What a water heater replacement costs in 2026
| Heater | Installed price |
|---|---|
| 50-gallon gas tank (Akron) | $1,400 to $2,100 |
| 50-gallon electric tank (Akron) | $1,400 to $1,900 |
| 40-gallon gas tank | $1,330 to $1,990 |
| 75-gallon gas tank | $1,730 to $2,600 |
| Tankless, gas or electric | $1,400 to $5,600 |
| Heat pump (hybrid electric) | $2,000 to $4,600 |
The 50-gallon figures are published Akron prices. The other tank sizes are scaled from them using national price ratios. Tankless and heat pump prices are national ranges, and they are wide because the job varies so much: a tankless swap can need a new vent, a bigger gas line, or new wiring.
The extras that change the price
| Extra | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Expansion tank | $100 to $400 |
| New vent (first time) | $500 to $1,500 |
| Replace an existing vent | $100 to $600 |
| Switch gas to electric | $250 to $1,000+ |
| Switch electric to gas | $400 to $2,000+ |
| Haul away the old heater | $75 to $500 |
| Hard spot (attic, tight closet), per extra hour | $125 to $300 |
| Permit, Summit County Building Standards | $40 |
Permits in Summit County
Replacing a water heater needs a permit. Summit County Building Standards lists the residential hot water tank replacement permit at $40 each on its 2024 plumbing permit form. It handles residential permits for 22 communities in the county. A few cities run their own building department, so check with your city if you're not sure. The plumber usually pulls the permit, and it should appear on your quote.
You can see whether a permit was pulled at your address with the Summit County permit search.
Tank, tankless, or heat pump?
Tank
Lowest price up front, and the quickest swap, because the plumber can usually reuse the same water lines, gas line, and vent.
Tankless
Hot water on demand and a longer life, but the install is often two or three times the price of a tank. Gas tankless units usually need a new vent, and many need a larger gas line.
Heat pump
An electric tank that pulls heat from the air around it, so it uses far less electricity than a standard electric tank. It needs room around it and works best in a basement. The federal 25C tax credit that used to help pay for one ended for installs after December 31, 2025.
Repair or replace?
Replace it if the tank itself is leaking (water pooling under it, rust at the bottom seam). That can't be fixed. Repair is often worth it when a part fails on a younger heater: a thermocouple or gas valve on a gas unit, or an element or thermostat on an electric one. See what to do when a water heater leaks.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to replace a water heater?
A standard 50-gallon tank replaced like-for-like in Akron runs about $1,400 to $2,100 for gas and $1,400 to $1,900 for electric, installed. Tankless and heat pump heaters cost more. Extras like a new vent, an expansion tank, or an attic install add to it.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Summit County?
Yes. Summit County Building Standards lists a residential hot water tank replacement permit at $40 each. Some cities in the county run their own building department and set their own fee. A plumber normally pulls the permit for you.
Is there still a federal tax credit for a heat pump water heater?
No, not for new installs. The federal 25C credit covered heat pump water heaters installed by December 31, 2025. A heater installed in 2026 does not qualify.
How long does a water heater last?
HomeGuide puts tank heaters at 8 to 12 years on average and tankless heaters at 15 to 20 years with upkeep. Hard water and skipped flushing shorten that. A tank that is leaking from the bottom is at the end of its life.