What is the approximate cost to replace a 50 gallon residential gas water heater?

Answer 1

I just replaced a 40 gallon gas water heater in my rental unit. The tank cost me about 300, labor for the guy who installed it was a bit more. If you do it yourself, all you have to invest are parts. Good luck.

Answer 2

Depends on a few things:

Water heaters have different warranties - the cheapest ones are about 5 yrs, and go up to 10 and 15 yrs. I think the price nearly doubles from the 5 yr going to the 15 yr. The main difference is a better anode to reduce corrosion in the tank, and possibly the type of cold water inlet pipe (straight vs. coiled for circulating.)

Your city/county may or may not require a plumbing permit to be pulled.

And sometimes the installer will need to change some of the fittings, such as a T&P valve (temperature & pressure), the inlet and outlet pipes or flexible hoses, and possibly some valves.

For safety's sake, make sure that a brand new T&P valve is installed on your new tank. It will pop off if your water pressure or temperature exceeds the preset limits and will prevent a boiler explosion.


You can do it yourself for $200-400 depending on the tank warranty. As someone else mentioned, a plumber will probably double the cost.

To maximize the life expectancy of your new water tank, once a year, you should shut it down and completely drain it, so that any loose sediment will be flushed out. Sediment builds up (like deposits in a tea kettle) and reduces the water tank's heating efficiency, leading to hot spots which will cause the tank bottom to develop leaks.

Answer 3

200 should be the avg cost for a swap out + the cost of the water heater. If he has to do some re piping then yes it possible 800. But that seems a bit high. Im thinking the whole deal about 600-650 water heater plus labor /installed.

Answer 4

The cost to replace it is well documented here in the answers that you have received but more importantly, what is the cost to operate it? Consider that the hot water heater keeps water hot all the time, even when you are not home. That is a waste of energy. Consider installing a tankless water heater. They only heat water as you need it. I installed one a year ago and my gas usage has plummeted. It cost me $1200 installed, but it's good for the planet.

Answer 5

I use to work for a hot water service company that doubled the cost of everything we did. So the best thing you can do is do it yourself or someone you can trust. It shouldn't cost you more than $300 with parts and labor.

Answer 6

Check your local Lowe's or Home depot, they sell water heaters and for an additional cost (which is usually cheaper than hiring a plumber) will install and haul away your old one.

Answer 7

A natural draft model will range from $350-$500. Plus installation. Direct vent models & power vent models start at $650.

Answer 8

the approximate cost that I've seen them sell them is $500-$750 depending on the name brand

Answer 9

that question depends on what brand you want to use.it could cost you up to 300 bucks if not more

Answer 10

Check in grossary shop,
this site is not for all such things