Learn about the different factors that go into water heater gas valve replacement costs to see if you should DIY the project or call a pro.
How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost in Seattle? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,582 - $4,321
A tankless water heater in Seattle, WA costs $2,915 on average. Depending on size, fuel type, quantity, and on-site issues, you could spend between $1,582 and $4,321.
How we get this data
Photo: Ian Tuttle / Angi
Photo: Ian Tuttle / Angi
Highlights
With a cost of living that's nearly 50% above the national average, Seattle homeowners should budget accordingly for tankless water heater installations.
In general, permits for this type of plumbing work can cost $50 to $300.
Seattle homeowners may also need to pay sales tax on the installation of a new tankless water heater.
A solar water heater isn't always a reliable alternative due to Seattle's year-round cloudy conditions.
With Seattle's cost of living at 44% to 50% above the national average, homeowners need to consider high labor costs and permit fees when budgeting for a new tankless water heater. On average, tankless water heater cost in Seattle is $2,915. However, homeowners picking different options might pay between $1,582 and $4,321. Read on to learn more about what you can expect to pay for your home's new tankless water heater.
Angi Tip
We highly recommend inspecting your water heater annually for signs of degradation. If you spot any potential warning signs, consider contacting a local plumber.
Tankless Water Heater Cost Factors
Overall, the size and type of tankless water heater chosen will impact the total project cost for a Seattle homeowner. Based on your household size and water usage, a local plumber will recommend an output capacity. When it comes to fuel type, factors that include your home's utilities and your budget will influence which option works best.
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.
| System Type | Capacity (GPM) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Point System | 1–2 GPM | $420–$1,780 |
| Whole-House System | 3–10 GPM | $950–$6,300 |
Fuel Type
The type of hot water heater you choose plays a big role in how much you’ll spend. There are several types of tankless heaters to consider based on the energy source used in your home:
| Fuel Type | Average Cost Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural gas | $1,925–$3,500 | Consistent on-demand performance | Installation costs more |
| Electric | $550–$2,900 | Energy-efficient and easier to install | Temperatures can be less consistent |
| Solar | $2,900–$6,400 | Long-term energy savings between 50%–80% | More expensive installation, not ideal for Seattle’s climate |
Size
Another 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 British thermal units (BTU); electric water heaters use kilowatts (kW). Another key indicator of size is the gallons per minute (GPM) rating, which measures the amount of hot water the heater can deliver.
| Gallons per Minute (GPM) | Usage | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 GPM | Point of use | $420–$1,780 |
| 2–4 GPM | Whole house (small) | $950–$2,800 |
| 5–7 GPM | Whole house (medium) | $2,200–$4,200 |
| 8–10 GPM | Whole housWhole house (large)e (large) | $3,700–$6,300 |
Gas water heaters: Smaller water heaters of 120 to 140 BTUs cost $500 to $1,200, which is enough for a one- or two-bedroom home. Larger water heaters of 180 to 200 BTUs or more cost $900 to $2,200, and these appliances handle enough volume to service a home with five or more people. Gas water heaters have an average flow rate of up to 5 GPM.
Electric water heaters: Smaller water heaters of 5 to 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 to 24 kWs cost $210 to $630 and can efficiently service a two-bedroom home. Large heaters of 27 to 36 kWs cost $420 to $800 and can handle enough volume for an expansive home.
Solar water heaters: Most Seattle households with three to four people can utilize solar water heaters with 60-foot collectors that average $2,700 in price. If additional capacity is needed, homeowners can upgrade to a system featuring an 80-foot collector for around $6,200. When solar power is the backup to an electric tankless water system, sizing defaults to the specs of an electric tankless water heater.
Tankless Water Heater Pro Costs
Only licensed plumbers are permitted to install tankless water heaters in Seattle. When you call a water heater pro in Seattle, they'll provide you with a custom quote based on the tankless water heater model you select and the overall scope of the project.
Labor Costs
The hourly rate for plumbers offering tankless water heater installation in Seattle is usually $90 to $115. Expect to pay more for a gas tankless water heater to account for the extra expertise required to handle gas lines. With Seattle being one of the few cities around the county where labor is taxable, homeowners may also pay up to 10.35% for sales tax for installation of a new hot water heater.
Permits
In Seattle, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) requires a permit to replace or install a water heater. Additional permits may be needed for plumbing and gas work when completing the project. In general, Seattle homeowners should expect total permit costs for this project to range from $50 to $300.
Accessibility
If the desired location of the new tankless system is difficult to access or narrow and harder to work in, this can raise 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?
Yes, having a tankless water heater installedcan increase your home value by as much as 1.2%. In some cases, that can represent anywhere from a 70% to 100% return on investment for higher-priced homes in the Seattle area.
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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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