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Updated March 22, 2022

Reviewed by Jeff Botelho, Licensed Journeyman Plumber. Written by HomeAdvisor.

Water Heater Installation Cost

Installing a water heater costs betwixt $829 and $ane,636, or an average of $1,227, including the unit and labor. Tankless heaters cost about $1,000 to $three,000. H2o heater prices range from $300 to $two,000 or more for the unit alone while plumber labor runs $45 to $150 per hour.

Whether you lot're replacing or installing a water heater, we'll go over all the costs y'all'll see. In this guide, we'll cover everything you'll need to know about pricing out your next tank style installation. We'll also briefly discuss hybrids, high efficiencies, solar and tankless.

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National Boilerplate	$1,227
Typical Range	$829 - $1,636
Low End - High End	$350 - $eleven,695

Cost data is based on bodily project costs every bit reported by 29,170 HomeAdvisor members.

New Hot H2o Heater Installation Prices

Type	Boilerplate Unit Price Range	Installation Toll
Standard Tank Storage	$400 – $1,600	$150 – $600
Tankless	$250 – $2,500	$400 – $i,500
Hybrid or High Efficiency	$700 – $3,000	$150 – $600
Solar	$one,000 – $6,000	$ii,000 – $4,000

New hot h2o heater installation costs range from as low every bit $550 to $10,000 or more, including the unit and labor. Nearly standard electric and gas water heater units toll $400 to $1,600. Notwithstanding, they tin range anywhere from $250 to $6,000, depending on the type. Installation costs vary significantly based on type as well.

Tank vs. Tankless

	Tank	Tankless
Price (materials + labor)	$700 – $2,000	$1,000 – $iii,000
Lifespan	8 – 12 years	20+ years
Energy Source	Gas, Propane, Electric, Solar	Gas, Electrical, Propane
Installation Time	ii – 3 hours	viii — 10 hours
Pros	Proven runway record Cheaper Like shooting fish in a barrel to install High efficiency available	Smaller Saves up to 25% on utilities Only five% energy loss Endless supply
Cons	30%+ energy loss Takes upward a lot of space Always on, using free energy	Expensive to install Not great for northern climates Need multiple units for large homes

Average cost with installation:

Tank: $900 (40- to fifty-gallon tank)
Tankless: $two,250

H2o heaters come in 2 main styles: tank and tankless. A tank water heater, as the name implies, keeps hot water ready to apply in a large tank that holds anywhere from 30 to 80 gallons. More than than 90% of water heaters installed in U.S. homes are tank-style.

Tankless water heaters price two to three times more than standard tank heaters. They're harder to install and will run you more than in labor costs. The reward with these small, suitcase-sized units is that they deliver an endless supply of hot water whenever you demand it through a series of super-heated coils. Y'all might hear them referred to as "on-demand" heaters.

Get the Best Toll on Water Heaters and Installation

Water Heater Prices by Gallon

Tank Size (Gallons)	Price Range*
xxx	$270 – $900
xl	$320 – $1,600
50	$400 – $2,200
75	$900 – $3,000
lxxx	$1,000 – $3,000

* Does not include labor costs to install.

Gas vs. Electrical

	Electric	Gas
Energy Source	Electric	Natural gas
Works During Power Outage	No	Sometimes
Lifespan	8 – 12 years	viii – 12 years
Recovery Rate	1 – ii hours	30 – 60 minutes
Energy Efficiency	95%	60 – lxx%
Price Over 12-Year Lifespan	$half-dozen,250	$five,000
Toll of Unit	$200 – $2,880	$250 – $ane,800

On average, natural gas-fired units cost $100 to $200 more than electrical types. The internal heating comes either from an electrical ringlet, much like a stove meridian coil, or via a gas pilot low-cal.

"Indirect heaters use a coil-type heat exchanger inside the tank which is piped to a boiler and heats the water in the tank," said Jeff Botelho, Skillful Review Board Member and licensed journeyman plumber. "These are the most efficient tank-type h2o heaters available only they require a hot water boiler for operation."

Although natural gas units toll more upfront and they're less free energy-efficient, the high price of electricity in almost parts of the country all the same makes gas the cheaper long-term choice. Nonetheless, electrical types, whether tank or tankless, make better choices for small apartments or confined areas since they don't require make-up air or venting.

Propane vs. Oil-Fired Systems

Propane and oil-fired water heaters both fall on the expensive end of the spectrum at $1,000 to $3,000 for the unit alone. Propane and oil-fired types offer an alternative to electricity and natural gas for rural and off-grid homes.

Direct Vent vs. Power Vent Water Heaters

Ability venting a water heater costs about $500 to $1,000 more than a passive or direct vent system.

Power venting: Adds $300–$600 to the unit'south price. Plus, yous'll add an additional $300–$500 for wiring and electrical. This organisation uses a powered fan to button exhaust air out of your dwelling. Natural and propane gases create carbon monoxide as they burn, creating a potentially serious health hazard if not vented properly.
Directly venting: Adds $500–$1,000. This system is a type of powered vent that brings combustion air from outside and exhausts directly to the outside of the edifice, says Botelho. Directly vent heaters use ii pipes—one for combustion and makeup air and the other for frazzle. Water heater flues that exhaust into a chimney are known every bit atmospheric water heaters.

Cost Factors for New H2o Heater

Various factors bear upon the price of replacing or installing a new water heater. Consider each factor and what's all-time for your needs.

Tank vs. Tankless (Covered To a higher place)

Although tankless h2o heaters are smaller than tank-style units (which concord 30 to fourscore gallons of water), they are more than hard to install. You'll pay more for labor equally installation can take up to 10 hours. However, a tankless water heater can save yous upward to 25% on utilities.

Size

How many gallons a water heater tank holds (30 to lxxx gallons) determines the size and the price increases with size. For about homes with up to two people, a twoscore-gallon water heater volition suffice and costs effectually $320 to $i,600. For homes with v people or more, you may want to consider a 75-gallon (costs about $900 to $three,000) or an eighty-gallon tank (costs nigh $1,000 to $3,000).

Blazon

Water heaters run on electrical or gas ability sources, with gas options costing around $100 to $200 more than electrical ones. Gas options are as well less energy-efficient; nevertheless, gas is less expensive in the long run because of the high price of electricity.

Location

The setup and location of the water heater in your home will directly touch the toll of labor. For example, if your h2o heater is in the basement or a corner of the attic that is difficult to achieve—and a pro has to carry the unit upward and down multiple stairs—it could drive up the installation cost.

Venting Organisation

The two ventilation styles for water heaters are direct vent and ability vent. A power venting water heater costs about $500 to $1,000 more than straight venting units and requires additional wiring and electrical for the frazzle fan. Go on in listen that a directly vent requires a vent stack and can add around $500 to $1,000 to the overall price if you're converting from electric to gas.

Materials

Depending on the type of water heater and the location, installation requires materials like venting pipes and connectors, force per unit area release valves, belch pipes, piping for water and gas, piping thread chemical compound, solder, and fittings. A pro may demand to use more than materials for complicated installations.

Boilerplate Cost of a High-Efficiency Water Heater

"There are many high-efficiency options on today's market that are worth a look, especially when you realize that water heaters are the second-highest source of free energy consumption in the domicile."

Dan DiClerico, Smart Home Strategist and Home Expert.

Loftier-efficiency water heaters cost an boilerplate of $1,000 to $iii,000 including the unit and labor. They're anywhere from 100% to 300% more than efficient than conventional h2o heaters. They utilize a combination of factors to create better energy efficiency, which include:

Amend insulation
Smart controls with leak detection and protection alerts for connected devices
Heat pumps (discussed in the next section)
Plastic tanks

Solar Water Heaters

Solar water heater installation costs $one,700 to $five,200 on average but can skyrocket to $13,000 or more than. Some people supplement their system with a solar tank or tube-fashion heater. While these are very expensive, you volition save on energy over time.

Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters

You'll pay in the range of $1,200 to $three,500 for well-nigh hybrid rut pump h2o heaters. This price includes both the materials and labor. They're the most efficient style of tank heater and the about expensive. They utilize a rut pump to pull heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to the water in the tank via a compressor and coils.

Heat pumps are big units, requiring as much every bit 7 anxiety from clearance from floor to ceiling, plus up to ane,000 cubic feet of surrounding air space, so they're non a skilful pick for small houses and apartments.

Indirect Water Heaters

Indirect water heaters cost $800 to $1,500 on average. This extremely efficient selection consists of a tank that pulls heat from a nearby boiler or furnace, rather than relying on an independent heat source. The systems can be fired past gas, oil, propane, electric, solar energy, or any combination of these.

Talk to Local Water Heater Pros to Select the Right One for Your Home

Water Heater Prices by Brand

Rheem	$400 — $two,300
AO Smith	$400 — $three,500
Bradford White	$400 — $iii,000
Kenmore	$350 — $i,000
Whirlpool	$350 — $1,500

The costs in a higher place are estimates for the unit just. They are for the common thirty- to 50-gallon capacity units and do not include installation, transportation, or other additional expenses.

Average Labor Cost to Install a H2o Heater

Installing a water heater averages $1,225, ranging from $350 to $12,000

Labor costs to install a standard water heater typically range from $150 to $800. Nearly plumbers quote a flat rate that includes the materials and labor but if you already bought your own unit of measurement, you may pay hourly rates for your pro. Hiring a plumber costs $45 to $200 per hour and electricians cost $50 to $100 per 60 minutes.

H2o Heater Replacement Cost

Replacing a water heater usually costs $500 to $1,800 for a replacement of the same style and size. Other costs, including permit fees and carpentry work, can add together anywhere from $50 to $i,500 or more.

Converting from ane fuel source to some other often includes one or more than of the following:
- Adding electrical wiring fees : $550—$2,300
- Water line installation costs: $350—$1,900
- Gas line addition price : $275—$825
Permits: $100—$1,500, depending on the type and extent of the work yous'll exercise.
Expansion tanks: $40—$350. These are frequently required in new construction or when updating.
Carpentry work. Yous might demand to frame a new wall, enclose or open a space, or simply add drywall to a utility cupboard.
- Framing a wall costs: $200—$400.
- Drywall installation costs: $1,000—$ii,900.

How Much Does It Price to Convert Gas Water Heater to Electric?

It volition toll you $200 to $500 or more to catechumen from gas to electrical. The total cost comes from running a new electrical circuit. Electric heaters require their ain dedicated circuit and so don't try to put them on an existing line.

How Much Does a Water Heater Let Cost?

Water heater permits cost $fifty to $500 depending on the extent of the construction needs. You can pull a permit yourself or have your installer exercise it and include it in their overhead.

Water Heater Expansion Tank Cost

A water heater expansion tank costs $40 to $200 with labor adding another $l to $150. About come with a picayune extra infinite for fluid expansion as it heats upward. It's usually required past code with new construction or when upgrading your current arrangement. Without that space, the hot fluids build up force per unit area which can lead to pipes bursting.

H2o Heater Removal Costs

Removing your electric current h2o heater costs anywhere from $100 to $500. The bill depends heavily on the hourly rate of your contractor. If the unit is difficult to access or hard to remove, wait to pay more for removal.

Water Heater Installation Price past Location

Urban center or State	Boilerplate Cost Range
Chicago	$750 — $one,250
Houston	$950 — $1,600
Dallas	$950 — $1,675
Austin	$850 — $one,650
San Diego	$935 — $1,600
Los Angeles	$950 — $ane,750
San Francisco	$1,050 — $1,850
Atlanta	$775 — $1,350
Minneapolis	$715 — $1,300
New Jersey	$975 — $one,500
Denver	$985 — $ane,900
Seattle	$1,050 — $1,700
Massachusetts	$940 — $1,700

Cost estimates are based on actual project costs reported past HomeAdvisor members.

What Size H2o Heater Do You Need?

Determine the size of your h2o needs based on how many people live in your home.

Number in House	Tank (gallons)	Tankless* (gallons per minute)
ane	20 — 30	two — 3
2 — 3	xxx — xl	3 — 5
4 — 5	twoscore — 50	4 — six
six+	55+	5+

*May require two or more parallel units or split up units for point of apply, such every bit a dedicated one for each bathroom, shower, or appliance. For a detailed estimation you'll need more information:

Tank-style heaters: find your FHR (Kickoff Hour Rating) or the peak-hour hot water demand and your tank's recovery rate.
Tankless: make up one's mind the flow rate of each appliance, fuel source, and rise in temperature needed.

Tell United states of america Most Your Project and Nosotros'll Discover the Best Pros and Local Quotes

Signs You Demand a New Water Heater

The average lifespan of a tank water heater ranges from 8 to 12 years

Well-nigh ninety% of hot water heater installations are the result suddenly failure, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economic system. Y'all can avert the stress of that situation by watching out for the following warning signs that your water heater is nearing its terminate of life:

Water is rusty or discolored or at that place'due south a strange metallic taste. This ways the anode within has failed and the heater is corroding.
Water isn't heating up enough. Probable an event with the main heating element.
Not getting hot at all. While this could indicate that the pilot light is out or the excursion breaker has been tripped, it can also signal a failure of the heating system.
Loud pops and cracks. These noises betoken that the heating element is failing.
Leaks. This indicates that a major failure is going on internally. Shut off the electricity or gas to the organization and permit it absurd down before replacing information technology.
Over 10 years sometime. Information technology's nearing the end of its life expectancy.

When it comes time to supercede your unit of measurement, it's all-time to call a professional person. This way y'all can be certain that everything has been done safely and to code.

DIY vs. Hiring a Plumber to Supplant a H2o Heater

A h2o heater is a must in your home. Equally technology advances, the efficiency of these systems will increase. It's tempting to salvage a few hundred by installing one yourself, merely you lot'll need to bargain with pipes, gas lines, or electricals.

You lot'll also demand a permit and inspection. If anything fails, the cost of repairs, cleanup, or updating an improper installation might end up costing more than hiring a pro in the kickoff place. If y'all desire to save money on this project, wait for multiple water heater installation companies near you. Compare rates, reviews, and become multiple quotes before yous rent.

"As a licensed plumber with well-nigh 20 years in the field, I've seen and repaired dozens of DIY-installed water heaters," said Botelho. "Information technology has long been my opinion that a knack for mechanical work is no substitute for professional training. Installing a h2o heater—or any plumbing appliance or fixture—is not a hobby projection to exist tackled on a Sunday. Any time a job involves connecting to major utilities (gas, oil, line voltage electricity) it should exist done by a licensed and trained professional."

Other means to save money on this project include looking for rebates and special offers for a h2o heater replacement from your utility company. Remember, don't buy a unit that is too big for your household size. Non only will you pay more for the unit, just you'll too pay more for energy costs over time. Choose a replacement unit that is the same size and blazon every bit your old one to go along the installation unproblematic, and choose the fuel type that works best with the existing gas lines in your habitation.

FAQs

What blazon of water heater is best for small homes or studio apartments?

Small-scale homes and studio apartments can often use a twenty-gallon electrical tank or tankless water heater (if the apartments are in individual units).

What is an expansion tank, and practise I need one?

An expansion tank is a safety system for water that expands when it heats upwards. Most have a fiddling room inside for expansion; however, any organisation tin can neglect. In this case, the expanding h2o flows into the expansion tank rather than your pipes. Many codes at present require installing one with new construction. Without a safe identify for the expanded h2o to go, in a worst-example scenario, your pipes flare-up from the pressure level.

How much does it price to run a water heater?

Water heater costs range from $150 to $700 per twelvemonth. It makes up 14% to 20% of your total household energy utilise.

How much practice water heater services toll?

Water heater repairs cost $225 to $1,000. The bodily pecker depends heavily on what work yous have washed, if you accept a tank or tankless unit, and the fuel source.

How long do water heaters last?

A tank-style water heater lasts 5 to 10 years. Tankless has a xx+ years or more lifespan.

How practise y'all know if your h2o heater is going out?

When your hot water runs out quicker than normal or information technology begins to taste metallic, you know your water heater is going out.

How long does information technology have a 40-gallon water heater to bleed?

Information technology takes nearly 20 to 30 minutes to completely drain a 40-gallon water heater.

How long does information technology accept for a water heater to heat upwardly 50 gallons?

A 50-gallon water heater can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours for electric or 30 to sixty minutes for gas to heat h2o to 120 degrees.

Still Accept Questions About H2o Heaters? Inquire Local Pros