Water Heater Replacement · National
$1,000 – $3,500
Typical range for most projects
What to know first
- 01Tank heaters are the lowest-cost option.
- 02Switching from tank to tankless often needs gas line and venting work.
- 03Code updates such as expansion tanks add small costs.
- 04Haul-away of the old unit is usually included.
Cost by type (installed)
| Type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Gas tank, 40–50 gal | $1,200 – $2,800 |
| Electric tank, 40–50 gal | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Tankless gas | $2,500 – $5,500 |
| Heat pump | $2,500 – $5,000 |
What moves the price
01
Venting and gas supply
Tankless and high-efficiency units may need new venting and a larger gas line.
02
Permits and inspections
Most cities require a permit when work touches structure, plumbing, electrical, gas, or the roof deck. Permit fees are usually a small share of the budget, but inspection dates set the pace of the job, so book them into the schedule from day one.
How the ranges are built
These are planning ranges from the Jacob Pro project desk, based on the scopes we price most often. Use them to budget before a site visit. The written estimate a crew lead gives you after seeing the job is the number to plan around.
Questions homeowners ask
How long do water heaters last?
Tank units last about 8 to 12 years; tankless units often last longer with descaling.
Ready for a real number?
A crew lead walks the job and gives you a written estimate. No cost, no obligation.
About the author
Jacob Pro Field TeamCrew leads and superintendents
Crew leads from the concrete, framing, MEP, finish, and envelope crews write the hands-on advice in this library: what to check before work starts, what slows a job down, and what a finished job should look like.