Plumbing Guide

Water Heater Installation Cost Guide

Everything you need to know about water heater costs, from tank to tankless options. Get accurate pricing and connect with trusted local plumbers.

Average Water Heater Installation Costs

$800 - $1,500
Standard Tank (40-50 gal)
Gas or electric
$2,000 - $4,500
Tankless Water Heater
On-demand hot water
$1,200 - $3,000
Heat Pump/Hybrid
Most energy efficient

Tank vs Tankless Water Heater Costs

Traditional Tank Water Heater

40-gallon tank$400 - $900
50-gallon tank$500 - $1,100
75+ gallon tank$800 - $1,500
Installation labor$300 - $800
Total Installed Cost$800 - $2,000

Tankless Water Heater

Point-of-use unit$200 - $600
Whole-house gas$1,000 - $2,500
Whole-house electric$500 - $1,500
Installation labor$500 - $2,000
Total Installed Cost$2,000 - $4,500

Factors That Affect Installation Cost

Fuel Type

Gas water heaters typically cost more upfront but have lower operating costs. Electric units are cheaper to install but more expensive to run.

Location & Accessibility

Tight spaces, attics, or basements may require additional labor. Relocating a water heater to a different area adds $500-$2,000.

Code Upgrades

New regulations may require expansion tanks, earthquake straps, or updated venting, adding $100-$500 to the project.

Permits & Inspections

Most areas require permits for water heater replacement, costing $50-$300 depending on your location.

Trusted Plumbing Companies for Water Heater Services

Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric

Denver, CO • (303) 328-3060

Expert water heater repair and installation since 1973. Same-day service available.

SWAN Plumbing, Heating & Air

Denver Metro • (303) 993-1406

Family-owned since 1973. Specializes in tankless water heater installations.

Herman's Plumbing

Oklahoma City, OK • (405) 732-0954

The plumbing kings of OKC with 60+ years of experience in water heater services.

DNB Plumbing Home Services

Houston, TX • (281) 955-6003

Expert water heater services for Houston homeowners. No overtime charges on Saturdays.

Water Heater Cost FAQ

How much does it cost to install a new water heater?

Standard tank water heater installation costs $800-$1,500, while tankless systems range from $2,000-$4,500 installed.

Is a tankless water heater worth the extra cost?

Tankless water heaters can save 20-30% on energy bills and last 20+ years vs 10-15 for tanks. However, the higher upfront cost means it may take 10-15 years to break even.

How long does water heater installation take?

Tank water heater replacement typically takes 2-4 hours. Tankless installations can take 6-10 hours, especially if gas line modifications are needed.

Need a New Water Heater?

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