Water Heater Price Guides

Compare Water Heater Prices, Service and Repair Costs, and Water Heater Installation Cost for Leading Brands of Electric and Gas Water Heaters.




Tank-Style Water Heater Prices

tank-conventional-water-heaterConventional, tank water heaters are the most common type of hot water heaters found in homes. They use electricity or natural gas, and store the hot water inside a tank that ranges in size, based on the needs of your home. In residential applications, 40-60 gallon tanks are the common size installed. Due to their large size, most homes have just one storage tank water heater installed, usually in a utility closet, basement, garage or other utility room inside or outside the home.

How Much Does a Conventional Water Heater Cost?: Gas | Electric | Size | Repair & Service | Installation Extras

Gas Water Heater Cost Comparison

The table below helps you learn how much a gas hot water heater costs. We have listed the retail price range you would pay, if you drove to the store and purchased it yourself, or bought the water heater online and had it shipped to your home. The installed cost to replace a water heater listed below, is based on the average time it would take a licensed plumber to handle the gas water heater installation from quote to completion.

For the purpose of these cost estimates, we are basing the comparison on average installation difficulty, permit and inspection costs where required, replacement of an existing hot water heater in the same location, with the same size storage tank, and disposing of the old water heater. All parts and supplied needed to complete the project provided by the contractor doing the work. For free estimates from plumbers in your area, click here and submit your project details.

Gas Water Heater Brand, Model and Size
Rating Retail Price
Installed Replacement Cost
Whirlpool ND50T122-403 – 50 Gallon
4.5 $600 – $680
$1,200 – $1,380
U.S. Craftmaster BFG2F4040T3PV – 40 Gallon
4.8 $450 – $535
$950 – $1,035
Whirlpool N40T91-403 – 40 Gallon
4.5 $410 – $500
$910 – $1,000
Powerflex PVG6250T42NV – 50 Gallon
5.0 $899 – $950
$1,399 – $1,450
Envirotemp UG1A4040T3NV – 40 Gallon
4.8 $420 – $490
$920 – $990
Direct Vent DVG62-40S38-PV – 40 Gallon
5.0 $750 – $810
$1,250 – $1,310
Rheem XG50T06EC38U0 – 50 Gallon
4.5 $380 – $440
$880 – $940
Envirotemp BFG1A4034T3NOV – 40 Gallon
4.1 $260 – $310
$760 – $810
Rheem XG40T12DU36U0 – 40 Gallon
4.6 $750 – $840
$1,250 – $1,340
Whirlpool NU50T91-403 – 50 Gallon
4.3 $525 – $600
$1,025 – $1,100

Electric Water Heater Cost Comparison

In this section, you’ll learn how much an electric water heater cost. Retail pricing represents the estimated price to buy the water heater yourself, and the replacement column is an estimate of what a plumber may charge to provide everything needed (Supplies, permit, inspection, disposal, etc) to install a replacement electric water heater for you.

Electric Water Heater Brand, Model, Size
Rating Retail Price
Installed Replacement Cost
Whirlpool ES50R123-45D – 50 Gallon
4.6 $430 – $490
$830 – $900
Marathon MSR50245 – 50 Gallon
4.2 $850 – $925
$1,350 -$1,425
Rheem PROE50 – 50 Gallon
5.0 $420 – $500
$920 – $1,000
U.S. Craftmaster E2F40RD045 – 40 Gallon
4.3 $225 – $290
$725 – $790
Rheem XE40M12EC55U0 – 40 Gallon
5.0 $420 – $490
$920 – $990
GE GeoSpring Hybrid GEH50DEEDSR – 50 Gallon
4.8 $940 – $1,100
$1,440 – $1,600
Kenmore 32656 – 55 Gallon
4.7 $310 – $380
$810 – $880
Bradford White M-2-50T6DS – 50 Gallon
5.0 $510 – $595
$1,010 – $1,095
Whirlpool E2F80HD045V – 80 Gallon
4.6 $430 – $510
$930 – $1,010
Bradford White Low Boy M-1-40L6DS – 40 Gallon
4.8 $500 – $560
$1,000 – $1,060

Average Replacement Cost by Tank Size

The section below shows the how much water heaters cost by their size. The average size 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home, will generally use a 40-60 gallon tank, and may even be supported by point of use water heaters at different locations in the home. You can view the product detail plate on the side of your existing hot water heater to learn what size is currently installed in your home, or talk to a plumber and have them make the correct sizing recommendation based on your hot water usage for your home and family needs. Click here to get free quotes from professionals in your area, or to get an idea of hot water heater replacement cost you may have to pay a local professional.

Water Heater Tank Sizes
Gas
Electric
Installed Cost
4 Gallon Water Heaters
$150 – $200
$350 – $375
6 Gallon Water Heaters
$175 – $225
$375 – $400
10 Gallon Water Heaters
$245 – $295
$445 – $495
20 Gallon Water Heaters
$220 – $270 $500 – $550
30 Gallon Water Heaters
$310 – $360 $230 – $280
$505 – $560
40 Gallon Water Heaters
$370 – $420 $340 – $390
$770 – $800
50 Gallon Water Heaters
$450 – $500 $490 – $540
$850 – $940
60 Gallon Water Heaters
$730 – $780 $700 – $750
$1,130 – $1,160
75 Gallon Water Heaters
$990 – $1,040 $850 – $900
$1,490 – $1,520
80 Gallon Water Heaters
$1,350 – $1,400 $1,050 – $1,500
$1,850 – $2,500
100 Gallon Water Heaters
$1,450 – $1,500 $1,990 – $2,240
$2,100 – $3,500

Conventional Water Heater Repair Costs

Tank water heaters need annual maintenance and service, and while they are very reliable, they do occasionally break down and need repair. In the table below, we’ll share the most common parts that are replaced on conventional water heaters, as well as the average cost for the parts, and installation cost.

Part or Repair Service
Part Cost
Labor Hours
Total Repair Cost
Annual Maintenance (Drain, Flush, Inspect and Test Operation)
1-2 Hours
$180 – $225
Circuit Breaker
$10 – $12 .5 Hours
$85 – $90
Electric Heating Element
$20 – $40 1 Hour
$100 – $150
Replacement Thermocouple / Flame Sensor
$10 – $45 1-2 Hours
$195 – $225
Gas Valve Replacement
$25 – $50 1 Hour
$100 – $200
Gas Burner
$65 – $100 1-2 Hours
$150 – $250
Replace Pilot Light Assembly
$15 – $75 1 Hour
$160 – $200

Related Expenses and Added Cost Factors

Like any mechanical home appliance, hot water heaters can have varying levels of difficulty in their installation or replacement. The easiest projects are those in a garage, indoor or outside utility closet, at ground level with very few obstacles in the way of the water heater itself. Other locations such as attics, basements, crawl spaces under homes, and cluttered utility rooms can add to the time it takes to complete the project, thus the installation cost will rise accordingly.

Item, Service or Extra Cost
Added Cost
Attic Installation
$75 – $150
Overflow Pan with Drain
$75 – $150
Efficiency Insulation Blanket
$50 – $150
Pipe Insulation for Outside / Garage Installation
$50 – $100
New Gas Line
$150 – $300
New Electric Line
$150 – $300
Exhaust Flue Replacement
$150 – $300
Chimney Liner
$450 – $1000
Local Permits and Inspection
$75 – $150



Tankless Water Heater Costs

chrome-tankless-water-heaterOn demand, tankless hot water heaters have quickly become the preferred choice by homeowners. Not only do they offer higher efficiency than conventional tank-style water heaters, they take up much less space inside the home and when properly sized, you’ll never run out of hot water in the middle of a shower again! Tankless systems use electricity or natural gas (or propane) to heat the water before it is delivered to your shower, sink, faucet, etc.

How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost?: Tankless Gas | Electric Tankless | Size | Repair Costs | Installation Costs

Tankless Gas Water Heater Cost Comparisons

For homeowners that want high efficiency, this section helps you learn how much a gas tankless water heaters costs. In the table below, we list the highest rated units available to consumers. For the purpose of this price comparison, we included the retail cost of the unit as found in local home improvement stores and online. In addition, we include the tankless water heater installation costs, which includes the whole house water heater itself, all materials and supplies need for the installation, inspections and permits as required, as well as disposal of the old unit and all labor required from a plumbing contractor to complete the project.

Tankless Water Heater Brand, Model and Size
Rating Retail Price
Installed Replacement Cost
Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG – 6.6 GPM
4.7 $530 – $650
$1,380 – $1,700
Rheem EcoSense ECO150XLN3 – 6.4 GPM
5.0 $650 – $725
$1,200 – $1,475
Jacuzzi J-SN180W – 7.4 GPM
4.9 $675 – $790
$1,425 – $1,840
EcoSmart ECO27 – 5.3 GPM
4.6 $450 – $525
$1,300 – $1,675
Rheem ECO180DVLP3 – 8.4 GPM
4.9 $970 – $1,100
$1,820 – $2,450
Rinnai RL75iN – 7.5 GPM
4.4 $850 – $975
$1,700 – $1,925
Rheem RTGH-95DVLN – 9.5 GPM
4.5 $1,145 – $1,210
$2,560 – $3,100
Takagi T-H3-DV-N – 10 GPM
5.0 $1,160 – $1,250
$2,510 – $3,000
Rinnai RU98EN – 9.8 GPM 4.5 $1,325 – $1,390
$2,675 – $3,740
Rheem RTG-95XLN – 9.5 GPM
4.9 $999 – $1,250
$1,950 – $3,600

Electric Tankless Water Heaters Cost Comparisons

In the next table below, you’ll learn how much electric tankless water heaters cost. Just like the comparison above, we include a column for owner ratings, retail pricing of the unit itself, as well as an estimated tankless installation costs if it were done by a plumbing contractor providing an all-inclusive installation. Some electric water heaters require an electrician to run new wiring to the location of the installation, which will be covered in the incidental costs section, further down this page.

Tankless Electric Water Heater Brand, Model, Size
Rating Retail Price
Installed Replacement Cost
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 – 4.68 GPM
4.7 $739 – $790
$1,089 – $1,140
Rheem RETE13 – 4.0 GPM
4.6 $179 – $259
$529 – $609
EcoSmart ECO 18 – 2.0 GPM
4.5 $365 – $425
$715 – $775
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 – 7.03 GPM
4.4 $735 – $810
$1,085 – 1,160
Marey ECO180 – 4 GMP
4.6 $275 – $325
$625 – $675
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 15 – 2.81 GPM
4.4 $525 – $590
$875 – $940
AquaPower DHE-24 – 4.2 GPM 5.0 $545 – $610
$895 – $960
Stiebel Eltron Tempra 12 – 2.34 GPM
5.0 $429 – $499
$779 – $849
Seisco RA-28 – 4.0 GPM
5.0 $750 – $820
$1,100 – $1,170
EcoSmart ECO 24 – 4.64 GPM
4.3 $475 – $525
$825 – $875

Average Tankless Cost by Size

When you install a tankless water heater, you need to be sure to get the right size unit for the number of sinks and showers that will be drawing hot water from it. This is rated in gallons-per-minute, and you’ll need to add up the needs of your home, factor in your lifestyle needs (more than one person showering at the same time, dishwasher running, sink, etc) and adjust the GPM needed for your home. A plumber will walk through this with you during the initial visit and help you decide which size tankless water heater to install in your home. Click here for installation price quotes from qualified plumbers in your area.

Water Usage

  • 1-2 gmp / Average Bathroom Sink Faucet
  • 3-5 gpm / Kitchen Sink Faucet
  • 1-3 gpm / Washing Machine
  • 1-3 gpm / Dishwasher
  • 1-3 gpm / Single Shower

Using the values above, determine how many will NEED to run at one time and figure out how many gallons per minute your new tankless water heater needs to support. In some cases, a single whole house tankless system is not enough, and you may need to two units.

For example: Dishwasher, washing machine and one shower would mean: 3-9 gpm. Average this to 6 gpm to know the approximate size you need. Again, you should consult with a plumber in your area before coming to a firm decision on the size you need.

Price Compare by Water Heater Sizes
Gas
Electric
Installed Cost
2-4 GPM
$199 – $275 $229 – $550
$564 – $760
4-6 GPM
$350 – $525 $275 – $675
$662 – $950
6-7 GPM
$530 – $650 $625 – $799
$927 – $1,074
7-8 GPM
$675 – $975 $735 – $1,030
$1,055 – $1,352
8-9 GPM
$970 – $1,100 $980 – $1,300
$1,325 – $1,550
9-10 GPM
$999 – $1,250 $1,450 – $2,225
$1,574 – $2,088

Service and Repair Costs for Tankless Water Heaters

As you compare the repair costs for tankless water heaters below, you’ll see we include a parts only, and parts installed cost. While the installed cost may appear to be slightly inflated as compared to the part alone, you have to keep in mind that a service call for a plumber to come out to your home, diagnose the issue and then repair it, can take several hours to complete. Most plumbers charge by the hour for general repairs, however they also use a flat-rate repair cost book for standard items commonly found in tankless water heater repair.

Part or Repair Service
Part Cost
Labor Hours
Total Repair Cost
Annual Maintenance
1-2 Hours
$75 – $150
Electrical Circuit Breaker
$15 – $50 1 Hour
$80 – $175
Electric Heating Element
$10 – $50 1-2 Hours
$160 – $180
Water Valve
$10 – $35 1-2 hours
$180 – $210
Gas Valve
$45 – $150 1-2 Hours
$200 – $275
Gas Burner
$20 – $100 1-2 hours
$180 – $300
Control Circuit Board
$40 – $150 1 Hour
$150 – $300
Thermostat
$15 – $45 1 hour
$100 – $200
ThermoFlow Switch
$10 – $25 1 Hour
$100 – $200

Related Expenses and Factors that Impact Installation Cost

Like other types of water heaters or appliance in your home, there are several factors that can cause you to pay a bit more for the installation cost of a tankless water heater. Location, venting, wiring and plumbing all contribute to the cost a plumber quotes for you.

Item, Service or Extra Cost
Additional Cost
Attic Installation
$75 – $150
Exterior Installation
$75 – $150
Concentric Venting
$150 – $200
New Water Supply Line
$150 – $300
New Gas Line Run to Unit
$150 – $300
New Electric Line and Breaker
$150 – $300
Exhaust Flue / Chimney Liner Replacement
$450 – $1000
Local Permits and Inspection
$75 – $150

Compare Point of Use Water Heater Prices

small-heater-under-sinkCompact and able to fit under most sinks, point of use hot water heaters offer an affordable cost and very flexible solution to homeowners. As long as you have access to electricity, you can easily add instant hot water to almost any location inside your home.

Point of Use Shortcuts: Brands | Repair Costs | Installation Costs

Top Rated Point of Use Systems

The table below contains the highest rated point of use water heaters. The ratings are gathered from owner reviews and ratings at various leading web retailers and local hardware stores. They are not in any specific order and we update the table monthly.

Brand, Model and Size
Tank / Tankless
Buyer Rating
Average Cost
Bosch Ariston GL2.5 – 2.5 Gallons
Storage Tank 4.3
$180 – $225
Eccotemp L5 – 1.5 GPM
Tankless 4.4
$120 – $170
Reliance 6 2 SSUS K – 2.5 Gallons
Storage Tank 4.4
$165 – $190
Eemax EMT2.5 – 2.5 Gallons
Storage Tank 4.3
$160 – $180
Bosch Ariston GL2.5S – 2.5 Gallons
Storage Tank 4.4
$175 – $210
Reliance 6 6 SOMS K 6 – 6 Gallons
Storage Tank 4.3
$250 – $300
PowerStar AE-12 – 2.5 GPM
Tankless 4.2
$200 – $260
Stiebel Eltron DHC 10-2 – 1.87 GPM
Tankless 4.6
$165 – $199
Rheem XE02P06PU14Uo – 2.5 Gallons
Storage Tank 4.7
$230 – $265
Eemax SP3512 – .5 GPM
Tankless 4.3
$220 – $310
Stiebel Eltron DHC-E – 1.87 GPM
Tankless 4.5
$280 – $325
Rheem EcoSense RETE13 – 4.0 GPM
Tankless 4.3
$170 – $230
Waiwela Mini-Tank Em-4.0 – 4 Gallons
Storage Tank 4.5
$150 – $210
Chronomite SR-20L/240 – 0.5 GPM
Tankless 4.3
$145 – $190
Bosch GL4S Ariston – 4 Gallons
Storage Tank 4.2
$170 – $199

Repair Costs for Point of Use Water Heaters

Fortunately, after a point of use water heater is installed, they are very low maintenance. Due to the low cost of this type of hot water heater, it almost makes no sense to even repair when they break. Just the cost of calling out a plumber to diagnose the issue may cost you more than a new unit.

That said – there are a few things that could cause your small water heater to stop working.

  • Loss of Water Source? – Is your water turned on in the rest of the home, or has the service valve been shut off to the water heater?
  • Has the Circuit Breaker Tripped? – Since almost all point of use systems are electric, you should check your circuit panel to be sure the breaker didn’t trip off.
  • No Hot Water, Everything Else Working Fine? If water runs through the unit but its no longer hot, the electric heating element may have gone bad. You can get a replacement heating element for under $50, however at this point, it’s worth it to just replace the unit.

Point of Use Water Heater Installation Costs

Installing a point of use water heater may be a DIY project that many homeowners can do themselves. However, you have to be aware that you need two things to complete the installation. A protected electricity circuit (ground fault) and a source of water. Many homes have garbage disposals that are wired to a ground fault circuit already, so a handy homeowner may be able to bridge off the existing wiring to the disposal. If you already have cold water piped to the area, tapping into the water line is as easy as your own handyman skills can take you. Copper piping may need to be cut, tee’d, and then soldered back into place.

In almost all cases, we suggest to talk to a professional plumber before you try to install your own point of use system. You might be surprised how affordable it is to have a pro handle the work, versus having to pay them much more to fix plumbing or electrical errors you make on your own. Click here for a free quote from a local plumber.

Installation Task
Install Time
Average Cost
Install Electrical Outlet Under Sink, or Run Electric Wire to New Unit
1-2 Hours
$75 – $150
Install Water line from Home to Unit
1-2 Hours
$75 – $150
Mount Unit to Inside of Cabinet or Wall
30 minutes
$35 – $75
Connect Water Heater to Faucet 30 Minutes
$35 – $75