Tankless Water Heater Cost in Los Angeles [2025 Data]

Homeowners having tankless water heaters installed in Los Angeles should budget for above-average labor costs and permit requirements. On average, tankless water heater cost in Los Angeles is $2,668. However, homeowners might expect to pay between $1,616 and $3,829 based on a number of factors that can include the fuel type and capacity of the water heater they select. 

Tankless Water Heater Cost Factors 

Labor costs for tankless water heater installation in Los Angeles can total 30% to 40% of the project's cost. Gas and solar tanks can be more expensive to install than electric tanks due to the additional expertise required. Homeowners who opt to pay more for a solar tankless water heater can expect to reduce their energy bills by 50% to 80%. The size of the tankless water you need for your household will dramatically influence the final cost for your project regardless of which type of water heater you choose.

Single-Point Tankless Water Heater vs. Whole-House System

You can choose between single-point and whole-house tankless water heater systems. Some homeowners mix and match, installing a whole-house unit to handle the primary heating duties and placing a single-point system in an additional bathroom. This allows multiple people to shower at once.

Fuel Type

Wondering how much you can save (or spend) on a tankless water heater? One of the best ways to calculate your expenses is by the type of hot water heater you choose. There are four types of tankless heaters to consider:

Size

A primary cost factor is the size of the water heater. Larger heaters service a higher volume of water than smaller heaters, so count on increased costs. The amount of energy the heater can handle is one indicator of size. For tankless gas water heaters, the amount of energy they can handle is measured in the British thermal unit (BTU); electric water heaters use kilowatts (kW).

• Gas Water Heaters: Smaller water heaters of 120–140 BTUs cost $500 to $1,200, which is enough for a one- or two-bedroom home. Larger water heaters of 180–200 BTUs or more cost $900 to $2,200, and these appliances handle enough volume to service a home of five or more people. Gas water heaters have an average flow rate of up to 5 gallons per minute (GPM).

• Electric Water Heaters: Smaller water heaters of 5–8 kWs cost $100 to $250, though this is just enough for a one-bedroom apartment or small home. Keep in mind that electric water heaters only have a flow rate of up to 2 GPM. Mid-sized electric water heaters of 10–24 kWs cost $210 to $630 and can efficiently service a two-bedroom home. Large heaters of 27–36 kWs cost $420 to $800 and can handle enough volume for an expansive home. 

• Solar Water Heaters:  Los Angeles homeowners can expect a tankless solar system with a 60-square-foot collector designed for a household of three to four people to cost between $2,000 and $3,300. Larger systems with 80- to 120-square-foot collectors can cost closer to $3,400 to $5,500.

Tankless Water Heater Pro Costs

Plumbing pros offering tankless water heater installation in Los Angeles provide custom quotes based on the scope of each project.  

Labor Costs

On average, Los Angeles plumbers charge an hourly rate of $95 to $129. However, they may charge up to $130 to $200 per hour for a tankless water heater installation that involves dealing with gas lines.

Permits

 A permit is needed to install a tankless water heater in Los Angeles. The permit fee for a new water heater is $28. In addition, Los Angeles homeowners also need to pay $30 in permit fees for earthquake valves. A variety of permits required for heat exchangers, methane gas expansion tanks, and gas outlets can also cost between $10 and $121 each.

Accessibility

If the desired location of the new tankless system is difficult to access or narrow and harder to work in, this can raise the labor costs to up to 10% to 15% of your project total. Prices will vary based on the home and setup.

Current Heating System Removal

Removing an existing hot water heating system can cost $500 or more, depending on the unit's size and accessibility, as well as the contractor's hourly rate. When looking for an installation quote, make sure the quote includes the removal and disposal of your current water heater.

Does Installing a Tankless Water Heater Increase Home Value?

A new tankless water heater will generally increase a home's value in Los Angeles because this is considered an upgrade that boosts a home's efficiency. In addition, solar tankless water heaters and updated gas tankless water heaters that are up to current code standards are considered highly desirable.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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