The water heater sizer.
Set the people and bathrooms, pick a fuel and a heater type, and see a recommended size, a planning price, the yearly energy cost, the payback and a ten-year cost comparison. Free, with no signup.
- Tank, tankless, heat pump
- Cost and payback
- Free, no signup
Size your water heater
A planning sketch from common sizing rules, 15 gallons of hot water a person a day, 55 degree winter water and typical installed price ranges before rebates. Energy costs assume $0.13 per kilowatt-hour and $1.30 per therm. A real plan comes from a visit.
- Type
- Size
- Installed, planning range
- Energy a year
- Payback versus a tank
- Typical life
Related service:
Saved. It will travel with your estimate request below.
Typical jobs, side by side.
Dollars for typical jobs. Bars show the low-to-high range.
Everyday repairs and installs
Bigger plumbing projects
Commonly published planning ranges for typical homes. Real prices depend on access, parts, permits and what the pipes look like once we see them. Each group of bars has its own scale.
Six things that change the answer.
People and habits
More people and overlapping showers need more hot water at once.
Fixtures that run together
Showers, the dishwasher and the washer add up.
Incoming water temperature
Colder winter water takes more heat to bring up to 120 degrees.
Fuel and venting
Gas, electric and heat pump units need different installs.
Space
Tanks need floor space and heat pumps need air around them.
How long you will stay
Longer-lasting units pay back more over the years.
Learn more about each one.
Water HeatersWater Heater Installation and ReplacementSame-day swaps when we can.
Water HeatersTankless Water Heater InstallationHot water on demand, no tank to run out.
Water HeatersHeat Pump Water HeatersThe efficient way to heat water.
Water HeatersWater Heater RepairRepair it when it is worth it.
Water HeatersTankless Flush and DescalingA once-a-year tune-up for hot water.
Water HeatersRecirculation Pumps and Expansion TanksShorter waits, calmer pressure.Water heater questions
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
A leaking tank is always replaced. A heater under about ten years old with a failed part is usually worth repairing, and one past twelve years with repeating problems usually is not. Our Water Heater Sizer compares tank, tankless and heat pump options.
Is a tankless water heater worth it?
It can be for larger households, tight spaces and long-term homeowners, since tankless units often last longer and never run out of stored water. They cost more up front and gas models can need a bigger gas line and new venting.
How much does a plumber cost?
It depends on the job. Commonly published ranges run from about $150 to $450 for drain cleaning and many fixture repairs, $1,300 to $3,500 for a tank water heater replacement and thousands for sewer line or whole-house repiping work. A free estimate gives you a written price for your home.
Want a real recommendation?
A free estimate looks at your space, your fuel and your household and gives you a written price.