Replacing your water heater can become a stressful project. Between funding the expenses, researching options, and deciding if you want a hot water system replacement to upgrade from your tank heater to a newer model, it’s understandable if you want to postpone it until the water heater seriously starts failing.
However, there will come a time when you need to replace your water heater, whether due to old age or damage. At that moment, your first instinct is to determine how much your water heater replacement will cost and find the best options according to your budget and needs. Now, if you feel the replacement is around the corner, you’ve landed in the right place.
How much does a water heater replacement cost in Florida?
The average replacement cost of a water heater ranges between $645 and $1,243, with most Floridians paying $943 in total, including removing the old unit. Still, these prices can vary depending on multiple factors, such as the new heater’s model, its size, and labor and permit fees.
Which factors affect your final replacement costs?
Water heater model
Tank water heaters are the most conventional and least expensive option compared to tankless and heat pump heaters. Hence, if you’re considering upgrading your unit during your water heater replacement, you need to account that newer models, although more energy efficient and with less maintenance, will cost you more upfront. Sometimes, you may need a plumbing or gas line upgrade to accommodate these heaters.
However, thanks to the government’s interest in incentivizing energy-efficient appliances, you may find government rebates for tankless and hybrid water heaters, so check this out with your installer. Likewise, although tank water heaters are usually cheaper, their price will vary depending on their fueling type. So consider this when looking for a water heater replacement.
| Water heater type | Average cost |
| Electric water heater | $600 – $3,500 |
| Propane water heater | $700 – $2,500 |
| Gas heater | $700 – $2,700 |
| Hybrid heat pump heaters | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| Tankless | $1,400 – $3,900 |
Water heater size
Another crucial factor that affects the costs of your water heater system replacement is the size of your unit. Tank water heaters are measured in gallons, while tankless are measured in gallons per minute. Naturally, larger units will cost more than smaller units, so consider the size of your water heater before your water heater system replacement.
| Water heater size | Average cost |
| 30 | $700 – $2,100 |
| 40 | $800 – $2,300 |
| 50 | $800 – $2,500 |
| 75 | $1,100 – $4,000 |
| 80 | $1,300 – $7,500 |
Labor costs for water heater replacement
Labor costs can also significantly increase your replacement costs, often accounting for up to 50% of the total, but this will also vary depending on how long and complex the job is. For example, replacing a tank water heater for a tankless unit is usually more expensive than replacing a tank heater for another one.
| Job | Average cost |
| Replacing a tank water heater | $150 – $450 |
| Replacing a tankless water heater | $600 – $1,900 |
| Converting a tank heater into a tankless system | $150 – $2,500 |
Permit fees for a hot water system replacement
Depending on the extent of the work, your local building department may require a permit to authorize your water heater replacement. At the very least, you’ll need a permit to install a gas water heater or to alter your existing plumbing and gas lines.
On average, permits to replace your water heater cost between $25 and $300. Hence, ensure with your licensed plumbers if you need a permit before starting your water heater system replacement and guarantee they manage the permit obtention to avoid legal issues in the future.
Additional expenses you should prepare for
Normally, the installation is simple because the new unit fits in the space where the old one was. However, if you’re upgrading your water heater or, for some reason, you need to install it in another location, you’ll likely need to pay for the additional labor, increasing the cost of the water heater replacement.
| Additional work | Average cost |
| Electrical work | $50 – $120 per hour |
| New water line | $400 – $2,000 |
| New gas line | $260 – $820 |
| Drywall installation | $1,50 – $3,00 per square foot |
Get the water heater you want with Swifline Plumbing
At Swiftline Plumbing, every one of our fellow Floridians deserves high-quality plumbing services at fair prices. We strive to achieve that promise in every job, from water heater maintenance to repiping your whole home. That’s why we offer financing options, including coupons, so you can always get the necessary plumbing service.
Contact us today to learn more about our financing options. Or visit our coupon selection here.
