How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Water Heater?
Updated November 2026. Prices are national estimates from the sources below and change by location and over time.
The price to replace a water heater depends mostly on the type of unit, its size and fuel, and how much work the installation needs. These national figures help you know what to expect before you call plumbers near you.
Typical total cost (unit + installation)
One guide puts the average installed cost at about $1,400, with most jobs between $900 and $3,000. Another reports that a new traditional tank usually costs $600 – $2,500 installed, and a tankless unit $1,400 – $3,900.
By type (installed)
| Type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Tank | $600 – $2,500 |
| Tankless | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Heat pump (hybrid) | $1,200 – $4,600 |
| Indirect (connected to a boiler) | $1,200 – $4,500 |
| Solar | $1,700 – $5,500 |
By tank size (installed)
| Size | Typical range |
|---|---|
| 30 gallons | $550 – $2,100 |
| 40 gallons | $550 – $2,300 |
| 50 gallons | $700 – $2,500 |
| 75 gallons | $1,100 – $3,400 |
| 80 gallons | $1,200 – $3,600 |
By fuel (installed)
| Fuel | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Electric | $500 – $3,500 |
| Natural gas | $700 – $2,700 |
| Propane | $700 – $2,500 |
Labor and other costs
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Labor for a tank | $150 – $450 |
| Labor for a tankless | $600 – $1,900 |
| Switching from tank to tankless (labor) | $150 – $2,500 |
| Plumber hourly rate | $45 – $200 per hour |
| Removing and hauling the old unit | $75 – $500 (if charged separately) |
| Permit | $25 – $300 for most jobs; more when gas lines or electrical work are needed |
| Power venting (fan + electrical) | $300 – $1,000 |
How long does a water heater last?
A tank water heater usually lasts about 10 – 15 years, and a tankless unit about 20 years. If your tank is near that age, leaks, or makes rusty water, ask for a replacement quote along with the repair quote.
What to ask before you hire
- Is the price for the unit and installation together, in writing?
- Is removing the old water heater included?
- Is a permit needed, and who gets it?
- Will the new unit need new venting, a gas line or electrical work?
- What warranty covers the unit and the labor?