Water heaters are essential home appliances.
Water heater replacement costs range from $811 to $1,566, with a national average of $1,176.
Hot water is essential for bathing, cleaning, and cooking, so water heaters are important home appliances. According to the type and size of the water heater, the average cost of replacing a water heater can range from $811 to $1,566, with the national average around $1,176. There are four types of water heaters: tank-storage, tankless, hybrid or high-efficiency, and solar. Water heater replacement costs will also be affected by installation and labor costs. Labor costs to install a standard replacement water heater usually run from $150 to $800. Some plumbers may charge an hourly rate, while others quote a flat rate that includes materials and labor. Hiring a plumber will cost anywhere from $45 to $200 per hour, and an electrician can run from $50 to $100 an hour. Other factors that affect the overall water heater replacement cost can include permit fees and carpentry work, which can add $50 to $1,500 or more to the overall project cost. The type of water heater will also affect the price as will the location of the water heater within the home, size, type of ventilation system, and materials. Due to the climate and fuel prices in the area, the location of a home can also affect the cost of replacing a water heater. Water heater replacement costs can also be affected by where the heater is located within the home. A difficult-to-reach water heater in an attic or basement, or a water heater that will have to be carried up or down multiple flights of stairs, may require additional installation costs. When a water heater leaks, the location is important so that if it does, it won’t cause significant damage to the house.