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How much does a water heater replacement cost in Des Moines, IA?

US national rangeUpdated Prices checked October 20262 sources

A water heater replacement costs $882 to $1,826 nationally, typical $1,348. We have no documented price index for Des Moines for this job, so this is the US national range from HomeAdvisor, checked October 2026.

US national range, not adjusted for this city

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

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Water heater replacement cost in Des Moines, IA

We have no documented price index for Des Moines for this job, so the table shows the US national range.

Water heater replacement cost in Des Moines, IA
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 in Des Moines

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.

Rules are set locally; confirm with Des Moines’s building department.

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.

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Top-ranked plumbers in Des Moines

The top 3 of 84 plumbers we rank for Des Moines, IA, by CR Score. Paid placement never changes rank.

  1. #1
    Clog Busters Drain Cleaning & Repair
    CR Score 664.9from 2,641 Google reviews
  2. #2
    Service Legends Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
    CR Score 644.9from 5,373 Google reviews
  3. #3
    Bell Brothers Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
    CR Score 634.9from 3,734 Google reviews

See all ranked plumbers in Des Moines

How to check a plumber's license in Iowa

In Iowa, Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing) licenses Plumbing work: water supply, drain, waste and vent piping and fixtures.

  1. Check that the status is active and the name matches the contract or truck.
  2. Ask for proof of insurance before work starts.

No chip usually means we have not matched a state record yet. Check the lookup yourself before you hire.

Guide checked October 2026. How we verify licenses

Water heater replacement cost in Des Moines: questions

How much does a water heater replacement cost in Des Moines, IA?

A water heater replacement costs $882 to $1,826 nationally, typical $1,348. We have no documented price index for Des Moines for this job, so this is the US national range from HomeAdvisor, checked October 2026.

Do I need a permit for a water heater replacement in Des Moines?

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. Rules are set locally, so confirm with Des Moines’s building department.

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.

How many plumbers serve Des Moines?

We rank 84 plumbers for Des Moines, IA by CR Score. Get at least three written quotes for the same scope.

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.

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

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