Gas tank water heater replacement cost in San Antonio, TX
Installed, 50 gallon, standard vent
A typical gas water heater (50 gallon, standard vent) costs about $1,950 installed in the San Antonio area, 3% below the national figure, because plumbers here earn a median $28 an hour against $31 nationally.
Prices by size in San Antonio
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 gallon, standard vent | $1,650 | $1,850 | $2,200 | $1,900 |
| 50 gallon, standard vent | $1,700 | $1,950 | $2,400 | $2,000 |
| 75 gallon, standard vent | $2,450 | $2,750 | $3,100 | $2,800 |
| 40 gallon, power vent | $2,450 | $2,700 | $3,000 | $2,750 |
| 50 gallon, power vent | $2,600 | $2,800 | $3,250 | $2,850 |
Local labor: what plumbers earn here
| Hourly wage | San Antonio metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $22 | $24 |
| Median | $28 | $31 |
| 75th percentile | $33 | $41 |
The San Antonio market
San Antonio's Development Services Department requires a permit to install water heaters and HVAC equipment, and only state-licensed contractors can get electrical, mechanical or plumbing permits. Its pages do not mention a homestead homeowner exception. Water heater replacement has an unusual path: under the Limited Service and Repair (LSR) permit, a licensed plumbing contractor may do the work first and obtain the permit within three working days of finishing to avoid a penalty fee. The LSR fee is a $57.50 plumbing base fee, an $11.50 processing fee and a 4% surcharge. After an LSR permit issues, the owner may request a free DSD inspection within 30 days through the BuildSA portal. HVAC replacement is not addressed separately. EIA found 83% of Texas homes use central air. New Braunfels and suburban cities issue their own permits.
An emergency water heater swap can happen the same day in San Antonio. Texas homes split 54% electric and 42% gas for water heating, so check which you have before calling. Ask the plumber to send you the permit once filed. For a tank in an attic or closet, ask about a drain pan with a line that ends somewhere visible. Ask whether haul-away and an expansion tank are included.
Permits in San Antonio
| Permit for this job | Yes (may be pulled after the work under a Limited Service and Repair permit) (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | Plumbing LSR: $57.50 plumbing permit base fee + $11.50 processing fee + 4% Development Services/Technology surcharge. Home Remodeling FAQ (2019): plumbing $50 + per fixture; mechanical $50 + per mechanical fixture. |
| Who can pull it | State-licensed contractor for plumbing/mechanical permits |
| Inspection | On request for LSR water heater permits (owner may request a DSD inspection within 30 days); HVAC unclear |
Rebates in Texas
HEAR: announced, not open yet. HOMES: announced, not open yet. Source: Texas State Energy Conservation Office (Comptroller), checked October 13, 2026.
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in San Antonio
- Gas tankless water heater
- Gas furnace
- Central air conditioner
- Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler)
Gas tank water heater cost in other metros
Sources
- City of San Antonio: Home remodeling permit FAQ
- City of San Antonio IB 121c: Limited Service and Repair permits
- Texas Comptroller: State Energy Conservation Office
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA, 2020 RECS: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- BLS OEWS May 2025, San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX (47-2152 plumbers)
- DOE Consumer Water Heaters Final Rule TSD (Apr 2024), Table 8.2.7 (2022$); labor share from App. 8D (3.75 h + trip, $420 of $791)