A plumber can charge you up to $3500 to install your water heater in your home, depending on the type of heater you have, labour costs, and other factors.
Replacing your water heater is not a decision that you can make on a whim and there are many things to consider before you start the process.
The total cost of what your plumber will charge you to install the new water heater is one of the biggest considerations and there are also a few other factors that can determine this cost.
What to consider before replacing your water heater
Water heaters are some of the most commonly used appliances in most households and they are likely used every day. However, if the time has come and your water heater needs to be replaced, there are a few aspects that you should take into account before choosing the replacement.
Choosing the fuel sources for the replacement water heater is usually the most critical decision and these can range from electric to gas, and even solar models.
Closely related to the kind of fuel that you prefer, is the energy efficiency of your replacement water heater and the costs associated with installing this replacement.
How much does a plumber charge to install a water heater?
Since there are so many decisions to make when you have to replace your old water heater and install a new one, the installation costs are often at the back of your mind. However, installation costs can be quite steep, so it is best to prepare for these costs in advance.
Although the actual cost of your new water heater installation will vary based on a few factors, the average amount that a plumber charges to install a water heater should range between $820 and $3500.
The reason why there is such a large range in terms of the average installation costs for water heaters is because every household and plumber is different.
For instance, plumbers can install gas and electric water heaters, but their hourly labour rates may vary from one plumber to the next.
On top of this, different types of water heaters require specific types of installations and this may extend the number of hours that it takes for the unit to be installed or influence how much your plumber charges you.
There are also other costs to keep in mind that may be hidden costs, but that will be linked to the installation of your water heater.
Looking at all of these factors that can influence how much your plumber charges to install your water heater can give you a general idea of what to expect when it comes to the total installation cost.
What plumbers charge to install different kinds of water heaters
Tankless water heaters are more expensive to install, whereas systems with a storage tank are less expensive.
However, it is also important that you consider the kind of fuel that your replacement water heater will use, as this also influences the installation cost, as shown in the table below:
| Type of water heater | Estimated installation cost |
| Tank | $815 to $1290 |
| Tankless | $1200 to $3500 |
| Gas | $500 |
| Electric | $700 |
| Solar | $2000 to $3000 |
| Indirect | $1500 |
| Hybrid heat pump | $1200 to $3500 |
Thus, it is clear that your plumber may charge you the most for complicated or out-of-the-norm systems, such as tankless, solar, and hybrid water heater systems when they have to install your heat pump.
How much plumbers charge in labour costs to install water heaters
Each plumber will have their own system that they use to work out how much to charge you in terms of labour costs of installing your water heater.
To help guide you in what these labour costs can end up being, there are some averages to consider. Most plumbers will charge you an hourly rate to install your water heater and this should take about one working day to do, as is shown below:
| Average hourly rates | Average amount of time for an installation of a water heater | Average labour costs for a water heater installation |
| $45 to $150 per hour | 6 – 8 hours | $270 to $1200 |
Hidden costs that your plumber might charge you for
Besides the labour and kind of water heater that you are installing, your plumber may also charge you for other things that you did not know to expect or budget for, such as:
| Type of added cost | Average charged price |
| Plumbing permit | $50 to $1500 |
| Installation of an expansion tank | $40 to $350 |
| Removal of the old tank | $100 to $500 |
| Fuel conversion | $200 to $2500 or just two to three extra hours of labour |