Replacement cost in Greenville and Greer
| Job | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tank water heater, installed | $1,440–$2,160 | Resident.com, Greenville SC, Mar 2026 |
| Tank water heater, installed (local quotes) | About $1,302 | This Old House, Greenville SC, checked Oct 2026 |
| Tank water heater, installed | $769–$1,923 | Today's Homeowner, Greer SC, Feb 2025 |
| 50-gallon electric tank, unit only | $900–$1,400 | HomeBlue, Greenville SC |
| Tankless, installed | $2,190–$3,866 | HomeAdvisor, Greenville SC, checked Oct 2026 |
What changes the price
- Fuel: gas tanks cost more than electric and need the vent and gas connection checked.
- Size: 40 gallons suits most 1–2 bathroom homes; 50 gallons for larger households.
- Location: a garage install is easiest. An attic, a tight closet or a crawlspace adds labor.
- Code items: an expansion tank, a drain pan or a new relief-valve line, if the plumber or inspector requires them.
- Permit and haul-away: confirm both are in the price.
- Timing: a weekend or night install costs more than a weekday one.
Tank leaking or out of hot water?
Choosing the new heater
| Household | Usual tank size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 30–40 gallons | A 40 is the most common swap |
| 3–4 people | 40–50 gallons | Gas recovers faster than electric |
| 5 or more, or a big soaking tub | 50+ gallons, or tankless | See our tankless guide |
Like for like is usually cheapest. Switching from electric to gas needs a gas line and venting; switching from gas to electric may need a new 240-volt circuit. Both need a permit. A heat-pump water heater is another electric option that uses less power but costs more up front and needs space around it.
Permits for a replacement
- Mauldin: the city requires a permit before a water heater is replaced.
- Unincorporated areas (Taylors, Wade Hampton, Berea, Five Forks, Piedmont's Greenville side): Greenville County Building Safety, (864) 467-7060. Its residential plumbing permit forms list water heaters.
- Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Fountain Inn, Travelers Rest: each city's own building department.
The plumber normally pulls the permit. A quote far below the others may be leaving it out.
What happens on install day
- Power or gas off, water off, and the old tank drained.
- Old tank disconnected and removed.
- New tank set in place, with a pan if needed.
- Water, gas or electric, vent and relief-valve line connected.
- Tank filled, air bled from the lines, then power or gas turned on.
- Leak and vent checks, temperature set (about 120°F is common), and old tank hauled away.
Most straightforward swaps take a few hours. Expect hot water again within an hour or so after the install, once the tank heats.
Warranty and lifespan
Tanks typically last about 8–12 years. Greenville Water is soft, so scale is less of a problem here, but the anode rod and sediment still decide how long a tank lasts. Ask for both the manufacturer's tank warranty and the plumber's labor warranty in writing, and register the tank with the manufacturer.
Rebates and credits in 2026
The federal 25C credit for efficient water heaters ended for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025. Piedmont Natural Gas has listed rebates on some high-efficiency gas units; check current terms with Piedmont before you buy.
Ready for a new water heater?
Water heater replacement questions
How much is a new water heater installed in Greenville, SC?
About $1,300–$2,200 for a standard 40–50 gallon tank on local figures, with Greer figures from about $770. Gas units, hard-to-reach locations and code upgrades cost more.
How long does a water heater replacement take?
A straightforward like-for-like swap usually takes a few hours. Switching fuel type, moving the location or adding venting takes longer.
Should I get a 40 or 50 gallon water heater?
A 40-gallon tank suits most 1–3 person households. Go to 50 gallons for larger families or if you often run out of hot water. Gas recovers faster than electric at the same size.
Does the plumber take the old water heater away?
Usually, but not always in the base price. Ask whether haul-away is included before you agree.
Do I need an expansion tank with a new water heater?
Often, if your home has a pressure-reducing valve or a backflow device that makes the system closed. The plumber or inspector will tell you; it's a common add-on.
What temperature should a new water heater be set to?
About 120°F is the usual recommendation. It's hot enough for most needs and lowers scald risk and energy use.
Sources
- Resident.com water heater cost guide (Greenville, SC, Mar 9, 2026); This Old House (Greenville, SC); Today's Homeowner (Greer, SC, Feb 2025); HomeBlue (Greenville, SC); HomeAdvisor (Greenville, SC).
- City of Mauldin permit requirements; Greenville County Building Safety residential plumbing permit forms.
- Greenville Water 2026 water quality reports (hardness).
- IRS: Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C), ended after Dec 31, 2025; Piedmont Natural Gas rebate pages.
Page history
October 2026: first published.