How much does it cost to replace an 80-gallon water heater?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Water heaters provide your home with consistent hot water. They are integral to every home and sized to your needs. If you have a family of more than 5 people, a large bathtub, or a performance shower, you may want to consider an 80-gallon water heater. These tank-style heaters can heat 80-gallons of water in 1 hour, keeping it ready for when you need it. They can be powered by electricity or gas/propane. There are also 80-gallon holding tanks available for solar water heating systems.

The national average cost range to replace an 80-gallon water heater is $2,600 to $5,000, with most people paying around $3,500 for a high-efficiency 80-gallon gas-powered water heater in a direct replacement. This project’s low cost is $2,000 for an 80-gallon light service electric water heater in an open and accessible area. The high cost is $8,000 for an 80-gallon high-efficiency hybrid electric heat pump water heater with 6 elements in a difficult-to-reach location.

80-Gallon Water Heater Cost Calculator

Many 80-gallon water heaters are “commercial” because they are more often installed in commercial areas than residential settings. However, despite the name, they are commonly used in homes. Electric is the most common energy source because they are often designed for commercial use. Gas and propane are less common but can be purchased directly from the installer. Below are the costs to install an 80-gallon water heater of different qualities.

Basic 80-gallon water heaters are considered light service, meaning they do not heat the water as quickly as other models. Standard heaters are usually high-efficiency, particularly electric ones, to help make them more eco-friendly and meet current regulations. The best heaters are usually hybrid models that use heat pumps or solar energy with electric resistance to heat the water.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

80-Gallon Solar Water Heater

Solar water heaters are a great way to heat water in your home without other energy sources. An 80-gallon holding tank for your solar power system costs around $1,100 to $2,000 and uses a small amount of electricity to keep the water warm. The solar water system costs $8,000 to $10,000.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Top manufacturers. 80-gallon water heaters are less common than smaller models, but many top manufacturers still produce them, including Rheem, A. O. Smith, Rinnai, and Richmond.
• Lifespan. Expect your water heater to last at least 10 to 15 years. Most have warranties of at least 6 years.
• Maintenance. Water heater maintenance is fairly simple. They need to be occasionally drained and flushed to remove sediment from the bottom.
• Mounting. 80-gallon water heaters are large. They must be floor-mounted and often need a large space.
• Piping. If you need additional piping to reach the water heater, expect to pay an additional $8 to $10 per linear foot of pipe installed.
• Permit. Permits may be required for water heater installations in some areas. Always check with your local municipality for more information.