How much does a water heater replacement cost in Philadelphia?+
Water heater replacement costs in the Philadelphia area typically range from $1,800 to $4,500 for a standard tank water heater, including installation, permits, and disposal of the old unit. Tankless water heater installations range from $3,500 to $6,500 depending on fuel type, venting requirements, and whether gas line upgrades are needed. HotWaterToday provides upfront pricing with the full job quoted before work begins. Upload a photo of your current unit for a fast, accurate quote.
How long does it take to replace a water heater?+
A standard tank water heater replacement typically takes 2 to 4 hours from arrival to hot water. Tankless installations may take 4 to 8 hours depending on whether new gas lines, venting, or electrical work is required. In most cases, HotWaterToday can complete the replacement the same day you call.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?+
If your water heater is leaking from the tank itself, replacement is the only option. Tank corrosion cannot be repaired. If the unit is over 10 years old and experiencing repeated issues (pilot light failures, inconsistent temperature, rusty water), replacement is usually more cost-effective than repair. Units under 8 years old with minor issues like a faulty thermocouple or heating element are often worth repairing. When you upload a photo, we'll give you an honest recommendation.
Tank vs tankless water heater: which is better?+
Tank water heaters cost less upfront ($1,800–$3,500 installed) and work well for most Philadelphia-area homes. They store 40–50 gallons of hot water and last 8–12 years. Tankless water heaters cost more ($3,500–$6,500 installed) but heat water on demand, never run out, and last 15–20 years. They're a good fit for larger families or homes with high hot water demand. Tankless units also save 20–30% on water heating energy costs. We install both and recommend based on your household size, budget, and existing infrastructure.
What water heater brands do you install?+
We install Bradford White, Navien, Rinnai, A.O. Smith, Rheem, and State water heaters. Bradford White is our most-installed brand for tank water heaters. They're professional-grade units not sold at big box stores, built in the USA, and backed by strong warranties. For tankless, we primarily install Navien and Rinnai units.
Do you serve New Jersey?+
No. HotWaterToday serves Philadelphia and Pennsylvania suburbs only, within approximately 30 miles of the city. We are not licensed in New Jersey and cannot perform work there. If you're in New Jersey, please contact a local NJ-licensed plumber.
How do I know what size water heater I need?+
For tank water heaters: 1–2 people typically need 30–40 gallons, 3–4 people need 40–50 gallons, and 5+ people need 50–75 gallons. For tankless units, sizing is based on flow rate (gallons per minute) and temperature rise. A whole-house gas tankless unit typically delivers 8–10 GPM, enough for 2–3 simultaneous fixtures. When you send us a photo showing your current unit's data plate, we can recommend the right size for your household.
What's included in the installation price?+
Our quoted price includes the water heater unit, all labor and materials, required permits, removal and disposal of your old water heater, and testing to confirm everything works. No hidden fees. If we discover additional work is needed during installation (like a gas line upgrade or code-required venting changes), we discuss it with you and get approval before proceeding.