Gas tank water heater replacement cost in Detroit, MI
Installed, 50 gallon, standard vent
A typical gas water heater (50 gallon, standard vent) costs about $2,150 installed in the Detroit area, 7% above the national figure, because plumbers here earn a median $42 an hour against $31 nationally.
Prices by size in Detroit
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 gallon, standard vent | $1,750 | $2,050 | $2,550 | $1,900 |
| 50 gallon, standard vent | $1,800 | $2,150 | $2,700 | $2,000 |
| 75 gallon, standard vent | $2,550 | $2,950 | $3,450 | $2,800 |
| 40 gallon, power vent | $2,550 | $2,900 | $3,300 | $2,750 |
| 50 gallon, power vent | $2,700 | $3,000 | $3,550 | $2,850 |
Local labor: what plumbers earn here
| Hourly wage | Detroit metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $29 | $24 |
| Median | $42 | $31 |
| 75th percentile | $48 | $41 |
The Detroit market
In Detroit, the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) issues trade permits, and its FAQ says plumbing and furnace (mechanical) work need one. The plumbing fee schedule lists water heaters at $44 each plus a $73 non-refundable application fee. A current mechanical fee schedule was not found, so ask BSEED. Homeowners may apply for trade permits on single-family homes they own and occupy, while a contractor is required for multi-family dwellings and commercial property. After the work is done you request an inspection, then a Certificate of Acceptance validates the permit. Cold winters drive equipment here: EIA found furnaces are the main heat in 83% of Michigan homes, and gas heats water in 66%. Warren, Dearborn and the suburban townships each run their own building departments.
Most Detroit homes use a gas tank in the basement, venting into a chimney shared with the furnace. If you are replacing both, ask how the vent will be sized for what remains. A smaller modern appliance can leave an old masonry flue too large to draft well, and a liner may be the fix. Ask whether the quote includes a new vent connector, gas shutoff and haul-away. Check the tank's date code before paying for repairs.
Permits in Detroit
| Permit for this job | Yes (inferred: plumbing permit application prices water heaters per unit; FAQ says plumbing/furnace work needs a BSEED permit) (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | Plumbing: water heater $44 each plus $73 non-refundable application fee. Mechanical: current schedule not found (a 2010 form listed 'Homeowner Furnace Installation Permit $148' and 'Alterations to Existing Fuel Burner Furnace Installation $99'). |
| Who can pull it | Homeowner (single-family, owner-occupant with proof of ownership) or licensed contractor; contractor required for 2-family and up |
| Inspection | Yes |
Rebates in Michigan
HEAR: open with limits. HOMES: open with limits. Source: EGLE Materials Management Division, Energy Services, checked October 13, 2026.
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in Detroit
- Gas tankless water heater
- Gas furnace
- Central air conditioner
- Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler)
Gas tank water heater cost in other metros
- Grand Rapids, MI
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Dallas, TX
- Houston, TX
- Atlanta, GA
- Washington, DC
Sources
- Detroit BSEED: frequently asked questions
- Detroit BSEED plumbing fee schedule
- Michigan EGLE: Home energy rebate programs
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- https://training.detroitmi.gov/sites/training.detroitmi/files/2018-05/mechanical_permit_application_-_new_0.pdf
- BLS OEWS May 2025, Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI (47-2152 plumbers)
- DOE Consumer Water Heaters Final Rule TSD (Apr 2024), Table 8.2.7 (2022$); labor share from App. 8D (3.75 h + trip, $420 of $791)