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🔥 PlumbingUpdated January 2026

Water Heater Replacement Cost in Los Angeles (2026 Guide)

Water heater replacement in LA costs $1,450–$2,370 for a standard gas tank in 2026. Adjust for type and installation complexity.

Water Heater Cost Calculator

Replacement cost in Los Angeles, 2026

Base Estimate — Los Angeles 2026

$1,820

Low

$1,440

High

$2,401

* LADBS permit required for all water heater replacements ($150–$250). LA code requires expansion tank.

* SoCalGas rebates: $200–$400 (high-efficiency gas), $1,000+ (heat pump). Federal IRA credit: 30% on heat pump.

* Tankless gas requires ¾″ gas line — upgrade adds $300–$600 if not already present.

Water heater replacement in Los Angeles costs $1,541–$2,266 for a standard 40-gallon gas tank unit in 2026. LA plumbers charge higher rates than the national average, reflecting California's licensing requirements and strong demand in LA's 3.5 million housing units. The average installed cost including permit is approximately $1,813. Tankless water heaters are increasingly popular given LA's high gas rates and California's push toward heat pump water heaters as part of Title 24 compliance.

Water Heater Replacement Cost Comparison (Los Angeles, 2026)

TypeInstalled Cost
40-gal Gas Tank$1,541–$2,266
50-gal Gas Tank$2,000–$2,800
Tankless Gas$2,400–$4,500
Heat Pump (Electric)$2,200–$4,200
Solar Water Heater$3,500–$6,500

Cost Factors for Water Heater Replacement in LA

Gas line upgrades

High

Tankless water heaters require a 3/4" gas line. Many LA homes have only a 1/2" line, requiring upgrade at $300–$800 additional cost.

Expansion tank requirement

Medium

LA city code requires a thermal expansion tank on closed-loop systems. Costs $80–$150 installed and is non-negotiable.

Venting configuration

Medium

Tankless units require direct-vent or power-vent exhaust. Converting from atmospheric venting to direct-vent adds $200–$500 in materials and labor.

SoCalGas rebates

Medium

SoCalGas offers $200–$400 rebates on qualifying tankless models. Heat pump water heaters may qualify for additional state TECH Clean California rebates up to $1,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Water heater replacement in Los Angeles costs $1,541–$2,266 for a standard 40-gallon gas tank unit, fully installed with permit. The average sits around $1,813. Tankless water heaters cost more upfront ($2,266–$4,500) but deliver long-term energy savings in LA's high-rate natural gas market.

Data Sources & Methodology

Pricing estimates for water heater replacement in Los Angeles are derived from a base price anchored to January 2025 LA market survey data, adjusted forward using publicly available labor and materials indices.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

  • → Employment Cost Index (ECI) — Private sector, LA-Long Beach-Anaheim MSA
  • → Applied labor adjustment: +4.2% YoY
  • → Producer Price Index (PPI) — Construction materials (WPU0731)
  • → Applied materials adjustment: +2.8% YoY

California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)

  • → Prevailing wage schedules for Los Angeles County
  • → Trade classifications used for labor weighting
  • → Data period: Q4 2024 – Q1 2026

⚠️ Disclaimer: These are derived estimates intended to help consumers understand typical market ranges. They are not official government prices and do not represent quotes or bids from any service provider. Actual costs vary based on project scope, materials selected, site conditions, and local market conditions. Always verify pricing directly with qualified providers. Prices last recalculated: 2026-01-20. For permit and license verification, visit cslb.ca.gov.