Gas tankless water heater replacement cost in Grand Rapids, MI
Installed, About 180,000–199,000 BTU (2–3+ bathrooms)
A typical tankless water heater (About 180,000–199,000 BTU (2–3+ bathrooms)) costs about $2,950 installed in the Grand Rapids area, 5% above the national figure, because plumbers here earn a median $39 an hour against $31 nationally.
Prices by size in Grand Rapids
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| About 150,000 BTU (1–2 bathrooms) | $2,100 | $2,800 | $3,550 | $2,650 |
| About 180,000–199,000 BTU (2–3+ bathrooms) | $2,650 | $2,950 | $3,900 | $2,800 |
Local labor: what plumbers earn here
| Hourly wage | Grand Rapids metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $28 | $24 |
| Median | $39 | $31 |
| 75th percentile | $44 | $41 |
The Grand Rapids market
Grand Rapids' FY2027 fee schedule lists residential replacement equipment under mechanical permits: furnaces, AC units and heat pumps, and water heaters at $21 each, plus a $52 application that includes one inspection. Plumbing permits also carry a $52 application and a $21 water heater line. No city page states the requirement in words, but the fee lines make a permit the expected route. A homeowner may apply in person at the Development Center for a mechanical permit on their primary single-family residence; properties with two or more units must use a licensed contractor, who registers their State of Michigan license with the city. DOE puts Kent County in cold climate zone 5A. EIA's 2020 survey found 77% of Michigan homes heat with natural gas and 83% use a furnace.
A gas tankless heater in Grand Rapids must handle very cold winter inlet water, so size it for the coldest months. The conversion usually involves new venting and gas piping. Ask whether the gas line needs upsizing for the higher burner input, and where the vent will exit. Ask for the rated flow at a winter inlet temperature. A quote with isolation valves makes later descaling a quick job.
Permits in Grand Rapids
| Permit for this job | Yes (inferred: FY2027 fee schedule has a 'Water Heaters (replacement)' mechanical permit line and a plumbing 'Water Heater' line; no page states the requirement in words) (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | Mechanical: Application (includes 1 inspection) $52.00 + furnace replacement $21.00, AC/heat pump replacement $21.00, water heater replacement $21.00. Plumbing: Application (includes 1 inspection) $52.00 + water heater $21.00. |
| Who can pull it | Homeowner of single-family primary residence (in person) or licensed contractor; 2+ unit properties must use a licensed contractor |
| Inspection | Yes (permit application fee includes 1 inspection) |
Rebates in Michigan
HEAR: open with limits. HOMES: open with limits. Source: EGLE Materials Management Division, Energy Services, checked October 13, 2026.
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in Grand Rapids
- Gas tank water heater
- Gas furnace
- Central air conditioner
- Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler)
Gas tankless water heater cost in other metros
Sources
- Grand Rapids, MI permit source (water heater permit)
- Grand Rapids, MI permit source (who can pull)
- Grand Rapids, MI permit source (notable local rule)
- Grand Rapids, MI permit source: Same homeowner/contractor rules for plumbing
- DOE Building America: Guide to Determining Climate Regions by County
- Michigan EGLE: Home Energy Rebate programs
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for space heating fuel in U.S. homes by state
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- BLS OEWS May 2025, Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI (47-2152 plumbers)
- DOE Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters Final Rule TSD (Dec 2024), Table 8.2.6 (2023$)