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 Water Heater Replacement Cost in Philadelphia? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $849 - $1,535
The average cost for a water heater is $1,184 in Philadelphia, but it can range between $1,535 and $849. Your pro can discuss tank or tankless systems and if you need any additional plumbing upgrades.
How we get this data
Highlights
The type of water heater and the capacity you need will affect your costs the most, but the fuel source will also play an important role.
Most homes in Philly use either natural gas or electricity for home heating, and those who have electric water heaters will pay more for their replacement, on average.
The cost of living in Philadelphia is 14% higher than the national average, contributing to above-average labor costs for water heater replacement.
Expect to pay about twice as much for a tankless water heater as you would for a tank-style unit.
Water heater replacement costs in Philadelphia average $1,184, and most homeowners in the city pay somewhere between $849 and $1,535. Your total will depend mostly on the type of water heater you want and the size or capacity. If you’re one of the 30% of residents who use electricity as a fuel source, your replacement costs will be a bit higher than the average in the area.
Water Heater Replacement Cost Factors
While average water heater replacement costs sit at $1,184 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, some residents pay as little as $424, and costs can climb up to $4,877 for others. To get the most accurate estimate possible, you’ll need to consider whether you want a tank-style or tankless water heater, how big a unit you need, your fuel source, and any complications that could drive up labor costs.
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.
The average household size in Philadelphia is just 2.2 people, below the national average. That means most homes in the city will need a tank-style water heater with a capacity of just 30 to 40 gallons or a tankless water heater with an output of 6 to 10 gallons per minute (GPM). Keep in mind that these are just averages, and you should always hire a water heater installation pro to help you determine what size you need.
Most homeowners in Philly choose tank-style water heaters, which are also more popular nationwide. The table below includes pricing for this type of water heater. If you plan to go tankless—an increasingly popular option for Philadelphia residents who use natural gas as a fuel source for heating water—you’ll need a pro to size your unit accurately and provide a personalized cost estimate.
| Unit Size (Gallons) | Household Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 1–2 | $620–$1,900 |
| 40 | 2–4 | $700–$2,100 |
| 50 | 3–5 | $700–$2,200 |
| 75 | 4–6 | $980–$3,600 |
| 80 | 6+ | $1,200–$6,700 |
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.
| Tank-style | $530–$2,200 | More affordable | Costlier to run |
| Tankless | $1,250–$3,500 | Energy efficiency | More expensive |
Types of Water Heaters
Most electric and gas water heaters cost between $550 and $1,500, but the unit type will significantly impact your cost. A light-duty commercial heater is more durable but costs about $1,000 more than a residential unit. If you have a particularly large home or an above-average demand for hot water, a commercial unit might be best for you.
The most popular fuel source for water heaters in Philadelphia is natural gas, accounting for just under 40% of the homes in the area. Natural gas water heaters tend to cost a bit less than electric water heaters for similar units. However, tankless water heaters cost more, and going tankless for an entire home in Philly is only realistic if you plan to use natural gas as your fuel source.
Close to 30% of Philadelphia's homes use electricity as a heating fuel. Electric water heaters need less maintenance but cost more than those that burn fossil fuels, so be prepared to spend more than the average in the city if you’re going electric.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Electric | $530–$3,100 |
| Gas | $620–$2,400 |
| Propane | $620–$2,300 |
Plumber Pro Costs
Labor alone will account for half of your total installation costs, or an average of $600 when you hire a water heater installer in Philadelphia. The per-hour cost of labor in the city is above the national average, thanks to the cost of living being 14% higher than it is in most cities. The below-average household size and the higher proportion of less expensive gas water heaters help keep the total cost below average, though.
Any project that involves the replacement of mechanical equipment, like a water heater, will require permits in Philly. The City of Philadelphia charges a flat fee of just $34 for water heater replacement. If you also need changes to your plumbing lines to connect your new water heater, you’ll need an additional permit for the rough-in, which adds $150 to your total.
Finally, you should consider sales tax for the most accurate estimate possible. The sales tax rate in Philly is 8%, which translates to a total of $94.72 for the average installation.
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.
Do Water Heater Replacements Increase Home Value?
Replacing your water heater can make your home more enticing to buyers because it ensures they won’t have to lay out money shortly after closing for repairs or replacements. However, the actual return you’ll see will be minimal.
If you’re upgrading from a tank-style to a tankless water heater, though, a study done by Zillow suggests you could see a 1.2% bump in home value, which would translate to a value bump of $3,300 in Philly. As such, the higher cost for a tankless water heater could be worth it.
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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