requires manual draining via the pressure relief valve during freezing weather if left unpowered

3

EXCEL TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATER Vent Free (LOW WATER PRESSURE

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  8.8
• Brand
  EXCEL

Key specs2

Minimum Water Pressure

2 PSI minimum startup pressure

Ignition Power Source

2 D batteries (included, no AC plug required)

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Starts with as little as 2 PSI of water pressure, making it practical for off-grid or low-pressure setups
• Vent-free design eliminates the need to cut and install an exhaust flue pipe
• Operates on 2 D batteries for automatic ignition without needing a household wall outlet
• Lightweight 8.6-pound frame installs easily in tight spaces

Cons

• Low 1.6 GPM capacity can only support a single low-flow tap or shower at one time
• Propane fuel only, so it cannot connect directly to household natural gas pipes

4

Novieex Propane Gas Tankless Water Heater Up to 4.3 GPM

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  7.2
• Brand
  NOVIEEX

Key specs2

Temperature Control Range

95°F to 149°F with ±1°F accuracy

Electrical Requirement

110V-120V AC standard outlet

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Delivers up to 4.3 GPM with 100,000 BTU output to handle a shower and sink simultaneously
• Broad temperature adjustment from 95 to 149 degrees with precise 1-degree steps
• Wide operating water pressure range between 1.5 and 116 PSI fits varied household water lines
• Touchscreen LED display provides straightforward temperature adjustments and monitoring

Cons

• Requires a dedicated 110V to 120V AC electrical outlet nearby to power the digital display and ignition
• Uses 1/2-inch NPT fittings, which may require adapters if your home runs standard 3/4-inch plumbing lines

5

VEVOR Gas Tankless Water Heater, 4.3Gal Indoor 100000 BTU Instant

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  8.7
• Brand
  VEVOR

Key specs1

Built-In Safety Controls

• Overheat and dry-burning protection
• Flameout sensor and leakage shut-off
• Anti-freeze and wind pressure safety switch

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Produces up to 4.3 gallons per minute with 100,000 BTU heating capacity for consistent domestic hot water
• Smart sensors maintain target water temperature within 1 degree to stop hot and cold spikes
• Clear LED touchscreen shows real-time water temperature and operating status at a glance
• Built-in vent collar provides a direct connection point for standard exhaust ducting

Cons

• Uses 1/2-inch NPT plumbing connectors rather than larger 3/4-inch lines typical of whole-home systems
• Specific fuel gas compatibility should be confirmed on the product carton before connecting

6

Ranein Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, 8.5 GPM, 190,000 BTU,

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  8.2
• Brand
  Ranein

Key specs2

Fixture Capacity

Supports 4 to 6 hot water fixtures

Gas Connection Type

Piped residential natural gas

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Pours up to 8.5 GPM using 190,000 BTU to power hot water across four to six fixtures at the same time
• Connects directly to municipal natural gas lines without keeping propane tanks refilled
• Bottom blower fan adjusts rotation speed based on wind and water temperature to prevent exhaust backflow
• Standard 3/4-inch NPT connections match common household plumbing lines

Cons

• Not rated for reliable operation at high altitudes above 2,000 feet
• Heat exchanger must be manually drained using the pressure relief valve during winter shutdowns

7

Westinghouse Tankless Water Heater Natural Gas Outdoor, CSA Certified

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  8.2
• Brand
  Westinghouse

Key specs2

Outdoor Mounting

Mounts to an exterior wall, which frees up indoor utility space and avoids the expense of running indoor exhaust pipes.

Warranty Coverage

2-year complete unit and 5-year heat exchanger

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Outdoor installation saves indoor living space and removes the need for indoor venting pipes
• Delivers up to 8.1 GPM and 180,000 BTU to supply three to five plumbing fixtures at once
• Self-modulating gas burner keeps water within 1 degree of your chosen temperature setting
• Separate warranties provide 2 years of coverage for the unit and 5 years for the heat exchanger

Cons

• Outdoor-only design requires outdoor wall space, exterior gas line routing, and outdoor electrical access
• Requires an exterior 120V AC power connection to operate the fan and internal controls

Last update on 2026-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

FAQs

Can you buy a gas water heater inside a Costco warehouse today?

No, Costco warehouses do not stock gas water heaters on the sales floor. You cannot visit a local warehouse and roll a water heater out to your vehicle. If you need a replacement unit on the same day, you must shop at a local home improvement center, hardware store, or plumbing supply house.

Does Costco haul away your old water heater?

Costco does not haul away your old unit with standard Costco.com orders. Curbside freight delivery only drops the boxed heater at your driveway or garage door. But if you purchase through Costco Home Installation Services, the licensed local contractor removes, hauls away, and disposes of your old broken water heater as part of the job.

Can you convert a natural gas water heater bought at Costco to propane?

You can convert certain gas water heaters between natural gas and propane, but only if the manufacturer makes an official conversion kit designed for that exact model. Never try to modify burner orifices or gas valves on your own. Doing so creates serious fire hazards and voids your warranty, so always hire a licensed professional for fuel conversions.

Is buying a gas water heater through Costco cheaper than hiring a local plumber?

Buying a unit on Costco.com can save you money on the equipment itself, particularly during promotional sales and with member rewards. But complete installation through Costco Home Services usually costs about the same as, or slightly more than, hiring an independent local plumber. The main benefit is the included Costco Shop Card incentive rather than cheaper installation labor.