Skip to content
ContractorsRanked

How much does a water heater replacement cost?

US national rangeUpdated Prices checked October 20262 sources

A water heater replacement costs $882 to $1,826 in the US, with a typical job around $1,348. Basis: per unit, installed (unit plus labor); typical range of customer-reported jobs. Figures from HomeAdvisor, checked October 2026.

US national range, per unit, installed (unit plus labor); typical range of customer-reported jobs

Low
$882
Typical
$1,348
High
$1,826

Water heater replacement cost: low, typical and high

Each row says exactly what the figures are and where they come from.

Water heater replacement cost: low, typical and high
EstimateLowTypicalHighBasisChecked
US national range$882$1,348$1,826Per unit, installed (unit plus labor); typical range of customer-reported jobs (HomeAdvisor)October 2026

Water heater replacement cost by type or size

US national figures in USD, as published by each source.

Water heater replacement cost by type or size
Type or sizePrice (USD)Source
40-gallon tank, installed$550 to $2,300Fixr
50-gallon tank, installed$700 to $2,500Fixr

What drives the cost of a water heater replacement

  1. Type of heater

    Tank, tankless, heat pump and solar units differ widely in price.

  2. Tank size

    A 50-gallon tank costs more than a 40-gallon tank.

  3. Fuel source

    Switching fuel, or adding gas lines or electrical circuits, raises the cost.

  4. Venting and code upgrades

    Power venting, expansion tanks and code fixes add parts and labor.

  5. Labor and access

    Labor is about half the total; tight closets and attics take longer.

Permits and what's included

Permit note

Most areas require a plumbing permit. A standard permit runs about $25 to $300, and a separate gas permit, if needed, about $50 to $300.

What’s usually included

  • The new water heater
  • Labor to disconnect the old unit and connect the new one
  • Removal of the old unit (often included; confirm on the quote)

Scopes vary. Get the scope in writing on every quote.

Water heater replacement cost: questions

How much does a water heater replacement cost?

A water heater replacement costs $882 to $1,826 in the US, with a typical job around $1,348. Basis: per unit, installed (unit plus labor); typical range of customer-reported jobs. Figures from HomeAdvisor, checked October 2026.

What affects the cost of a water heater replacement?

Type of heater: tank, tankless, heat pump and solar units differ widely in price. Tank size: a 50-gallon tank costs more than a 40-gallon tank. Fuel source: switching fuel, or adding gas lines or electrical circuits, raises the cost. Venting and code upgrades: power venting, expansion tanks and code fixes add parts and labor.

Do I need a permit for a water heater replacement?

Most areas require a plumbing permit. A standard permit runs about $25 to $300, and a separate gas permit, if needed, about $50 to $300.

What is usually included in the price?

The new water heater; Labor to disconnect the old unit and connect the new one; Removal of the old unit (often included; confirm on the quote). Always get the scope in writing on the quote.

How much does a water heater replacement cost by type or size?

40-gallon tank, installed: $550 to $2,300; 50-gallon tank, installed: $700 to $2,500.

Where do these prices come from?

The low, typical and high figures come from HomeAdvisor (“Water heater installation cost”, updated June 17, 2026). We checked them in October 2026. They are national estimates, not quotes.

Sources

Checked October 2026. Figures are estimates, not quotes.

  1. HomeAdvisor: Water heater installation cost · page updated June 17, 2026 · checked October 2026Primary source. Used for: Low, typical and high; drivers; permit.
  2. Fixr: Water heater installation cost · page updated January 27, 2026 · checked October 2026Used for: Prices by tank size; cross-check: $900 to $3,000, average $1,400 for a gas tank.
These are published estimates, checked October 2026. They are not quotes. Typical range shown: $882 to $1,826. Editorial policy

Related pages

Water heater replacement cost by city