DFW Water Heater Cost and Installation Guide

The average total cost to purchase and install a water heater tank in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is between $1,925-$3,856.. This is 4-9% less expensive than the national average cost of water heater replacement, which falls between $1,998-$3,906. 

Tarrant County homeowners most frequently purchase electric water heaters and natural gas water heaters, with propane a distant third option among rural households. Our internal service data suggests local residents can save 16%+ on long-term ownership costs with proper maintenance service and water heater warranty program.

The 3 primary cost drivers of hot water heater replacement in Tarrant County are installation labor, water heater type (by fuel source), and the size and capacity of your water heater.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this exclusive guide to water heater cost and installation in the Tarrant County, TX region:

• Water heater installation labor is the top cost driver. DFW plumbing services account for 66-77% of your overall water heater replacement bill. 
• Natural gas water heaters cost more upfront, but save more long-term. Electric water heaters are 2-5% less expensive to purchase but cost more in long-term utilities.
• Roughly 60% of Fort Worth homes have electric water heater tanks. 40% of DFW homes use natural gas water heater systems.
• Annual maintenance and best-in-class warranties matter. Regular draining and flushing, coupled with an extended warranty, saves 16%+ on annual ownership costs.

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Local Water Heater Cost Drivers

We reviewed 3 years of internal service data to determine the primary cost drivers for water heater purchase and installation costs in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. 

We determined these to be the top 3 determining factors in the cost of your water heater replacement and installation service:

1. Installation labor: Water heater installation labor costs account for between 66-77% of your total water heater replacement costs. This is the #1 cost factor of your water heater replacement project.
2. Water heater type: Natural gas water heaters are typically the most expensive to purchase and install. Electric heaters are roughly 2-5% less expensive upfront, but cost more over time on electric bills.
3. Water heater size: Your water heater tank capacity directly correlates to the cost of replacement and installation. The larger your tank, the more it costs — and the higher your installation bill gets.

3 ways to save money on DFW water heater replacement

Some costs associated with water heater tank replacement are standard — these include the current price of water heater units and the size of your tank.

Tarrant County homeowners have 3 easy ways to save money on water heater replacement and installation, both in the short and long-term:

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1. Find the best warranty: The best way to mitigate water heater costs is to opt for the best warranty offer. We offer an unbeatable 12-year ‘bumper to bumper’ warranty for Tarrant County homeowners that covers all parts and installation labor.
2. Apply for 0.00% financing: Select DFW area homeowners quality for 0.00% financing on water heater installation — see if you’re eligible!
3. Schedule regular maintenance: Long-term water heater savings rely on an efficient, well-maintained tank. Schedule annual draining and flushing of your water heater tank — our Platinum Pipeline Club membership includes these services, plus 16% off every plumbing job and no dispatch fees. 

Water Heater Installation Cost, Labor

We researched our last 3 years of Tarrant County plumbing service data to determine the current average labor costs to replace and/or install a residential water heater.

Installation labor accounts for 66-77% of the overall cost of water heater replacement. The larger your replacement unit, the greater the overall percentage of installation costs is applied to labor. This accounts for complex labor situations, like bulky units that require extra manpower.

TABLE: Water Heater Replacement Cost by Installation Labor‍

Water Heater Costs by Fuel Source

We researched our last 3 years of Tarrant County plumbing service data to determine the current average cost of new and replacement water heaters by fuel source: natural gas, electric and propane.

Natural gas water heaters generally had the highest upfront price point, while electric units saved 2-5% in upfront costs on comparably-sized units. 

TABLE: Water Heater Purchase Cost by Fuel Source

What type of water heater is best for where I live?

There are 3 primary types of water heater systems in Tarrant County: natural gas, electric and propane. Natural gas and electric heaters are most prevalent, while propane units are found in some rural areas of the county.

Natural Gas Water Heater: Natural gas water heaters currently comprise roughly 40% of tanks in Fort Worth, and are the 2nd most popular water heaters by fuel source in Tarrant County.

Natural gas heaters are reliable and efficient. They provide consistent hot water while reducing energy consumption. They’re usually more expensive to purchase and install than electric units, but provide greater energy bill savings over time. They aren’t ideal for homes without existing natural gas lines, or for homeowners who rely on the electric grid.

Electric Water Heater: Electric water heaters are the most frequently used tank units in Tarrant County, representing about 60% of all water heater systems in Fort Worth. 

Electric units are less expensive upfront than natural gas, and ideal for small to medium-sized households. Due to electricity costs, they generally cost more to run long-term than natural gas heaters. If you have higher hot water demands, larger households, or prefer more eco-friendly alternatives, you may prefer a natural gas heater.

Propane Water Heater: Propane water heaters are more common in rural areas of Tarrant County, and less popular in Fort Worth and metropolitan areas. 

Water Heater Costs by Tank Size

We researched our last 3 years of Tarrant County plumbing service data to determine the current average cost of water heater purchase and installation by capacity (tank size measured in gallons).

The best average value in the Tarrant County marketplace by cost-per-capacity is a 50 gallon water heater.

TABLE: Water Heater Costs by Capacity, Purchase and Installation (capacity in gallons)

What is the right water heater tank size for my home?

The proper water heater tank capacity for your home is based on people, not square footage. A large house with 2 residents is still a “small household” by hot water usage standards, whereas a small home with 6 residents means high hot water consumption.

Estimate your daily hot water demand, and use that number to determine the right water heater tank size for you and your family.

Small households: These are defined as households with 1-2 members with relatively low hot water demand. 

A 30-50 gallon tank is appropriate for small household sizes. If your household has more than 1 full bath or frequently runs a dishwasher and laundry appliances, consider the higher end of this scale.

Medium households: These are defined as households with 3-4 members with average daily hot water demand.

A 50-gallon water heater tank is best for most medium-sized households. If your home runs multiple appliances that use hot water at once (dishwasher, shower, bath, jacuzzi, washing machine), a 60-gallon upgrade may be necessary.

Large households: These are defined as households with 5+ members that require larger daily hot water use.

Consider a 60-80 gallon tank for your large household. This tank capacity is necessary to fulfill the hot water demand of the people in your house — especially during high-usage periods in the morning and evening.

Annual Water Heater Maintenance Costs in Texas

The average annual hot water heater service fee for Texas home water heaters is between $80-$250. This includes a scheduled annual flush and drain service, and does not account for any major water heater repair services.

The average major tank water heater repair bill in Tarrant County is $550. This accounts for simple, inexpensive repairs like anode rod replacement ($30-$50), and complex leaks and valve replacements ($300-$1,000+).

Enroll in an annual water heater maintenance plan to save money

The best way to reduce annual water heater repair and maintenance costs is to enroll in an annual maintenance program with your local plumbing company. Trustworthy plumbers offer incentives, discounts and deferred costs on regular service, as well as discounts on unforeseen repair bills.

The Platinum Pipeline Club is an excellent example of a quality plumbing service membership. Club membership includes a 16% discount on all water heater maintenance projects, as well as complimentary annual draining and flushing services. Members also receive:

• 16% discount on every plumbing job
• All dispatch fees waived
• $200 annual drain cleaning coupon
• Free freshwater and sewer leak test
• Emergency FaceTime service calls with an expert plumber
• Guaranteed appointment within 24 hours, M-F

DFW Water Heater Cost and Installation: Conclusions

Mother Modern Plumbing offers expert water heater installation to Dallas-Fort Worth residents.

Most Tarrant County homeowners have an electric tank style water heater (roughly 60% of Fort Worth residents). Electric hot water heaters are best for small to medium-sized households with average hot water consumption who already rely on the grid.

Over the long run, a natural gas water heater saves homeowners money on monthly utility bills. Natural gas is a great option for eco-conscious DFW residents with larger households who have pre-existing natural gas lines running to their homes.

Lower your monthly operating cost by investing in annual draining and flushing maintenance. Long-term plans like our Platinum Pipeline Club save DFW residents 16%+ per year on water heater repair and maintenance projects. 

Ready to throw out that old heater? Benefit from our 12-year ‘bumper to bumper’ warranty on your new water heater — it covers parts and installation.

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