Water Heater Replacement Cost

Q: How much does it cost to replace a water heater?

A standard tank water heater costs $600–$3,100 installed (HomeGuide 2026); a tankless water heater costs $1,400–$5,600 installed. Angi's 2026 project data puts the average replacement at $1,348, with most tank replacements between $881 and $1,826. The unit itself is $400–$2,100 for a 40- to 50-gallon tank, plus $200–$1,000 of installation labour.

Q: How long do water heaters last?

Tank water heaters last 8 to 15 years on average; tankless water heaters last 10 to 20 years (HomeGuide). Rust-coloured water, rumbling, and leaks around the base of a tank unit are the usual end-of-life signs — a leaking tank can't be repaired, only replaced.

Q: Is tankless worth the extra cost?

Tankless costs roughly double upfront — $1,400–$5,600 installed vs. $600–$3,100 for a tank — and a conversion adds gas-line, venting, or electrical work a like-for-like swap doesn't need. In return you get hot water on demand and lower standby losses. For most like-for-like replacements, a standard tank is the economical choice; tankless pays off best in tight spaces or high-demand homes.

Replacing a water heater costs $600–$3,100 installed for a standard tank in 2026, or $1,400–$5,600 for tankless. Angi's project data puts the average replacement at $1,348. The split that matters: like-for-like tank swaps are the cheap version of this job; changing type is where the price doubles.

Quick answer: Standard tank $600–$3,100 installed (unit $400–$2,100 + labour $200–$1,000). Tankless $1,400–$5,600 installed. Permit $50–$200. (HomeGuide 2026.)

Cost by type

Type	Unit only	Installed
Standard tank (40–50 gal)	$400 – $2,100	$600 – $3,100
Tankless (on-demand)	$600 – $2,600	$1,400 – $5,600

Angi's 2026 data (30,979 verified projects) lands in the same place: an average replacement of $1,348, with most tank jobs between $881 and $1,826. If your quote for a straightforward tank swap is far above $3,100, ask what else is in it — sometimes it's legitimate code work, sometimes it's padding.

What drives the price

Like-for-like vs. conversion. Swapping a tank for the same type and fuel is a $200–$1,000 labour job. Converting to tankless means new venting, a bigger gas line, or electrical work — labour alone runs $600–$2,500.
Capacity. Bigger tanks cost more; a 40- to 50-gallon unit is the standard residential size.
Code items. Expansion tanks, drain pans, and permits ($50–$200) are commonly required and commonly missing from teaser quotes.
Location. A heater in a garage is a faster job than one in an attic or a tight closet.

Repair or replace?

A leaking tank is done — tanks can't be patched, and replacement is the only option. For a non-leaking unit, age is the guide: tank heaters last 8–15 years, tankless 10–20. Paying for a major repair on a 12-year-old tank is usually money toward a replacement you'll buy within a couple of years anyway. And plan the timing if you can: a heater replaced on your schedule costs less than the same heater replaced as a flooded-garage emergency.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace a water heater?

$600–$3,100 installed for a standard tank; $1,400–$5,600 for tankless (HomeGuide 2026). Angi's average across verified projects is $1,348.

How long do water heaters last?

Tank units 8–15 years; tankless 10–20 years. A leaking tank can't be repaired — only replaced.

Is tankless worth the extra cost?

It costs roughly double upfront plus conversion work, in exchange for on-demand hot water and lower standby losses. Best for tight spaces and high-demand homes; a like-for-like tank is the economical default.

Need a water heater replaced?

Tell us the scope and get a real quote — Jacksonville-area requests go straight to Homeland Construction & Roofing.

Request a quote

Related guides

Bathroom Remodel Cost — the other big plumbing-adjacent project
AC Replacement Cost
Window Replacement Cost
Kitchen Remodel Cost

Sources: HomeGuide, "Water Heater Installation Cost" (2026 — tank $600–$3,100 installed, tankless $1,400–$5,600, labour $200–$1,000, permits $50–$200, lifespans); Angi 2026 project data (average replacement $1,348 across 30,979 projects; most tank replacements $881–$1,826). Last updated November 2026.