Water Heater Replacement Cost
Replacement water heater cost usually runs $882 to $1,826, with a national average of $1,348, per Angi. Fixr's average is close, at about $1,400. Moving to tankless or a heat pump, or switching fuel, is what pushes a replacement well past that.
So the first budgeting question is simple: are you replacing the same type in the same spot, or changing something?
Replacement cost by type
| Type | Angi, installed | HomeGuide, installed |
|---|---|---|
| Standard tank | $600 to $2,500 | $600 to $3,100 |
| Tankless | $1,400 to $3,900 | $1,400 to $5,600 |
| Hybrid heat pump | $1,200 to $3,500 | $2,000 to $4,600 |
| High-efficiency tank | $1,500 to $3,000 | Not listed |
| Indirect (off a boiler) | $1,200 to $3,500 | Not listed |
By fuel, Angi puts installed electric tanks at $600 to $3,500, natural gas at $700 to $2,700 and propane at $700 to $2,500. Fixr's electric range starts lower, at $500.
Replacement cost by size
| Tank size | Angi, installed | Fixr, installed |
|---|---|---|
| 30 gallons | $700 to $2,100 | $550 to $2,100 |
| 40 gallons | $800 to $2,300 | $550 to $2,300 |
| 50 gallons | $800 to $2,500 | $700 to $2,500 |
| 75 gallons | $1,100 to $4,000 | $1,100 to $3,400 |
| 80 gallons | $1,300 to $7,500 | $1,200 to $3,600 |
HomeGuide treats 40 to 50 gallons as the standard tank size, and staying at the size you have is usually right. If you've been running out of hot water, size up based on your busiest hour, not head count. The sizing guide walks through it.
Labor for the swap
Angi says labor is about half the total bill. Its labor ranges:
| Job | Labor |
|---|---|
| Replace a tank with a tank | $150 to $450 |
| Replace a tankless unit | $600 to $1,900 |
| Convert tank to tankless | $150 to $2,500 |
Plumbers charge $45 to $200 an hour, and electricians $50 to $100 an hour, per Angi. HomeGuide's labor range for a standard tank swap is wider, at $200 to $1,000.
What adds to a replacement
The base price assumes the new heater drops into the old one's spot with the same fuel and connections. These are the extras that show up, with Angi and HomeGuide figures:
- Haul-away. $100 to $500 to remove the old unit. Many plumbers include it.
- Permit. $25 to $300, plus $50 to $300 more for a natural gas connection.
- Expansion tank. $90 to $350. Homes with a pressure-reducing valve or check valve on the main line often need one.
- Code fixes. Bringing an old install up to code adds $75 to $500 or more. Seismic straps, a drain pan and a proper relief valve discharge pipe are the usual items.
- Venting. A power-vent unit costs $300 to $600 more, plus $300 to $500 for its electrical work. Replacing existing vent pipe runs $100 to $600.
- Gas line. $260 to $820, or up to $1,500 when switching from electric to gas.
- Relocating the heater. $150 to $3,400.
A replacement quote that's far below the others usually leaves out the permit or code items. Those come back as change orders.
When to replace instead of repair
HomeGuide suggests replacing a heater that's more than 10 years old, or when the repair would cost more than half the price of a new one. It puts tank lifespan at 8 to 15 years.
Other signs it's time: water around the base from the tank itself, rusty hot water from a tank that's been flushed, or repeated repairs in a short span. A tank that leaks through its shell can't be fixed. See water heater repair cost if you're on the fence, and water heater lifespan for what wears out first.
Plan the replacement before the tank fails. An emergency replacement on a weekend costs more, and a burst tank can add water damage, which Angi prices at $1,300 to $5,550.
Upgrading at replacement time
Replacement is the cheapest time to change type, because you're paying for the labor anyway. Two common upgrades:
- Tankless. More up front, endless hot water, and often a bigger gas line and new venting. See tankless installation cost.
- Heat pump. Costs more to buy, much less to run than an electric tank, and needs space and a suitable circuit. See heat pump installation cost.
If you're replacing gas with gas or electric with electric and the old heater served you well, the same type is usually the right call.
How to compare quotes
Get three written quotes for the same capacity and fuel. Ask each to list the model, permit, haul-away, expansion tank and any code work as separate lines, plus the labor warranty. Big-box installs are worth a quote too. See Home Depot vs Lowe's installation cost.
FAQ
How much does it cost to replace a water heater?
Angi's national average is $1,348, with most homeowners paying $882 to $1,826. HomeAdvisor's range is the same, at $882 to $1,826. Tankless and heat pump replacements cost more.
How much should a new water heater cost?
The heater alone, for a standard 40- to 50-gallon tank, runs $400 to $2,100, per HomeGuide. Installed, it's typically $600 to $3,100. Brand, capacity and efficiency move it within that range.
How long does a water heater replacement take?
A like-for-like tank swap is usually done the same day, often in a few hours. Fuel changes, new venting, a new circuit or moving the heater take longer, and some need a second trade. Ask the plumber how long you'll be without hot water before you book.
Can I replace a water heater myself?
A like-for-like electric swap is doable for someone comfortable with plumbing and household wiring. Gas is different, since a bad connection or flue can kill someone, and many areas require a licensed installer and inspection. See how to replace a water heater.
Sources
- HomeGuideWater Heater Installation Cost (opens in a new tab)
- AngiHow Much Does Water Heater Installation Cost? (opens in a new tab)
- HomeAdvisorHow Much Does a Water Heater Replacement Cost? (opens in a new tab)
- FixrHow Much Does Water Heater Installation Cost? (opens in a new tab)
- HomeGuideWater Heater Repair Cost (opens in a new tab)