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Gas tank water heater replacement cost in Los Angeles, CA

Installed, 50 gallon, standard vent

Low$1,750
Typical$2,050
High$2,700

Metro area: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA. Wages: BLS, May 2025. Permit notes checked October 2026.

A typical gas water heater (50 gallon, standard vent) costs about $2,050 installed in the Los Angeles area, 2% above the national figure, because plumbers here earn a median $34 an hour against $31 nationally.

Gas tank water heater (50 gallon, standard vent), installed

Prices for: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Low$1,750
Typical$2,050
High$2,700

Unit $1,080 (online list price, middle of 7 listings) plus installation about $950 for this area. Permit fees and code extras are listed below the table.

How this estimate is built

Prices by size in Los Angeles

SizeLowTypicalHighNational typical
40 gallon, standard vent$1,700$1,950$2,550$1,900
50 gallon, standard vent$1,750$2,050$2,700$2,000
75 gallon, standard vent$2,550$2,850$3,450$2,800
40 gallon, power vent$2,500$2,800$3,350$2,750
50 gallon, power vent$2,700$2,900$3,600$2,850

Local labor: what plumbers earn here

Hourly wageLos Angeles metroUnited States
25th percentile$28$24
Median$34$31
75th percentile$49$41

The Los Angeles market

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) treats water heater replacement, gas furnaces under 500,000 Btu per hour and same-size, same-type A/C swaps as express permits with no plan check. Heat pumps are not named on that list. A single-family owner can pull the permit as owner-builder with proof of ownership, and a contractor's agent needs a notarized authorization dated within the past year. An LADBS field inspector signs off the work. State law adds a seismic layer: California Health and Safety Code 19211 requires every new and replacement water heater to be braced, anchored or strapped. Gas dominates water heating, with EIA counting 78% of California homes using it in 2020. Long Beach, Anaheim and other cities in the metro run their own departments, so confirm which office covers your address.

Expect two straps on the new tank. LADBS bracing guidance says one goes in the upper third and one in the lower third, with the lower strap at least 4 inches above the control. Ask the plumber to show you both before they leave. If you sell later, state law requires you to certify in writing that the heater is braced. For a tank in the garage, ask about a drain pan and where the relief line discharges.

Permits in Los Angeles

Permit for this jobYes (source)
FeePlumbing: $28.00 per water heater and vent (line 27), plus permit issuing fee ($23 if sub-total over $90, else $0), plus 3% D.S.C.S. and 6% Systems surcharges and a One Stop Surcharge. HVAC fee lines not retrieved.
Who can pull itOwner-builder (single-family, with proof of ownership) or licensed contractor (with notarized authorization if agent pulls)
InspectionYes (LADBS field inspection; express list includes witness test and extra inspection trip items)

Rebates in California

HEAR: paused. HOMES: announced, not open yet. Source: California Energy Commission, checked October 13, 2026.

  • TECH Clean California: Statewide heat pump HVAC and heat pump water heater incentives via contractors; also administers HEEHRA (fully reserved)
  • Golden State Rebates: Instant rebates on efficient appliances at retailers

What these programs cover, and other states

Other systems in Los Angeles

Gas tank water heater cost in other metros

Sources