Water heater replacement is the most common "big check" service we do — typically $1,800–$6,500 depending on type. Most replacements are like-for-like (gas tank → gas tank), but increasingly we’re doing electrification conversions (gas tank → HPWH) driven by the LADWP rebate increase to $2,500/unit. Same-day service available for leaking tanks. We bring the replacement equipment in stock for typical 50-gallon gas tank failures.
When replacement is the right call
Decision factors:
- Age 12+ years (tank) or 18+ years (tankless)
- Bottom leak (always replacement, never repair)
- Multiple component failures within 12 months
- Repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement
- Considering electrification upgrade (gas → HPWH conversion)
Same-day replacement service
For leaking water heater emergencies (most common emergency category):
- Phones answered 24/7
- Truck dispatch 8 AM–8 PM
- Standard 40-50 gallon gas/electric tank in truck stock at most dispatch points
- Typical timeline: 4-6 hours from call to hot water restored
- After-hours leak emergency: shutoff guidance over phone, scheduled first thing next morning
- Premium / specialty equipment (HPWH, tankless) may require 1-2 day order delay
For full emergency dispatch detail: emergency HVAC services.
Conversion projects
Gas tank → HPWH conversion (most common 2026 upgrade)
- Existing: 50-gal gas tank with gas line, B-vent
- New: Rheem ProTerra 65-gal HPWH or similar
- Required modifications:
- Cap and seal old gas line (no longer needed)
- Add 240V 30-amp circuit OR use 120V plug-in HPWH option
- Add condensate drain
- Verify 1,000 cubic feet clearance for HPWH heat extraction
- Total project: $5,400–$6,500 (vs $5,400 typical HPWH new install — slight conversion premium)
- LADWP rebate: $2,500 (unchanged from new install)
Detail: heat pump water heater page.
Gas tank → Tankless conversion
- Existing: 50-gal gas tank with B-vent
- New: Navien NPE-240A2 or Rinnai RUR199i wall-mount tankless
- Required modifications:
- Gas line upgrade (typically 1/2" to 3/4")
- Power vent installation (replaces B-vent)
- Electrical outlet addition (120V for ignition)
- Wall-mount bracket installation
- Total project: $5,500–$8,000
Detail: tankless installation page.
Tank → Larger tank
- Common for growing families (40-gal → 50/65/75-gal)
- Same equipment family, same install location
- Total project: $1,900–$3,500
Replacement cost breakdown by scenario
Standard like-for-like 50-gal gas tank: $1,800–$3,200
- Equipment: $750–$1,250
- Labor: $800–$1,400
- Permit, drip pan, seismic strap: $250–$550
HPWH replacement (LADWP territory, after rebate): $2,000–$4,000 net
- Equipment: $1,800–$3,200
- Labor + electrical work: $2,200–$3,300
- Permit, condensate drain, miscellaneous: $400–$800
- Less LADWP rebate: −$2,500
Tankless installation (gas): $4,500–$7,500
- Equipment: $1,500–$2,800
- Labor: $2,000–$3,500
- Gas line upgrade if needed: $400–$1,200
- Power vent: $300–$800
Real-world example
Brentwood (LADWP territory) 4-bedroom home, 13-year-old gas tank water heater, customer wanted electrification:
- Existing: 50-gal gas tank, B-vent through roof
- New equipment: Rheem ProTerra Plus 65-gallon hybrid HPWH
- Install scope: cap old gas line, install 240V 30-amp circuit (panel had capacity), condensate drain to existing drain
- Total install cost: $5,800
- LADWP HPWH rebate: −$2,500
- Net out-of-pocket: $3,300
- Time on site: 6 hours
- Energy cost reduction vs gas tank: ~$280/year
Federal IRA Section 25C is no longer in this math — terminated December 31, 2025 under OBBBA.
Service area
Water heater replacement across all 5 SoCal counties:
- 📞 West LA / Westside: (424) 766-1020
- 📞 Pasadena & SGV: (626) 499-5530
- 📞 Thousand Oaks / Ventura: (805) 977-9940
- 📞 Irvine / Orange County: (949) 785-5535
- 📞 San Bernardino: (909) 757-6455
- 📞 Riverside: (951) 577-3877
CSLB License C-20 #1138898 | Roman HVAC 777 LLC dba Venta Heating & Air | TECH Clean California Certified