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Nassau County · Water heaters

Water heater replacement in Nassau County

In Nassau, the rules for a new water heater depend on whether you live in one of the county's 64 villages, one of its three towns, or one of its two cities. Here's how to find your rules, and what a replacement involves.

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01Water heater replacement in Nassau County: at a glance

Who sets the rules
Your village, town or city. Nassau has 64 incorporated villages inside three towns (Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay), plus the cities of Glen Cove and Long Beach
Plumber licensing
Local, not countywide: villages and towns license or register plumbers, and some accept each other's licenses through reciprocity
Permit
From your village or town building department, in most cases
Gas utility
National Grid
Typical homes
Post-war capes, ranches and split-levels (Levittown, Hicksville, Massapequa); older village homes (Garden City, Rockville Centre); South Shore homes near the water

New to this topic? The general guide covers the basics: water heater replacement.

02What's different in Nassau County

  • Find out whether you're in a village. Your tax bill shows village taxes if you are. If so, the village building department handles your permit; if not, the town does.
  • Ask which licenses are accepted. A plumber licensed in one village may not be registered in yours. Reciprocity arrangements cover some towns and villages, not all.
  • Post-war houses. Many original Levittown-era homes have heaters in tight utility closets or slab-on-grade spaces with no basement. Size and venting have to fit the space.
  • South Shore. In flood-prone areas (Long Beach, Oceanside, Freeport, Baldwin) heaters were often raised or relocated after Sandy; replacements should keep equipment above flood levels where possible.

03Typical situations

Nassau replacement scenariosNeighborhoods and building types are examples. Every property is different.
HomeTypical situationWhat to plan for
Post-war cape or ranch (Levittown, Hicksville, East Meadow)Heater in a closet or utility room, often no basementFit and venting in a tight space; drain pan and discharge routing
Village home (Garden City, Rockville Centre, Great Neck)Basement heater, chimney ventingVillage permit; venting check for high-efficiency units
South Shore (Long Beach, Oceanside, Freeport)Equipment raised after past floodsKeep it elevated; check corrosion from salt air
Larger North Shore house (Port Washington, Glen Cove)High demand, interest in tankless or two heatersGas line sizing, venting, recirculation

04How the job usually goes in Nassau County

  1. Confirm whether the property is in a village, a town or a city, and which plumber licenses that office accepts
  2. Choose size, fuel and type to fit the space and venting
  3. The plumber files for the local permit
  4. Install with shutoffs, relief valve discharge pipe, and expansion tank where required; test gas and venting
  5. Local inspection where the building department requires it

05Permits, licenses & who to contact

  • Licensing and permits: your village, town or city building department. Nassau permits explained
  • A NYC plumbing license alone does not cover work in Nassau
  • Gas: National Grid. Gas emergencies go to 911 or National Grid from outside

06What affects the price in Nassau County

  • Tank or tankless, gas or electric, and capacity
  • Fit: closet installs and slab houses can be harder than basements
  • Venting changes for high-efficiency units
  • Raising equipment in flood-prone areas
  • Local permit fee and old unit removal

Prices are set by the plumber. Ask for the price, or how it will be calculated, before work starts.

07Before you call

Having this ready makes the first call faster:

  • Your village or town (check your tax bill)
  • Photo of the old heater's label
  • Where the heater sits: basement, closet, garage
  • Whether it's leaking now
  • Whether the house is in a flood zone

08Nassau County: frequently asked questions

How do I know if I live in a village?

Your property tax bill lists village taxes if you're in an incorporated village. Otherwise your town (Hempstead, North Hempstead or Oyster Bay) or city handles permits.

Does every Nassau plumber have a license?

Licensing is local. Ask which village or town licensed the plumber and confirm your building department accepts it.

Should I move my water heater up after a flood?

In flood-prone areas, keeping equipment above expected flood levels reduces damage. A plumber can advise on what's practical in your house.

Sources & review

Last reviewed . General information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change and individual buildings differ.

  1. Nassau County, Cities, Towns & Villages
  2. Village of Lynbrook, plumber registration & reciprocity (2025)