Services
Water heater repair and replacement in Austin
Most water heater repairs cost $150 to $350. Most tank replacements are done the same day for $1,400 to $2,600 installed. We work on tank and tankless, gas and electric, and every major brand.
Reviewed by Marcus Rivera, Texas Master Plumber Updated
Signs your water heater needs attention
- No hot water, or it runs out much faster than it used to
- Rusty or brown water from the hot side only
- Popping or rumbling while it heats, which means sediment
- Water on the floor or in the drain pan
- A tank that's 10 years old or older
- A gas pilot light that keeps going out
Why water heaters wear out early in Austin
Austin's water is hard. Minerals settle to the bottom of the tank as sediment, which makes the burner work harder and wears the tank from the inside. A tank that might last 12 years somewhere else often lasts 8 to 10 here. Flushing it once a year and checking the anode rod every few years adds real time to its life.
Should you repair or replace it?
If the heater is under 8 years old and one part failed, like a thermostat, element, gas valve or thermocouple, we'll usually recommend the repair. If the tank itself is leaking, it has to be replaced. A leaking tank can't be patched. Between 8 and 12 years it depends on the repair cost and the tank's condition, and we'll price both options so you can choose.
What we do
- Repairs on gas and electric tank heaters
- Same-day tank replacement, 40 to 75 gallons
- Tankless installation, descaling and repair
- Expansion tanks, drain pans and venting brought up to code
- Anode rod replacement and yearly flushes
- Hauling away and disposing of the old unit
How much does a new water heater cost in Austin?
A standard 40 or 50 gallon gas tank usually runs $1,600 to $2,600 installed. That includes the permit, hauling off the old tank and bringing the connections up to code.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Diagnose and repair (thermostat, element or valve) | $150 to $350 |
| Tank flush and anode rod check | $125 to $175 |
| 40 to 50 gallon electric tank, installed | $1,400 to $2,300 |
| 40 to 50 gallon gas tank, installed | $1,600 to $2,600 |
| Tankless water heater, installed | $3,500 to $5,500 |
Prices are typical ranges for Austin-area homes and include labor unless noted. Your plumber gives you an exact, flat price before any work starts.
Common questions
How long does a replacement take?
Most tank swaps take three to four hours. We carry the common 40 and 50 gallon sizes on our trucks, so if you call in the morning you'll usually have hot water by dinner. Switching to tankless often takes a full day.
Is a tankless water heater worth it?
It can be. Tankless gives you endless hot water and can last close to 20 years, but it costs more up front and needs yearly descaling in Austin's hard water. For a family that runs out of hot water often, it usually pays off. For one or two people, a good tank is often the better value.
Do you need a permit to replace a water heater?
Yes. The City of Austin and most nearby cities require one. We pull the permit and schedule the inspection, and the cost is included in our price.
Related services
We handle water heaters across Austin and nearby cities. If water is spreading right now, see what to do while you wait, or call (512) 555-0100.
Need help with water heaters?
Day or night. If it can wait, send a message and we'll call you back with a free estimate.
Sunrise Plumbing · 123 Main Street, Austin, TX 78701 · Texas Master Plumber License M-00000