Water Heater Replacement Cost Calculator
Answer three questions and get a realistic installed-cost range. For the full picture — permits, repair-vs-replace, what raises prices — read the water heater replacement cost guide.
Low
$925
Typical
$1,750
High
$2,550
Editorial estimate, not a quote. Model wh-cost-v1.0 — assumptions listed below.
Assumptions behind this model
- Unit prices reflect common residential equipment tiers as of August 2026; premium-warranty and high-recovery units price above the shown ranges.
- Labor assumes a licensed plumber at prevailing regional rates; the high-cost-metro factor is +30% on labor, below-average −15%.
- Tankless (gas) figures include typical venting and gas-line work for conversions from tank units.
- Code upgrades add $100–$600 where required by local jurisdictions (expansion tank, drain pan, seismic strapping, venting corrections).
- Emergency service applies a 10–25% premium reflecting after-hours and same-day rates.
- Permit fees vary by jurisdiction ($50–$250 typical) and are included in the range midpoints.
Model version wh-cost-v1.0 · Reviewed 2026-08-24 · See our methodology.