HomesAce logoHomesAce

How Much Does Water Heater Replacement Cost?

Learn about the prices you can plan on paying if you need a water heater replacement. This helpful overview covers labor, equipment and disposal.

How Much Does Water Heater Replacement Cost?
Photo of Sarah Mitchell
Sarah MitchellHVAC Editor · 3 min readSenior home improvement editor who has spent 15+ years helping homeowners plan smart, cost-effective renovations.

It's easy to take water heaters for granted, but water heater replacement may be necessary if this equipment stops heating water for showers, dishwashing and other vital purposes. 

How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Water Heater?

The biggest cost to replace a water heater is usually the heater itself, followed by labor costs. On average, you can expect to pay about $600 for this product. Other materials could add around $45 to the price. The total price varies considerably depending on the type of heater, but you can plan on spending around $375. Plumbers usually offer to remove and dispose of old heaters which could add an additional $20 to the total expense. 

Other Factors and Choices That Influence the Price

The placement of your equipment could raise or lower the labor costs. For example, it's less time-consuming to move a water heater to a location near an entrance. The gallon capacity also makes a big difference. You might spend around $250 extra to add 10 gallons. Additionally, a plumber will charge more if existing water connections need repair.

The warranty length affects the price as well. You'll probably pay more for equipment with a 10-year warranty, but it might help you save money in the long run.

Most homeowners tend to purchase new heaters every decade or so, but due to the involvement of high-voltage electricity or natural gas, installing this unit is somewhat dangerous. It's best to pay a local plumber to perform your water heater replacement task.

What Do Different Kinds of Water Heaters Cost?

When you schedule a water heater replacement service, another important factor is the type of heater you request. A solar unit generally costs at least twice as much as an electric heater while natural gas heaters are also somewhat more expensive. Tankless units save fuel, but they come with considerably higher price tags. Switching to a different energy source usually raises labor and material expenses as new lines, outlets or vents must be installed if you do this.

Minimum, Moderate and High Installation Costs

Homeowners generally don't pay any less than $860 for this service, but the average cost to replace a water heater comes in at around $930. You might spend this much if you receive a long-term warranty and want the old equipment to be removed. If you need a high-capacity tank or prefer to purchase a gas unit, the price will be closer to $1,000. These estimates don't cover the higher costs of tankless or solar equipment.

Be sure to consider your geographic location when estimating the price for water heater replacement. Customers tend to pay more in places with strict building codes, high permit fees or long travel times while the local availability of plumbers also affects prices.

Compare a Free Quote

To get a better idea of the cost to replace a water heater in your area, please fill in your zip code. You'll receive a FREE, zero-obligation installation estimate from a professional in your area.

Thinking about your project?

Get matched with trusted local pros and compare free estimates in 60 seconds.

From HomesAce Insights

Still researching? Helpful reads for homeowners considering HVAC upgrades.

See all articles →
How Much Does Tankless Water Heater Repair Cost?
How Much Does Tankless Water Heater Repair Cost?
HVAC

How Much Does Tankless Water Heater Repair Cost?


By Jackie Esposito
How Much Do Tankless Water Heaters Cost?
How Much Do Tankless Water Heaters Cost?
HVAC

How Much Do Tankless Water Heaters Cost?


By Rachael Carter
How Much Does Baseboard Heater Repair Cost?
How Much Does Baseboard Heater Repair Cost?
HVAC

How Much Does Baseboard Heater Repair Cost?


By Jackie Esposito
How Much Does Duct Replacement Cost?
How Much Does Duct Replacement Cost?
HVAC

How Much Does Duct Replacement Cost?


By James Thompson
HomesAce logoHomesAce.com

Connecting Homeowners with Trusted Contractors

Legal

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell
  • CCPA Privacy

HomesAce.com is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service providers. All contractors/providers are independent and HomesAce.com does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on HomesAce.com.

Copyright © 2026 HomesAce.com All Rights Reserved.