Water Heater Repair & Replacement in Memphis, TN

Electric Provider

Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) provides electric service across Memphis. MLGW receives its electricity from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

Gas & Water

MLGW also provides natural gas and water service to Memphis and unincorporated Shelby County.

Permit Required

Water-heater replacement generally requires a plumbing permit through Memphis & Shelby County Construction Enforcement (Develop901). Additional requirements may apply depending on project scope. Your plumber handles it.

Common Home Styles

A mix of historic Midtown bungalows, post-war ranches in East Memphis, and newer construction spreading east toward the suburbs

Response Time

A licensed plumber typically reaches Memphis within 1–2 hours.

Zip Codes Served

38103, 38111, 38117, 38119, 38122, 38128

How much does a water heater cost in Memphis?

A standard 50-gallon gas tank water heater runs around $1,300–$2,000 installed in Memphis; an electric 50-gallon tank around $1,200–$1,900. Tankless units run $2,500–$6,500+, and heat-pump (hybrid) systems around $2,500–$5,000+. These are planning ranges, not guaranteed quotes.

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Memphis?

Yes. Water-heater replacement generally requires a plumbing permit in Memphis and surrounding jurisdictions. Water-heater replacement generally requires a plumbing permit in Memphis and surrounding jurisdictions. Permit and inspection fees vary substantially by jurisdiction and project scope (for example, Memphis/Shelby County, Bartlett, and Collierville each apply different fee structures). Your plumber handles the application and inspection; permit fees, when required, are not included in the planning estimate. Permit and inspection requirements can vary by installation and local jurisdiction.

What type of water heater is best for Memphis homes?

It depends on your utility setup and home. If you have gas service, a gas water heater is typically cheaper to operate. All-electric homes may want to consider a heat-pump (hybrid) water heater for maximum efficiency. Available utility programs and incentives can change and should be confirmed before purchase. See our dedicated heat pump water heater page for details.

How quickly can a plumber get to Memphis?

Most plumbers in our network reach Memphis within 1–2 hours. For emergencies, priority response is available.

Should I repair or replace my water heater?

If your unit is under 8 years old and the repair costs less than half the price of a new one, repair makes sense. If it's 10+ years old, leaking from the tank, or needing frequent repairs, replacement is the better investment.

What size water heater do I need for my Memphis home?

For 1–2 people: 30–40 gallons. For 3–4 people: 50 gallons. For 5+ people: 75+ gallons or a tankless unit rated for 8+ GPM. Your plumber will size it based on your household's peak hot water demand.

Areas We Serve in Memphis

Our plumber network covers neighborhoods and communities across Memphis, from Downtown and Midtown to East Memphis, Cooper-Young, and Cordova. Whether you're near Overton Square, the Memphis Zoo, or Shelby Farms, you're within our service coverage.

Water Heater Services Available in Memphis

Homeowners in Memphis can request any of the following services through our quick-match form: water heater replacement (tank and tankless), new water heater installation for remodels or new construction, water heater repair and diagnostics, emergency water heater service for burst tanks and leaks, tankless water heater installation and conversion, and heat-pump (hybrid) water heater installation.

Memphis Water Heater Costs

Pricing in Memphis is comparable to the greater Memphis metro area. A standard 50-gallon gas tank water heater replacement is around $1,300–$2,000 installed (electric around $1,200–$1,900). Tankless installations range from $2,500–$6,500+, and heat-pump (hybrid) systems from $2,500–$5,000+. These are planning ranges, not guaranteed quotes. Operating cost varies with current utility rates, household hot-water usage, equipment efficiency, fuel type, and system size. For a detailed breakdown, see our Memphis water heater cost guide.

Get Your Free Estimate in Memphis

Enter your zip code in the form above to get started. We'll match you with a licensed Memphis-area plumber who can provide a no-obligation estimate — often with same-day availability.