Water heater (40–50 gal tank)
Tank replacement, installed. Permit required.
Sample pricing — illustrative only, not an offer.
A pro removes your old 40–50 gallon tank water heater and installs a new one to current code, with a permit pulled. Book it when the tank leaks from its body, rumbles, gives rusty water, or is past its ~8–12 year life.
What's included
- Draining and hauling away the old 40–50 gallon tank
- Setting the new tank and connecting water, gas or electric, and the temperature/pressure relief valve
- Bringing the install up to current code (proper venting, expansion tank, drain pan, straps where required)
- A pulled permit, as noted on the service
- Not included: drywall repair, relocating the heater, or upsizing beyond your current tank
What to expect
Typical time on site: about 2–4 hours
- The pro shuts off water and gas or power, then drains and removes the old tank (a standard replacement takes 2–4 hours)
- They set and connect the new tank
- They install code-required safety parts
- They refill and check for leaks before relighting or powering up
- Anything beyond a like-for-like swap (relocating, major venting changes) is photographed and sent as a change order you approve in the app first
Good to know
- A leaking tank is urgent — a failed water heater can dump 40+ gallons onto your floor; shut off its water supply and power/gas if you see leaking
- If you only get lukewarm water or no hot water and the tank isn't leaking, book the 'not sure' diagnostic first — it might be a fixable part
- Replacement is not a DIY job in Texas: gas connections, venting (carbon-monoxide risk), and permits require a licensed pro
- Ask whether an expansion tank is required (many Houston-area homes with a backflow preventer need one), and know your fuel type and tank size before booking
Price range explained
You're toward the low end for an easy garage or utility-closet swap with no changes, and toward the high end when code upgrades are needed, the old unit is in a tight attic, or you move up in size or quality. The band includes the unit, labor, permit, and code parts; the pre-visit figure is a range and the firm price is confirmed on arrival before work starts.
Match a lower written quote
Got a lower WRITTEN quote from another licensed plumber for the same job? Upload a photo of it and we'll match the price.
Your plumber absorbs this — they keep 100% of the matched rate (Plumbr's fee is unchanged) and can dispute it after the job.
Match a competitor's quotePreview only — this does not book a real visit, and nobody is dispatched.