How much does it cost to replace a water heater in Washington, DC?
Replacing a standard tank water heater in Washington, DC typically runs $1,400–$2,800 installed, including the new unit, labor, permits, and haul-away of the old tank. A like-for-like swap (same size, same fuel, same spot) lands at the low end; a bigger tank, a fuel switch, or a relocation pushes it up. Tankless installs run $2,800–$5,500. Any quote far below $1,400 usually excludes the permit or the expansion tank — ask for the itemized version.
Likely causes
- Age — Most tank heaters last 8–12 years. Past 10, replacement beats repair almost every time.
- Tank leak or rust — Water at the base or rusty hot water means the tank itself is failing — not repairable.
- No hot water — A dead heating element or burner is a repair; on an old unit it's the trigger to replace instead.
What you can check yourself
- Read the label: the manufacture date and gallon size are printed on the tank — that's what sizes the replacement.
- Measure the space and note the fuel type (gas or electric) before getting quotes; both change the price.
- Ask each plumber whether the quote includes the permit, expansion tank, and haul-away — the three classic exclusions.
Typical cost
Typical in Washington, DC: standard tank replacement $1,400–$2,800 installed; tankless $2,800–$5,500. Federal and utility rebates may apply — ask the installer to itemize them.
When to call a pro
Water pooling at the base, a rotten-egg or gas smell, or no hot water at all in winter — book the replacement now; a failed tank can flood the space it sits in.
Plumber pros in Washington, DC
- Spartan Plumbing, Heating And Air Conditioning · 1776 I St Nw Ste 900, Washington, DC · 12025590339
- Plumbers 911 Washington DC · 1915 I St NW Ste 200, Washington, DC · 8779325325
- Greenpipe Biotech Inc · 1629 K St NW, Washington, DC · +12027192525
- Grayton Plumbing · 15 O St SW, Washington, DC · 2025444366
- MM Remodeling · 2067 Park Rd NW, Washington, DC · +12024153808
- Plumber In DC · 620 Park Rd NW, Washington, DC · 2028100624
- Plumbline Plumbers · 1629 A St NE, Washington, DC · 2025439515
- District Plumbers · 2300 4th St NE, Washington, DC · 12024995726
Get free quotes from Washington, DC pros →
Data by Servik — verified local pros from official license records and public sources. Cost figures are typical ranges, not quotes; a pro's written estimate is the real number.