Storage tank
$1,600–$2,400Typical cost, including installation
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT IN FRIENDSWOOD
Friendswood Water Heater
Replacement
Take a photo of your old water heater to start a replacement quote.
Get a water heater quotePhotos optional. No payment or booking.
See what replacement costs ↓FRIENDSWOOD AT A GLANCE
Replacing a water heater in Friendswood.
In Friendswood, you handle permits entirely online. The city's May 2026 permit report shows water heater replacements charged $140 each as miscellaneous plumbing permits. Contractors must register and carry $1 million in liability insurance. TNMP delivers power to much of the city.
- Permit to replace with the same type
- Yes · City of Friendswood Community Development (Building/Permits)
- Permit fee
- $140 per Plumbing - Miscellaneous permit, as charged on water heater replacement permits in the city's May 2026 report of issued permits. The city's quick-reference fee sheet (no date) lists a $30 plumbing issuance fee plus $2.50 per water heater and/or vent, which doesn't match. Check the price in the portal.
- Who gets the permit
- Contractors register in the Cityworks portal and upload proof of general liability insurance ($1,000,000) naming the city. Homeowners can be added to a job online, and state law lets you do plumbing on your own homestead without a license.
- Electric utility
- Texas-New Mexico Power (wires) with a retail electric provider and CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric (wires) with a retail electric provider
- Gas utility
- CenterPoint Energy
- Water
- City of Friendswood (surface water purchased from the City of Houston plus Gulf Coast Aquifer wells)
- Rebate worth checking
- Heat Pump Water Heater Incentive (Active)
- Typical home
- Built 1991 (median) · 77% owner-occupied
- Companies found
- 12 that advertise water heater work
01 / TYPICAL PRICES
What a new water heater costs.
Know before you call.
Heat-pump tank
$2,500–$5,000Typical cost, including installation
Tankless
$2,400–$5,400Typical cost, including installation
AI equipment illustrations; models vary and images are not to scale. Typical national prices from Home Depot ↗, checked September 28, 2026. The source doesn’t say how many jobs the ranges are based on. These are not Friendswood averages or guaranteed quotes.
Compare what each quote includes.Equipment · Labor · Permits · Old heater removalHow to compare quotes →
What we know about prices in Friendswood
- National installer’s published rangeThe ranges above. Home Depot ↗
- Local permit fee$140 per Plumbing - Miscellaneous permit, as charged on water heater replacement permits in the city's May 2026 report of issued permits. The city's quick-reference fee sheet (no date) lists a $30 plumbing issuance fee plus $2.50 per water heater and/or vent, which doesn't match. Check the price in the portal.. City of Friendswood Community Development (Building/Permits) fee source ↗
- Local company’s advertised price8 of the companies listed for Friendswood post water heater prices or specials on their websites: 1-800-Plumber +Air of Pearland, ARS/Rescue Rooter Houston, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of League City, Heaton Plumbing, John Moore Services, Mission Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Galveston & Brazoria Counties, Village Plumbing, Air & Electric. Each offer has its own conditions.
- Measured local dataNot collected yet, so no Friendswood average is shown.
What can change the price in Friendswood?
Separate gas and electrical permits each have their own $30 issuance fee on the quick-reference sheet. A tankless install in May 2026 was also permitted as Plumbing - Miscellaneous at $140.
02 / COMPANIES WE FOUND
Who replaces water heaters in Friendswood?
Companies that advertise water heater replacement here, with what their water heater customers say.
Companies we found in our research. They are not Ember & Tank providers or partners. We show selected reviews, not a rating or every review. How we choose reviews →
1-800-Plumber +Air of Pearland
Lists Friendswood among the areas it serves. Based in Pearland.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Promotion: '$100 Off Any New Water Heater' (not to be combined with any other offer).
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Reviewers praised quick scheduling, honest diagnosis (a valve repair or pilot restart instead of a replacement), and a tankless install that included follow-up for a condensation drip.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical
Lists Friendswood among the areas it serves. Based in Houston.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Reviewers praised same-day replacement of a leaking heater and a technician who offered several options.
Worth knowing One reviewer alleged a burner plate was loosened during an AC maintenance visit and a quote followed; Abacus replied asking her to call.
5 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
ARS/Rescue Rooter Houston
Lists Friendswood among the areas it serves. Based in Houston.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Coupon: 'Save Up to $300 on a New Water Heater' — purchase and installation of qualifying water heater required; residential only; 'Offer expires 09/30/2026.'
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Testimonials praised a next-morning replacement and an installation crew that kept the customer informed and cleaned up.
Worth knowing Yelp reviewers alleged an improper tankless vent and incomplete install (2025) and a reused drain line that leaked three years later, with a $2,500 charge to install a warranty unit (2026); ARS replied citing premium pricing and offered its quality team.
5 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of League City
Lists Friendswood among the areas it serves. Based in League City.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Coupon: '$250 Off Water Heaters' — 'Offers only valid at this location'; limit one per household; no expiration shown.
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Testimonials praised a skilled attic replacement of a 50-gallon heater and careful work on a tankless installation.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
2 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Brick Plumbing
Lists Friendswood among the areas it serves. Based in Pearland.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback A testimonial praised a professional plumber who explained the work, with prices the reviewer found reasonable.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
1 water heater review read, checked September 29, 2026.
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Reviewers praised same-day service, upfront repair and replacement prices, prompt emergency response, and a tankless conversion.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Heaton Plumbing
Lists Friendswood among the areas it serves. Based in La Porte.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Downloadable coupon images: $100.00 off tank-type water heater installation and $200.00 off tankless water heater installation (no expiration date visible).
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Reviewers praised quick installation, on-time staff, clean work, and a crew that explained and corrected a previous improper install.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
3 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
John Moore Services
Lists Friendswood among the areas it serves.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Coupons: 'Save $40 on a water heater replacement' (traditional), 'Save $100 on a tankless water heater system', '$99 Traditional Water Heater Flush' — limit one per household, expire 12/31/2026.
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Reviewers praised clear upfront pricing for tankless service, same-day work after explaining what the water heaters needed, and prompt warranty service.
Worth knowing A 2026 BBB reviewer said an $18,000 tankless replacement quote was avoided with a $125 pump from another plumber.
6 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Mission Air Conditioning & Plumbing
Lists Friendswood among the areas it serves.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
Published price: Coupons: '$100 Off Water Heater Replacement' and '$89 Off Water Heater Flush' (expire 09/30/2026); tankless promo 'Endless Hot Water Starting at $124/mo'.
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Reviewers praised several options and price points without pressure, fast installation with haul-away, and professional installers.
Worth knowing A 2026 Yelp reviewer said a scheduled water heater flush was postponed twice due to plumber availability.
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Galveston & Brazoria Counties
Lists Friendswood among the areas it serves. Based in League City.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Coupon: '$200 Off Water Heater Installation' — expires 01/31/2027; valid only at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Galveston; also 10% off for seniors and military (up to $100).
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Reviewers praised professional installers who answered questions, and one said charges not covered by the home warranty were explained upfront.
Worth knowing A 2025 Yelp reviewer said a tankless flush was quoted at $325 only on arrival and a hose leaked afterward.
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 29, 2026.
Also listing Friendswood: Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup (Houston), Village Plumbing, Air & Electric.
Order: companies based in Friendswood first, then companies whose water heater reviews we’ve read. Each group is alphabetical. These businesses are not our employees or vetted partners and do not receive requests from Ember & Tank. We haven’t checked their license, insurance or quality of work. Texas plumbing license lookup ↗.
FROM COMPANIES SERVING FRIENDSWOOD
Photos of water heater jobs from these companies.
HOMES IN FRIENDSWOOD
What Friendswood homes are like.
1991Median year built
30%Built before 1980
77%Owner-occupied
57%Heat with utility gas
85%Single-family homes
The median home was built in 1991. A first or second replacement is common in homes this age.
57% of homes heat with utility gas, so gas water heaters with existing venting are common here.
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey ACS 2024 5-year ↗ (2020-2024). Heating fuel is what homes use to heat the house. It often, but not always, matches the water heater’s fuel.
LOCAL CONDITIONS
What’s different in Friendswood.
Fee sheet and real charges don't match
The quick-reference fee sheet lists plumbing at $30 plus $2.50 per water heater, but water heater replacement permits issued in May 2026 cost $140 each. Check the fee in the portal before you budget.
Friendswood Permits Issued, May 2026 ↗ · Friendswood fee quick reference ↗
Two counties
Friendswood's permit reports list addresses in both Harris and Galveston counties. The city issues permits in both.
ENERGY & WATER
Who supplies Friendswood homes.
Energy
- Electric: Texas-New Mexico Power (wires) with a retail electric provider (TNMP's town list includes Friendswood ZIPs 77511, 77539, 77546, 77573 and 77588)
- Electric: CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric (wires) with a retail electric provider (Power to Choose also shows CenterPoint for ZIP 77546)
- Gas: CenterPoint Energy
TNMP Distribution Loss Factor Methodology (town/ZIP list, Oct 2025) ↗ · Friendswood Other Utilities ↗
Water
City of Friendswood (surface water purchased from the City of Houston plus Gulf Coast Aquifer wells)
REBATES & CREDITS
Rebates for Friendswood homes.
For Texas-New Mexico Power (wires) with a retail electric provider, CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric (wires) with a retail electric provider and CenterPoint Energy customers in Friendswood. Ask installers for the price before rebates, then check with the program that you qualify.
- Heat Pump Water Heater Incentive ↗ActiveIncentive for replacing an existing electric storage water heater with an ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater.
- Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) ↗EndedCovered improvements made through December 31, 2025.
Checked September 29, 2026. Who qualifies and the conditions: Texas rebates · How to check an incentive.
PERMITS & LICENSING
Permits and licenses in Friendswood.
Permits and who issues them
Friendswood issues permits fully online through its Cityworks public portal, where you apply, pay and book inspections. The city's monthly permit reports show water heater replacements issued as 'Plumbing - Miscellaneous' permits.
Yes. Contractors register in the Cityworks portal and upload a $1,000,000 general liability insurance certificate naming the City of Friendswood.
City of Friendswood Community Development (Building/Permits) ↗ · Friendswood Online Permits & Inspections ↗ · Friendswood Permits Issued, May 2026 ↗ · Friendswood Permit Fee Schedule quick reference ↗ · TSBPE Plumbing License Law (Sept 2025 plain view): Sec. 1301.051, 1301.551 ↗
Check the installer’s license
Ask for the license number and search it yourself on the Texas plumbing license lookup ↗. A listing on Ember & Tank is not a license check. Texas licensing explained →
NEARBY CITIES
Compare places near Friendswood.
| City | Distance | Permit to replace | Fee | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Webster | 5 mi | Required | $45 | CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric (wires) with a retail electric provider |
| League City | 6 mi | Required | $75 | Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP) (wires) with a retail electric provider, CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric (wires) with a retail electric provider |
| Alvin | 6 mi | Required | $100 | Texas-New Mexico Power (wires) with a retail electric provider, CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric (wires) with a retail electric provider |
| Pearland | 8 mi | Required | $60 | CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric (wires) with a retail electric provider, Texas-New Mexico Power (wires) with a retail electric provider |
| Dickinson | 10 mi | Check with city | — | CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric (wires) with a retail electric provider chosen by the customer, Texas-New Mexico Power (wires) with a retail electric provider |
| Manvel | 10 mi | Required | $107 | CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric (wires) with a retail electric provider |
COMMON QUESTIONS
Friendswood water heater questions.
How much does a water heater permit cost in Friendswood?
Water heater replacements in the May 2026 permit report were charged $140. An older quick-reference sheet lists lower fees, so check in the portal.
What does a contractor need to work in Friendswood?
Registration in the city's Cityworks portal and a $1,000,000 general liability certificate naming the city.
Who delivers electricity?
TNMP lists Friendswood ZIPs in its service area, and Power to Choose also shows CenterPoint for 77546. Your bill shows which one serves you.
TNMP Distribution Loss Factor Methodology (town/ZIP list, Oct 2025) ↗
More guides: Texas water heater replacement · All local guides