Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Same-day service in most cases.

HOTCO, The Hot Water Heater Company logo

Franchise opportunity

Own a HOTCO water heater franchise

Build your own business on a focused, recession-resistant service with the systems, training and reputation behind one of the Sacramento region's top-rated water heater companies.

  • No plumbing experience required
  • Proven systems & training
  • Territories now available
5.0 from 902+ five-star reviews across all platforms(opens Google Business Profile in a new tab)
Five-star reviews across all platforms
902+
Average star rating
5.0
Emergency demand, every day of the year
24/7
Specialty: water heaters, done right
1

Why HOTCO

A simpler, sharper home service business

Most plumbing franchises try to do everything. HOTCO does one thing exceptionally well, and that focus is the advantage.

  • Recession-resistant demand

    Every home and business needs hot water. When a tank fails, replacement is not optional.

  • One focused specialty

    Water heaters only means simpler inventory, faster jobs, tighter training and higher first-visit completion.

  • Lean startup model

    Launch with a service van, not a showroom. Low overhead keeps your path to profitability short.

  • No plumbing experience to own

    Run the business while licensed technicians do the work. We help you recruit and train them.

Newly installed gas water heater in a Roseville garage

Our story

Built by owners, for owners

HOTCO was founded by Jen and Doug with a simple idea: homeowners deserve a water heater specialist who shows up fast, quotes honestly and does the job right the first time.

That promise earned 902+ five-star reviews across Google, Yelp, Angi, HomeAdvisor and Facebook. Now we're sharing the playbook with entrepreneurs who want to bring the same standard to their own communities.

  • Family-founded and owner-operated
  • Licensed, bonded and insured
  • Residential and commercial accounts
  • Tank, tankless and heat pump expertise
Call for a free quote

Your business, our support

Everything you need to launch and grow

  • Hands-on training

    Field, office and sales training built from real HOTCO jobs in Placer and Sacramento Counties.

  • Marketing that works

    Proven local SEO, Google Business Profile playbooks, review generation and brand assets.

  • Operating blueprints

    Pricing, dispatch, scheduling and KPI dashboards so you know your numbers from day one.

  • Buying power & vendors

    Access to our supplier relationships for tank, tankless and heat pump equipment.

The path to ownership

Five steps from conversation to launch

  1. Step 1

    Inquire

    Send the form or call. We schedule a no-pressure intro conversation.

  2. Step 2

    Discovery call

    Talk with Jen and Doug about the model, your goals and your market.

  3. Step 3

    Review the FDD

    Receive our Franchise Disclosure Document and speak with the team.

  4. Step 4

    Discovery day

    Ride along on real jobs and see the operation up close.

  5. Step 5

    Launch

    Sign, train, get your van wrapped and start taking calls.

It starts with a conversation

Ready to own a HOTCO franchise?

Fill out the form and we'll reach out within one business day, or call (916) 905-4468 to talk now.

Franchise questions

Do I need to be a plumber to own a HOTCO franchise?

No. Many owners run the business side while licensed technicians handle installations. We help you hire, train and manage your team.

Why a water heater franchise instead of general plumbing?

Focus. Water heaters are a high-demand, urgent, repeatable service. Specializing means simpler training, less inventory and a clear brand customers remember.

What does it cost to open a HOTCO franchise?

Investment details, fees and territory information are provided in our Franchise Disclosure Document, which we share after your discovery call.

What territories are available?

We are reviewing markets now. Tell us the city or region you want on the inquiry form and we will let you know availability.

What support do I get after opening?

Ongoing coaching, marketing and SEO support, technician training, vendor pricing and access to the same systems HOTCO runs on every day.

This information is not an offer to sell a franchise. A franchise offering can be made only through a Franchise Disclosure Document, and only in states where HOTCO is registered or exempt from registration.

Let's talk about your future with HOTCO

Call to speak directly with the founders about franchise ownership.

Call now, 24/7