Gas tank water heater replacement cost in Houston, TX
Installed, 50 gallon, standard vent
A typical gas water heater (50 gallon, standard vent) costs about $1,950 installed in the Houston area, 3% below the national figure, because plumbers here earn a median $29 an hour against $31 nationally.
Prices by size in Houston
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 gallon, standard vent | $1,650 | $1,900 | $2,300 | $1,900 |
| 50 gallon, standard vent | $1,700 | $1,950 | $2,450 | $2,000 |
| 75 gallon, standard vent | $2,450 | $2,750 | $3,200 | $2,800 |
| 40 gallon, power vent | $2,450 | $2,700 | $3,050 | $2,750 |
| 50 gallon, power vent | $2,600 | $2,800 | $3,300 | $2,850 |
Local labor: what plumbers earn here
| Hourly wage | Houston metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $24 | $24 |
| Median | $29 | $31 |
| 75th percentile | $36 | $41 |
The Houston market
The Houston Permitting Center requires a plumbing permit to replace or install a water heater and a permit to install, repair or replace a condensing unit. Furnaces fall under a separate Replace Heater Only mechanical permit. No homeowner route is stated: water heater permits go to a master plumber registered with the city, and HVAC permits to a contractor licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) whose license is registered with the city. Inspections are required, and the city will only schedule one if the mechanical contractor's registration is in good standing. Humidity and heat shape equipment here, and EIA found 83% of Texas homes use central air. Pasadena, The Woodlands (Montgomery County) and Sugar Land handle permits separately from the city.
Many Houston homes keep the water heater in the attic or garage. An attic tank in this heat can leak for a long time before a ceiling stain shows, so ask for a drain pan with a line that ends somewhere visible. Electricity heats water in 54% of Texas homes and gas in 42%, so check which you have before comparing bids. Ask whether the quote includes an expansion tank and haul-away of the old unit.
Permits in Houston
| Permit for this job | Yes (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | Water heater (plumbing): $34.24 each for first three heaters, $11.41 each additional, minimum permit fee $97.56 (page also states $91.05 elsewhere) plus $33.56 admin fee. Condensing unit: 2% of valuation + $46.35 plus $33.10 admin fee. Replace Heater Only: 2% of total job cost + $47.00 plus $33.56 admin fee. |
| Who can pull it | Licensed contractor only (City-registered master plumber for water heaters; TDLR-licensed mechanical contractor registered with City for HVAC); no homeowner route stated |
| Inspection | Yes |
Rebates in Texas
HEAR: announced, not open yet. HOMES: announced, not open yet. Source: Texas State Energy Conservation Office (Comptroller), checked October 13, 2026.
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in Houston
- Gas tankless water heater
- Gas furnace
- Central air conditioner
- Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler)
Gas tank water heater cost in other metros
Sources
- Houston Permitting Center: water heater permit (HPWCODE1101)
- Houston Permitting Center: condensing unit permit (HPWCODE1022)
- Houston Permitting Center: Replace Heater Only permit (HPWCODE1031)
- Texas Comptroller: State Energy Conservation Office
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- BLS OEWS May 2025, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX (47-2152 plumbers)
- DOE Consumer Water Heaters Final Rule TSD (Apr 2024), Table 8.2.7 (2022$); labor share from App. 8D (3.75 h + trip, $420 of $791)