Water heater replacement cost in the Triangle depends on unit type, size, fuel type, and what code corrections the installation requires. This page gives you real numbers for the most common replacement scenarios in Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh homes. These are installed costs — unit, labor, permit, expansion tank, and haul-away — not just unit prices.
Tank Water Heater Replacement Costs
| Unit Type | Size | Installed Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Gas (natural gas) | 40 gallon | $950 – $1,300 |
| Gas (natural gas) | 50 gallon | $1,000 – $1,400 |
| Gas (natural gas) | 75 gallon | $1,400 – $1,900 |
| Electric | 40 gallon | $900 – $1,200 |
| Electric | 50 gallon | $950 – $1,300 |
| Heat pump (electric) | 50–80 gallon | $1,800 – $2,800 |
These ranges assume existing properly sized gas supply or electrical service and a properly functioning vent run. Additional work outside these parameters is quoted separately before work begins.
Tankless Water Heater Installation Costs
| Scenario | Installed Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Like-for-like tankless replacement (existing gas and vent adequate) | $2,200 – $2,800 |
| Tank-to-tankless conversion, no gas line work needed | $2,500 – $3,200 |
| Tank-to-tankless conversion with gas line upsizing | $3,200 – $4,500 |
Common Add-On Costs
Items that add cost beyond the base replacement ranges above:
- Gas line upsizing (required when 3/4-inch supply is insufficient for tankless) — $400 to $900 depending on run length
- Vent correction (wrong diameter, inadequate rise, blocked termination) — $150 to $600
- Service panel upgrade or dedicated circuit (for electric replacements with undersized service) — billed separately
- Seismic strapping (required in some Chapel Hill older construction) — $75 to $150
What is Always Included
Every replacement we run includes the unit, thermal expansion tank, new inlet/outlet connections, T&P valve, permit, haul-away of the old unit, and full operational test. No surprise charges at completion.
Related Services
- Gas Water Heater Replacement
- Electric Water Heater Replacement
- Tankless Installation
- Water Heater Replacement Overview