How Much Does It Cost To Install Water Heating?

$826

(gas w/ 50 gallon tank, 5 person home; plus vent and pipe)
Discover the costs in your city
Get your job done in 3 easy steps
1
Howmuch.net finds the best top-rated contractors in your area
2
Contractors give you free customized estimates
3
Compare estimates & hire the contractor that will best fit your needs

Water Heating Costs

Indoor Cost Guides      Water Heaters      Water Heating Costs

The domestic water heater may be either a tank-type or a tankless type, and use either gas or electricity as heat source.

Typical domestic tank-type water heaters range from 30 to 50 gallons and they require floor space to be installed. Tankless units are rated in gallons per minute (GPM) and range from 2 to 10 GPM. They can be wall mounted and located in reduced spaces.

You will find that gas water heaters are more expensive to buy than electric types even before considering the cost of gas ventilation and gas pipe requirements, but in most regions gas is the less costly heat source. Tankless heaters may cost more, but are considered lower cost to operate with their higher efficiency.

The cost to install average water heating depends upon type, heating flow and tank capacity, preparation and special needs, and the labor rate.

In the following table the Cost figure is based on replacing average water heating for a 3 to 5 person home; and includes old material removal and disposal, transport, new material and installation, equipment, and waste.

The Cost of Water Heating Installation

Type Pros Cons Cost
Electric w/ tank Lower first cost Price of electricity $639
  No vent and pipe Circuit availability  
Gas w/ tank Price of gas Higher first cost $826
  Higher first cost Vent and pipe  
Electric tankless No vent and pipe Price of electricity $1,057
  Less space Circuit availability  
Gas tankless Price of gas Vent and pipe $1,077
  Less space    

Other considerations and costs

  • Typical upgrades and accessories are reviewed in the related Cost Guide.
  • These prices are for service in the immediate area of the provider.
  • Taxes and permit fees are not included.
  • Warranty extensions are available at extra cost.
  • Higher end models include Wi-Fi based monitoring and control devices.
  • Electric heaters are less of a location-planning challenge without venting or hard pipe, but the tankless units may require a special high power electric circuit.
  • Gas heaters require the installation of both an exterior vent and a gas-pipe supply.
  • Some gas heaters can be installed outdoors, saving the cost of a vent to the exterior.
  • The cost to operate the heater follows the cost of gas or electricity in the region.
  • All types require strict compliance with all pertinent local codes and regulations.
  • Often times when a water heater requires replacement it turns out that the installation will need to be upgraded to latest codes and regulations regarding ventilation or earthquake preparation.
  • During contractor inspection the homeowner should be informed of any repair concerns like rot, and any cost to adapt the existing structure.

DIY considerations

  • In the very best of cases this installation may be suitable for the able DIY persons, but home insurance or local codes may require a licensed or certified installer.
  • In all cases there can arise issues best left to professionals to resolve on the spot.
  • A fairly complete plumbing tool set will be required, perhaps including a torch.

References

  • Craftsman Estimator Costbook, complete series year 2015.
  • Latest prices found on Home Depot and other vendor Web sites.
  • Literature review of DIY Web sites.
How much does it cost to install water heating in your city?
Enter your zip code to get estimates

Cost by city

(gas w/ 50 gallon tank, 5 person home; plus vent and pipe)
  • New York, NY$1,327
  • Bronx, NY$1,090
  • Brooklyn, NY$909
  • Philadelphia, PA$1,134
  • Washington, DC$984
  • Atlanta, GA$890
  • Miami, FL$809
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL$848
  • Minneapolis, MN$995
  • Chicago, IL$1,159
  • Houston, TX$1,195
  • San Antonio, TX$802
  • Austin, TX$909
  • Denver, CO$768
  • Phoenix, AZ$810
  • Las Vegas, NV$889
  • Los Angeles, CA$1,002
  • San Diego, CA$909
  • San Jose, CA$1,098
  • Seattle, WA$804

Local costs have been calculated by accounting for labor and material cost differences across different cities. To get accurate cost estimates, indicate yours: