Gas tankless water heater replacement cost in San Antonio, TX
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 $2,750 installed in the San Antonio area, 2% below the national figure, because plumbers here earn a median $28 an hour against $31 nationally.
Prices by size in San Antonio
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| About 150,000 BTU (1–2 bathrooms) | $2,000 | $2,550 | $3,250 | $2,650 |
| About 180,000–199,000 BTU (2–3+ bathrooms) | $2,550 | $2,750 | $3,650 | $2,800 |
Local labor: what plumbers earn here
| Hourly wage | San Antonio metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $22 | $24 |
| Median | $28 | $31 |
| 75th percentile | $33 | $41 |
The San Antonio market
San Antonio's Development Services Department requires a permit to install water heaters and HVAC equipment, and only state-licensed contractors can get electrical, mechanical or plumbing permits. Its pages do not mention a homestead homeowner exception. Water heater replacement has an unusual path: under the Limited Service and Repair (LSR) permit, a licensed plumbing contractor may do the work first and obtain the permit within three working days of finishing to avoid a penalty fee. The LSR fee is a $57.50 plumbing base fee, an $11.50 processing fee and a 4% surcharge. After an LSR permit issues, the owner may request a free DSD inspection within 30 days through the BuildSA portal. HVAC replacement is not addressed separately. EIA found 83% of Texas homes use central air. New Braunfels and suburban cities issue their own permits.
The LSR path covers replacement of an existing water heater, so a tankless conversion that adds gas piping, a new vent or a new location may need a standard plumbing permit filed before work. Ask Development Services which route applies. If the quote mentions an LSR permit for a full tankless conversion, ask the plumber to confirm with the city. Ask whether the gas meter can supply the burner.
Permits in San Antonio
| Permit for this job | Yes (may be pulled after the work under a Limited Service and Repair permit) (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | Plumbing LSR: $57.50 plumbing permit base fee + $11.50 processing fee + 4% Development Services/Technology surcharge. Home Remodeling FAQ (2019): plumbing $50 + per fixture; mechanical $50 + per mechanical fixture. |
| Who can pull it | State-licensed contractor for plumbing/mechanical permits |
| Inspection | On request for LSR water heater permits (owner may request a DSD inspection within 30 days); HVAC unclear |
Rebates in Texas
HEAR: announced, not open yet. HOMES: announced, not open yet. Source: Texas State Energy Conservation Office (Comptroller), checked October 13, 2026.
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in San Antonio
- Gas tank water heater
- Gas furnace
- Central air conditioner
- Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler)
Gas tankless water heater cost in other metros
Sources
- City of San Antonio: Home remodeling permit FAQ
- City of San Antonio IB 121c: Limited Service and Repair permits
- Texas Comptroller: State Energy Conservation Office
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- BLS OEWS May 2025, San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX (47-2152 plumbers)
- DOE Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters Final Rule TSD (Dec 2024), Table 8.2.6 (2023$)