Hot water usually quits at a bad time: a cold shower, a puddle under the tank, a pilot that won't stay lit. When you're pricing a replacement fast, it helps to know what a fair quote looks like and what it should include.
This guide pulls published cost ranges together in one place. It also explains what changes the price, and covers the Connecticut rebate that can lower the cost of a heat pump water heater. NeedNow connects you with independent local pros. We don't do the work, and we don't set prices.
A note on the numbers. The tank and tankless ranges below are national figures from the sources listed at the bottom. Local quotes may come in above or below these numbers. The heat pump figures come from Energize Connecticut and are specific to Connecticut.
The short answer
| Job | Typical published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a standard tank water heater (installed) | $882 to $1,825 (average $1,347) | HomeAdvisor / Angi, national |
| Replace a water heater (all types, installed) | $698 to $2,036 (average $1,193) | Thumbtack, national |
| Replace a tankless water heater (installed) | $1,400 to $3,900 | HomeAdvisor / Angi, national |
| Heat pump water heater (initial cost) | $1,700 to $3,000 average | Energize CT, Connecticut |
| Energize CT rebate on a qualifying heat pump water heater (2026) | $900 | Energize CT |
The sources don't agree exactly because they use different data and include different things. Use the ranges to sanity-check a quote. They aren't a price anyone has promised you.
What moves the price
Type of heater. A like-for-like tank swap is usually the cheapest job. According to HomeAdvisor, labor alone runs about $150 to $450 to replace a tank heater and $600 to $1,900 to replace a tankless unit. Converting from a tank to tankless can add $150 to $2,500 in labor.
Tank size. Bigger tanks cost more. HomeAdvisor lists 40-gallon replacements at about $800 to $2,300 and 50-gallon at about $800 to $2,500. A 75- or 80-gallon unit costs noticeably more.
Venting and fuel. If your gas heater needs a power-vent unit, HomeAdvisor says to expect $600 to $1,100 more for the unit and the electrical work. Switching fuel (electric to gas, or gas to electric) can bring in a new gas line, a new circuit, or both. Angi lists new gas line installation at an average of $260 to $820.
Code items. Your plumber may need to add parts the old install never had. An expansion tank is a common example, and Angi puts it at $90 to $350. Ask for these items as separate lines on the quote so you can compare quotes fairly.
Location in the house. Moving the heater to a new spot costs more than replacing it where it is. HomeAdvisor gives a relocation range of $150 to $3,400.
Permit. Nationally, HomeAdvisor lists water heater permits at $25 to $300. Your town sets its own fee.
The Connecticut angle: permits, licenses, and rebates
Expect a permit
Branford's Building Department says permits are required for anyone who intends to "erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the code." Guilford takes building permit applications online. If you're elsewhere on the shoreline, check with your own town's building department before work starts.
Ask who is pulling the permit, and get the answer in the contract. The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) says having the right permit in place is ultimately the homeowner's responsibility.
Hire a licensed plumber
DCP says people doing plumbing, heating, and similar work need the right Connecticut license. You can check a license on the state's eLicense lookup before you hire. Our guide to checking a contractor's registration and license in Connecticut walks through it.
The heat pump water heater rebate
Energize Connecticut, the program run by Eversource and UI, lists these details for 2026:
- $900 rebate on qualifying ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters
- For residential electric customers of Eversource and UI, with the unit installed in that utility's service territory
- The purchase must be made between January 1 and December 31, 2026
- Minimum efficiency ratings apply. Integrated units need a UEF of 3.40 or higher (2.20 or higher for 120-volt/15-amp models), and split systems need 2.20 or higher.
- Households that meet income guidelines can get an extra $1,000 toward installation (up to $1,900 total) on installs completed on or after June 1, 2026. This requires a licensed contractor and income verification through Energize CT.
Energize CT lists the average lifespan of a heat pump water heater as 10 to 15 years. Program terms change, so confirm eligibility with Energize CT or your installer before you buy.
Repair or replace?
Angi lists tank water heater repairs at $100 to $500 and tankless repairs at $100 to $1,300. A good plumber will tell you when a repair makes sense and when it doesn't. If one quote only offers a full replacement, getting a second opinion is reasonable.
How to compare quotes
Get at least two or three written quotes and check that each one covers:
- The make, model, size, and fuel type of the new heater
- Removal and disposal of the old unit
- Venting, expansion tank, valves, and any other code items, each on its own line
- The permit: who pulls it, and whether the fee is included
- The labor warranty (separate from the manufacturer's warranty)
- For heat pump units: whether the price already reflects an instant rebate, and who files the rebate paperwork
If water is actively leaking, shut off the water supply to the heater first. Our burst pipe guide explains how to find your shutoff.
Find a local plumber
Need a replacement quote in Branford, Guilford, or nearby towns? See water heater repair near you or plumbers near you. You can call, text, or send a request.
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