Gas tank water heater replacement cost in Philadelphia, PA
Installed, 50 gallon, standard vent
A typical gas water heater (50 gallon, standard vent) costs about $2,050 installed in the Philadelphia area, 2% above the national figure, because plumbers here earn a median $36 an hour against $31 nationally.
Prices by size in Philadelphia
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 gallon, standard vent | $1,750 | $2,000 | $2,550 | $1,900 |
| 50 gallon, standard vent | $1,800 | $2,050 | $2,750 | $2,000 |
| 75 gallon, standard vent | $2,550 | $2,850 | $3,500 | $2,800 |
| 40 gallon, power vent | $2,550 | $2,800 | $3,350 | $2,750 |
| 50 gallon, power vent | $2,700 | $2,900 | $3,600 | $2,850 |
Local labor: what plumbers earn here
| Hourly wage | Philadelphia metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $29 | $24 |
| Median | $36 | $31 |
| 75th percentile | $50 | $41 |
The Philadelphia market
Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections requires a plumbing permit for replacement work, and water heater permits may be issued immediately when a contractor applies. Replacing appliances in a one- or two-family home qualifies for a mechanical EZ permit. Any owner or authorized agent may apply, but a licensed master plumber must oversee plumbing and a licensed contractor must perform mechanical work. A Certificate of Approval follows the required inspections, and boilers are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Fees run $31 for a water heater in a one- or two-family home, $69 per separately submitted mechanical appliance, a $100 filing fee credited toward the permit and small City and State surcharges. Rowhouse stock means mixed systems: EIA found 19% of Pennsylvania homes heat with a boiler and 6% heat water with oil. Camden, Wilmington and the suburban counties have separate permit offices.
The city uses a Water Heater Replacement Certification Form that requires time-stamped photos of the new install, so ask your plumber to submit it. Pennsylvania homes split almost evenly between gas (46%) and electric (45%) water heaters, and many rowhouses keep the heater in a tight basement corner. A taller or wider tank may not fit that corner, so ask the plumber to measure first. Ask whether haul-away up narrow stairs is included.
Permits in Philadelphia
| Permit for this job | Yes (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | Water heater: $31 (1-2 family) or $37; mechanical appliance submitted separately $69 each in 1-2 family ($158 otherwise); direct-vent/flue-connected heating unit $69 in 1-2 family; $100 non-refundable filing fee credited to permit fee; surcharges $3 City + $4.50 State per permit. |
| Who can pull it | Owner or authorized agent may apply, but work must be done/overseen by a licensed master plumber (plumbing) or licensed contractor (mechanical) |
| Inspection | Yes |
Rebates in Pennsylvania
HEAR: announced, not open yet. HOMES: announced, not open yet. Source: PA DEP Energy Programs Office, checked October 13, 2026.
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in Philadelphia
- Gas tankless water heater
- Gas furnace
- Central air conditioner
- Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler)
Gas tank water heater cost in other metros
Sources
- City of Philadelphia: Get a plumbing permit
- City of Philadelphia: Get a mechanical permit
- Philadelphia L&I Water Heater Replacement Certification Form
- Pennsylvania DEP: Inflation Reduction Act home energy rebates
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- BLS OEWS May 2025, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD (47-2152 plumbers)
- DOE Consumer Water Heaters Final Rule TSD (Apr 2024), Table 8.2.7 (2022$); labor share from App. 8D (3.75 h + trip, $420 of $791)