Gas tank water heater replacement cost in Washington, DC
Installed, 50 gallon, standard vent
A typical gas water heater (50 gallon, standard vent) costs about $2,050 installed in the Washington area, 2% above the national figure, because plumbers here earn a median $35 an hour against $31 nationally.
Prices by size in Washington
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 gallon, standard vent | $1,700 | $1,950 | $2,450 | $1,900 |
| 50 gallon, standard vent | $1,750 | $2,050 | $2,650 | $2,000 |
| 75 gallon, standard vent | $2,500 | $2,850 | $3,400 | $2,800 |
| 40 gallon, power vent | $2,500 | $2,800 | $3,250 | $2,750 |
| 50 gallon, power vent | $2,650 | $2,900 | $3,500 | $2,850 |
Local labor: what plumbers earn here
| Hourly wage | Washington metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $27 | $24 |
| Median | $35 | $31 |
| 75th percentile | $45 | $41 |
The Washington market
In the District, the Department of Buildings (DOB) says new and replacement gas appliances and new and replacement HVAC equipment need a permit. Only DC contractors licensed in the specific trade may apply, and a Mechanical Instant Permit, which covers installing one new air conditioning unit up to 10 tons, can only be issued to licensed contractors. You schedule a DOB inspection once the work is done, and a permit goes invalid if it has no approved inspection within 12 months. The fee schedule lists $36 for the first furnace, $65 for the first residential central AC system up to 5 tons and a $20 minimum plus 10%. Row houses with boilers and radiators are common: EIA found boilers provide main heat in 22% of DC homes and heat pumps in 14%. Arlington, Alexandria and the Maryland suburbs follow their own county rules.
EIA found DC homes split almost evenly on water heating fuel, 52% electric and 46% gas. Whether an electric tank swap needs a permit is not stated on the pages reviewed, so ask DOB. Row house basements are tight, so ask the plumber to measure before ordering a taller or wider tank. For a gas tank, ask whether the vent and chimney connection will be checked.
Permits in Washington
| Permit for this job | Gas only (confirmed: 'new and replacement gas appliances' need a permit); electric unclear (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | Itemized: furnace or unit heater $36 first, $16 each additional; central AC up to 5 tons (residential) $65 first; plumbing fixture $26 first, $20 each additional; minimum permit fee $20 (+10% = $22). Instant permit fees 'average $36.30'. |
| Who can pull it | Licensed DC trade contractor only for plumbing/mechanical trade permits |
| Inspection | Yes |
Rebates in District of Columbia
HEAR: open with limits. HOMES: status unclear. Source: DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE), checked October 13, 2026.
- DC Sustainable Energy Utility residential rebates: Heat pump, HPWH and HVAC rebates at any income ('up to $5,000 off electric equipment' enhanced rebates)
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in Washington
- Gas tankless water heater
- Gas furnace
- Central air conditioner
- Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler)
Gas tank water heater cost in other metros
Sources
- DC DOB: What projects require a permit
- DC DOB: Mechanical Instant Permits
- DC DOB permit fee schedule
- DC Sustainable Energy Utility: residential rebates
- DCSEU: Affordable Home Electrification Program
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- BLS OEWS May 2025, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV (47-2152 plumbers)
- DOE Consumer Water Heaters Final Rule TSD (Apr 2024), Table 8.2.7 (2022$); labor share from App. 8D (3.75 h + trip, $420 of $791)