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CostHelper > Home and Garden  > Plumbing & Waterproofing > Replacing a Water Heater

Replacing a Water Heater Cost


How Much Does Replacing a Water Heater Cost?

 
average costTraditional Water Heater: $300-$3,500+, Installedhigh costSolar Water Heater: $1,000-$5,000+; Tankless Water Heater: $1,800-$5,000+, Installed

There are two basic types of water heaters: the traditional kind with a storage tank and tankless water heaters, which heat water as needed.

Typical costs:

  • With all needed parts and labor, hiring a plumber to install a traditional gas water heater costs $300-$3,500 or more, depending on capacity (with 40 or 50 gallons the most common sizes); length of warranty (typically 5-12 years); and the amount of repairs required to meet current building codes. CostHelper readers report paying an average cost of $948 for a 40 gallon unit (ranging $360-$2,800); an average cost of $1,211 for a 50 gallon unit; and an average cost of $1,937 for a 75 gallon unit (ranging $1,300-$3,588).
  • A tank-style gas water heater can also be purchased at a home improvement store, plumbing supply house or online retailer for $230-$2,000 or more, with installation done separately. Installation costs vary significantly depending on who does the work; the condition of the water heater hook-ups, and if any adaptations are needed to install a new, larger unit in the space. If extensive work is required, installation can cost as much as or more than the water heater. CostHelper readers report paying $70 -$1,706 for installation, for an average expense of $630.
  • An electric water heater can cost $400-$3,000 or more for complete installation of a conventional storage-tank model and $1,800-$4,500 or more for a tankless model (including a 220V/240V outlet). Electric water heaters typically cost less than gas units but are more expensive to operate.
  • Solar water heaters cost $1,000-$5,000 or more, with installation usually included in the purchase price.
  • A central, whole-house, gas tankless water heater can cost $800-$3,000 or more, without installation. Because tankless systems typically require the addition of a 220V/240V outlet and/or larger-diameter gas pipes than found in an average home, installation can bring the total cost to $1,800-$5,000 or more.
Related articles: Re-Piping a House, Replacing Copper Pipes, Replacing Galvanized Pipes, Tankless Water Heater, Plumber, Flooded Basement

What should be included:
  • Generally, a one- to two-person household needs a 30-40 gallon water heater while a household of five or more needs 50-80 gallons. However, a tank that puts out more than the household uses hourly wastes money and energy heating extra water. Tankless systems avoid that cost and take up less space, but more than one unit might be needed to shower and run a dishwasher at the same time. The U.S. Department of Energy describes the different types of water heaters[1] .
  • Replacing an old water heater with a similar but updated model is relatively straightforward, but new and more-energy efficient units are often larger, and might not fit the existing space or hook-ups.
  • Check with the local planning department; a permit and inspection may be required. Replacement water heaters typically are required to meet current building codes, which may mean upgrading the existing water and gas lines, installing new valves and other parts, and the addition of an expansion tank[2] to minimize pressure build-up.
Additional costs:
  • Less expensive units may cost the most to operate. The U.S. Department of Energy explains how to estimate and compare water heating costs[3] .
Discounts:
  • Do-it-yourself installation is possible, but can be challenging. This Old House explains how to replace a water heater[4] , calling it a moderate-to-difficult project that takes 2-4 hours and requiring basic plumbing skills plus the strength to wrestle out the old unit and carry in the new one. CostHelper readers report paying $385-$750 for do-it-yourself installation of new water heater, at an average cost of $574, while a New Jersey reader reports paying $2,500 a plumber (triple the normal rate) to fix the botched do-it-yourself installation of a 40-gallon water heater.
Shopping for replacing a water heater:
  • EnergySavers.gov lists tips for selecting a new water heater[5] .
  • CIDNetwork.com lists tips for choosing a plumber[6] .
  • Get several estimates. Request and check references, and be sure the company is properly bonded, insured and licensed.
  • A written contract should include a detailed outline of the work required and materials to be used, and dates within which the project will be done.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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Water Heater
Amount: $1,600.00
Posted by: Ted W in Grants Pass, OR.Posted: April 9th, 2021 01:04PM
Capacity: 40 gallonBrand:
Installer: Shamrock plumbing
Same day service. Slight discount for cash
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75 gal Bradford white
Amount: $2,100.00
Posted by: Mike10 in Los Ángeles, CA.Posted: January 29th, 2021 07:01PM
Capacity: 75galBrand: Bradford white
Was curious to see what people are paying and charging for water heaters. I charged 2100$
1252$ for unit with water supply lines and gas flex. I charged 878$ for labor
I had to pick up a day worker to help me move the old and put in the new.
Paid the guy 150$
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apolo 50 gallon gas water heater for a 1st floor condo
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: deborah maggiore in Sterling, VA.Posted: January 12th, 2021 12:01PM
Capacity: 50 gallonBrand: apolo
Installer: do not know
moved in 3.5 years ago. do not have installation information
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40 gal ele hot water tank
Amount: $380.00
Posted by: Leslie Harper in Memphis, TN.Posted: December 11th, 2020 08:12AM
Capacity: 40 galBrand: a o smith
Installer: me
Had to get the son help me get the old out new in. He is 40 I am 67. Just take loose and tie in new . Reused all old parts. Bought from Lowes.
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Water Heater Replacement Tankless Natural Gas
Amount: $5,600.00
Posted by: Wig Wam in nashville, TN.Posted: April 20th, 2020 06:04PM
Capacity: 9.8 gallon per minuteBrand: Nortiz
Priced a Nortiz EZ98 install and could not go thru with it. More than I could pay. What was included was, run a new gas line ( have a 3/4 inch line there currently but it needed its own line not shared with boiler), run and new electric outlet to power the unit. Cap off existing exhaust pipe for the current tanked water heater and run a new exhaust line out thru the wall. It also included a descaler filter. Maintenance was covered for the first 3 years. A maintenance flush needed yearly was $200. Couldn't do it.
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Natural Gas Water Heater and Expansion TANK Replacement
Amount: $1,800.00
Posted by: Wig Wam in Nashville, TN.Posted: April 20th, 2020 06:04PM
Capacity: 50 gallonBrand: State
Previous State 50 gallon starting failing. Replacing with another State 50 gall with 10 year warranty. The last unit only had a 6 year warranty and had zero maintenance on it, ever... and lasted 11.5 years.
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water heater
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Jo Nolasco in San Diego, CA.Posted: June 4th, 2019 03:06PM
Capacity: 40 gallonsBrand: Bradford & White
Installer: Dave Evans
Does anyone have records of purchasing a 40 gallon Bradford & White water heater in the fall ( October) of 2013. I need the cost and we know it was in the $500 for warranty issues.
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Hot Water Heater
Amount: $1,805.00
Posted by: Robert Flowers in Upper Marlboro, MD.Posted: March 25th, 2019 07:03AM
Capacity: 50Brand: Bradford White
Installer: Dicks Air Conditioning and Heating
Notified the company Saturday and they were onsite Monday morning with and evaluation. Within 2 hours they had the new water heater onsite and installing. The price of the unit is a bit higher than your standard Home Depot or Lowes brands but do your research and this brand is a much higher quality. The installation included new valves and piping the team were professional and very friendly. I've been using the company for over 15 years and have always had STELLAR service.
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New water heater install
Amount: $1,500.00
Posted by: Horsygrl911 in Lacey, WA.Posted: February 10th, 2019 06:02PM
Capacity: 50Brand: AC Smith
Installer: Brennan heating and cooling
Brand new water heater, with full install. Brennan had a promotion going on where an expansion tank was included. Got Brennan service through Costco, so got 10% cash back card. Install was quick, done in about 2 hours, hot water a few hours later!
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Bradford White 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater
Amount: $1,100.00
Posted by: Pleased Homeowner in Santa Barbara, CA.Posted: January 5th, 2019 09:01PM
Capacity: 40Brand: Bradford White
Installer: Professional Plumber
$1100 including new water heater ($700), parts, labor, and disposal of old unit. Same-day installation. Did some soldering and exhaust flue work I wouldn't want to attempt from youtube. Feel like I got a great deal!
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Water Heater Replacement
Amount: $2,250.00
Posted by: Simon Connell in Kenosha, WI.Posted: September 13th, 2018 09:09AM
Capacity: 75 galBrand: Rheem
Installer: Crane Plumbing
Same day service - included purchase price of new high-efficiency Rheem 75 gal water heater, disconnection and disposal of old and installation of new unit.
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New Gas Water Heater
Amount: $1,965.00
Posted by: Bmg9f in Elkton, MD.Posted: July 20th, 2018 10:07AM
Installer: Boulden Brothers
Installed same day within 4 hours. Stated I needed some extra work to bring some of the plumbing up to code; saw the plumber using a blow torch on some metal pipes. Went from 65 gal to 50 gal as 65 gal types were not an option. Got a smaller expansion tank. Not sure if this was actually required? 2 years labor/install warranty, 6 years parts. This tank has a slightly higher op cost than my old one. Might have been overcharged? Seems like these companies are charging a lot for installation.
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Gas Water Heater
Amount: $2,500.00
Posted by: Maggi in Edgewood, NM.Posted: July 17th, 2018 08:07AM
After doing some research, I see that this was was too much.
New Natural Gas 50 gallon tank Water Heater, New Flooring, New Ball Turn Knobs, New Lines, New Drain Pan as per code, All bought by me.
I do BELIEVE this was Way Over Priced.
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75 gallon gas water heater with expansion tank
Amount: $3,000.00
Posted by: AVF in Parker, CO.Posted: February 14th, 2018 03:02PM
Installer: Professional
Water heater was leaking. Over 10 years old. Needed it replaced right away. Big home need high efficiency.
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Ripped off
Amount: $2,800.00
Posted by: stupid me in Millburn, NJ.Posted: November 30th, 2017 04:11PM
Capacity: 50 Nat-gasBrand: American Water
Installer: Pro plumber
Replaced water heater today, 50 gal Nat-gas. Added expansion tank, extended warranty from 6-yr to 10-yr. All in cost incldg permit etc. Checking this board and realized that I didn't do my research. I just went blank and took the plumbers words at face value.
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Paid way too much
Amount: $2,800.00
Posted by: Single mom in Summit, NJ.Posted: November 30th, 2017 03:11PM
Installer: Pro plumber
Replaced a 50-gallon gas water heater in basement, tight space. Included an expansion tank. All in cost 2800 including to extend warranty from 6- yr to 10-yr. now I’m beating myself for not doing my research and not asking around. Clearly I got ripped off.
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hot water heater
Amount: $825.00
Posted by: Loretta Franklin in Springhill, FL.Posted: November 14th, 2017 03:11PM
Capacity: 40 galBrand:
Installer: Third Geheration
With home owners insurance
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Replaced oil fired water heater with indirect water heater connected to boiler
Amount: $2,960.00
Posted by: jimCT in Simsbury, CT.Posted: October 2nd, 2017 04:10AM
Capacity: 40Brand: Utica
Installer: Beacon Mechanical
Our 32 gallon oil fired water heater began leaking after 20 years. Quotes for replacing it exceeded 2700. I got quotes to replace with an indirect . The price was similar and this would eliminate one oil burner to maintain. Beacon Mechanical was prompt and did excellent work for the quoted price.
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Replacement 50 gallon gas unit
Amount: $755.00
Posted by: thought about DIY but reconsidered in Bloomington, IL.Posted: July 21st, 2017 12:07AM
Capacity: 50Brand: Richmond
Installer: Redbird plumbing
Paid $387 including an 11% rebate merchandise credit check good on next purchase for 50 gallon Richmond-Reem Essential 6 year gas water heater at Menards (regular price $460, on sale for $430 plus tax)(150lbs). Loaded it into my SUV and we left it boxed in the garage for the plumbers to install. Replaced a 10 year old 75 gallon Richmond gas 6 year warranteed water heater (300lb behemoth) leaking from the top due to corrosion from its exhaust gases (not the fault of the unit - at sometime previously the 4" diameter metal exhaust pipe which vents to the roof had become clogged somehow, and was now functioning well as explained by Brad the plumber. Install price was $285 plus $50 in parts which included 2 dielectric unions and a new shutoff valve for the water supply running into the tank. Took 2 hours to install, I partially drained the tank before they arrived. They are leaving the old tank in the basement to drain for at least another day to avoid carpet rust stains.
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Replace water heater
Amount: $626.00
Posted by: Christy Haupt in Nipomo, CA.Posted: April 27th, 2017 03:04PM
Capacity: 40Brand: Rheem
Installer: DJ's plumbing
To replace 12yr old Bradford 40 gallon with a Rheem 40gallon from Ace cost $449 plus $32 tax and then $177 install by plumber. I really appreciated reading all your stories prior to buying as it gave me a heads up on what to expect and lookout for. The average cost for my area being $115 install from this site, I kinda felt I got a padded bill especially since he didn't use any extra parts to install. But what can you do?
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Water Heater Replacement - Nat Gas
Amount: $1,400.00
Posted by: Tommy R. in Alpine, CA.Posted: February 3rd, 2017 01:02PM
Capacity: 40 GallonBrand: State Water Heaters
Installer: Pride Plumbing
1-yr ago we purchased a 24-yr old home. Existing 40-gallon Rheem water heater installed in 1996 [20 years!] began malfunctioning a couple of weeks ago. Due to interior natural sediment buildup issues per plumber [Hot Water just suddenly stopped flowing out 2 days ago]. After estimate response, pro-plumbers replaced next day with new 40-gal "State Water Heater". They also had to bring it all up to applicable California Code after new Hot H2O Heater codes enacted during prior 20-yrs since last H2O heater install. Disassembly/Removal old H2O heater, Replaced H2O heater, Replace old hot/cold Flex-Lines with new copper Flex-Lines, Add new in-line cold side H2O shut-off Ball-Valve, Add new attachment of "Expansion Tank" with copper piping, Add new "Smitty Pan" and PVC drain to House Exterior, Replace H2O Heater Vent-to-Roof attachment, Add new Nat Gas Line "T"-trap [sediment], Replace old Earthquake Stability Straps. With all that came the sizing, cutting, soldering, new copper pipe, etc.
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Hot Water Heater Estimates
Amount: $2,200.00
Posted by: Lisa Wilson in Stone Mountain, GA.Posted: April 22nd, 2016 06:04AM
Capacity: 40 GalBrand:
Getting estimates is a nightmare. I called in Plumb Pros for an estimate and to replace my existing hot water heater,which completely went out. Thank goodness its in the garage only had to put towels down on the wet cement. They quoted me 2,200 because the old heater wasn't up to code. The heater itself would be 1,400. Is this a rip-off?
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Replace Water Heater
Amount: $2,300.00
Posted by: a user in Denver, CO.Posted: April 2nd, 2016 11:04PM
Capacity: 40 gallonBrand:
Installer: Applewood Plumbing Heating Electrical
Had old leaking water heater replaced with Bradford White, new ducting, new gas pipes, and expansion tank. Permits and warrenty included, and now recent and up to code. Took 3 hours.
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DIY water heater replacement
Amount: $680.00
Posted by: JimTh in Layton, UT.Posted: March 24th, 2016 11:03PM
Installer: Self
12 yr old Bradford White WH died
Bought new Rheem performance plus 50 gal plus all new fittings/ball valve at Home Depot
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Water Heater Feb 2016
Amount: $800.00
Posted by: Jetspitt in Warren, NJ.Posted: March 3rd, 2016 05:03AM
Capacity: 50Brand: Rheem
Installer: Myself
Viewed some Youtube videos before install. Used Shark fittings instead of solder. Purchased 12 year Rheem Platinum 50g water heater from HD which cost 726 and Shark fittings, overflow pan, and new 24" gas conection cost around 75. Water heater was brought down to basement the previous day. It took about 1/2 hour to drain old unit and 2.5 to install, inspect, and clean up area. Not that difficult, used Plumber Dope on gas line to seal and on the water connections used teflon and Plumber Dope on top of it.
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Replacement Water heater
Amount: $750.00
Posted by: ZDawg in Simi Valley, CA.Posted: February 23rd, 2016 05:02PM
Capacity: 50galBrand: Whirlpool
Installer: Self
Bought from Lowes, heater, drip pan & new copper hoses. February 22, 2016 form wouldn't allow 2016.
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valve replacement?
Amount: $520.00
Posted by: David Davis in new york, NY.Posted: January 25th, 2016 09:01PM
Capacity: Brand: Rheem
It is interesting to me that you suggest replacing the valve even if there is the smallest leak. This type of thing might seem unnecessary, but I totally agree that you need to take action before you have a problem. Winter is pretty hard on water heaters, so you need to be very certain that yours is prepared. Thank you for the helpful information and the applicable maintenance instructions!
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Water Heater Maintenance
Amount: $20.00
Posted by: Goldbug in Dawsonville, GA.Posted: January 25th, 2016 05:01AM
Capacity: 50 gals.Brand: State
Installer: myself
You'll double the life of a water heater if you replace the anode rod every 6-8 years! It's a sacrificial rod that will prevent the tank from being destroyed by electrolisis. Most people never heard of a anode rod and suppliers won't tell you because they want to sell water heaters. The rod cost about $20.00 and only takes about 15 minutes to install! And lastly, remember to drain your tank at least once a year! For an electric tank, turn off power, drain, then refill and turn your power back on! Make sure the tank is filled before you turn the power back on or you'll burn out the heating elements.
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install water heater
Amount: $1,579.00
Posted by: Dutchman in Orange, CA.Posted: January 23rd, 2016 08:01PM
Capacity: 40 gallonsBrand: Bradford White
Installer: Affordable water heaters
After looking online on " yelp " I realized that affordable water heaters, is any but. The installation, included all new plumbing, but the water heater was probably about $700. I paid close to $900 for additional parts and installation. Do not use this company. Check yelp comments before using them. The far majority of the comments are one stars out of 5.
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Replacing water heater
Amount: $700.00
Posted by: Brad E. in Jenison, MI.Posted: January 16th, 2016 11:01AM
Capacity: 40 galBrand: Bradford White
Installer: RJ Walters H&C
My less than 5 year old BW failed, leaking out of the bottom. Ron came out on a Saturday morning and installed the new unit in about an hour. Now he's taking the faulty unit to the distributor for inspection, and if it comes back under warranty, he'll reimburse me $400. Highly recommend the company.
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External Resources:
  1.  energy.gov/energysaver/articles/selecting-new-water-heater
  2.  www.nachi.org/water-heater-expansion-tanks.htm
  3.  energy.gov/public-services/homes/water-heating
  4.  www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20053957,00.html
  5.  energy.gov/energysaver/articles/selecting-new-water-heater
  6.  www.cidnetwork.net/finding-plumber.htm
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