How Much Does a Water Heater Replacement Cost in Phoenix? [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $797 - $1,659

The average cost for a water heater is $1,224 in Phoenix, but it can range between $1,659 and $797. Your pro can discuss tank or tankless systems and if you need any additional plumbing upgrades.

How we get this data
Cost Insights
  • The cost to replace a water heater in Phoenix depends on the type and size of the water heater.

  • Phoenix’s hot desert climate makes both tankless and solar water heaters good options.

  • Installing a water heater can pose safety risks, so you’ll need to hire a licensed pro and obtain a permit before replacing your water heater.

Replacing a water heater in Phoenix costs an average of $797 to $1,659, with most homeowners paying around $1,224. The cost of a water heater replacement is based primarily on the size and type of the heater, as well as labor costs. We break down some of the things that contribute to the cost of a water heater so you can budget for a replacement.

Water Heater Replacement Cost Factors 

The cost to replace a water heater in Phoenix, AZ, depends on various factors, including water heater size, tank-style or tankless, the fuel source, and more. Take a look at some of the main factors that influence how much you’ll pay for a water heater in Phoenix. 

Size

Hot water heaters come in different sizes, measured by gallons (for tank-style systems) or gallons per minute (for tankless systems). The total amount of your water heater replacement cost will largely depend on the size of your new water heater, and that will depend on the size of your household. Your water heater installation pro can help you  determine what size you need.

Hot Water Heater Size (Gallons)Household SizeAverage Cost
301–2 people$650–$1,925
401–4 people$750–$2,100
503–5 people$750–$2,300
754–6 people$1,000–$3,675
806 or more people, and households with high-demand appliances$1,200–$6,900

Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters 

A traditional tank-style water heater stores water in a large tank that holds anywhere from 20 to 100 gallons. If you’re like 90% of households, you have a tank hot water heater sitting on a concrete pad in a basement, laundry room, or utility room. 

In comparison, a tankless water heater is the size of a small suitcase, has a coil system for heating water, and is usually mounted on the wall. Your water heater installation pro can help you decide which type of water heater is best for your replacement. A tankless water heater costs around twice that of a tank-style heater, but can last twice as long.

Tank water heaters versus tankless water heaters visual comparison
TypeAverage CostProsCons
Tank$550–$2,300Cost-effective, larger range of fuel optionsShorter lifespan, less energy efficient
Tankless$1,275–$3,600Long lifespan, takes up less spaceLimited fuel options, may require new utility lines

Types of Water Heaters

Most electric and gas water heaters cost between $550 and $1,500, but the type of water heater will significantly impact your cost. A light-duty commercial heater is more durable but costs about $1,000 more than a residential unit.

Type of Water HeaterAverage CostBest For
Electric$550–$3,225Small apartments
Gas$650–$2,450Areas with high electricity costs
Propane$650–$2,300Rural or inaccessible areas
High efficiency$1,375–$2,750Energy savings
Indirect$1,100–$3,225Flexible fuel source
Solar$1,550–$5,050Energy efficiency in sunny climates
Hybrid heat pump$1,100–$3,225Energy efficiency in garages or basements

Plumber Pro Costs

Plumber Costs

You’ll need to hire a licensed Phoenix water heater pro to install your replacement water heater. Water heater installation isn’t a DIY job—safety concerns and city codes require the work to be performed by a qualified professional. Labor costs for a plumber in Phoenix average between $45 and $200 an hour.

Safety Warning

To prevent carbon monoxide exposure from a water heater, make sure it is properly ventilated. You should also have it inspected and cleaned every year and install a carbon monoxide detector nearby. If you smell gas—which can mimic the scent of rotten eggs—evacuate immediately and call your gas company.

Permit Costs

You’ll need a permit to install a water heater in Phoenix to ensure it complies with all local safety regulations. The permit has a minimum fee of $75, which can increase if your water heater is valued at more than $1,000. If you’re installing a solar water heater, you’ll need a specific permit, so check with your water heater installer to ensure all necessary permits have been secured before installation. 

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring 

In some cases, you may need to bring in additional pros to complete your water heater installation. If you need any electrical rewiring, you can hire a local electrician, which will cost between $50 and $130 an hour in labor. If the water heater installation requires drywall work, a drywall installer will cost $1 to $2.10 per square foot in labor, plus material costs. 

Do Water Heater Replacements Increase Home Value?

A new water heater is not only a necessity when your old one needs to be replaced, but it can also be a good investment, offering a return on investment (ROI) ranging from 50% for a tank-style heater to 90% for a heat pump water heater. 

A tankless water heater can be worth the investment, since it can increase your home’s resale value by up to 1.3% If you’re selling your home, a new water heater is a definite plus for potential buyers, since it won’t need to be replaced for a decade or two, depending on the type of heater. 

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’ve surveyed over 30,000 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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