Apollo water heater replacement typically costs $1,800-$4,000 for a standard tank swap, with an average near $2,800; replacing an Apollo HydroHeat combination system can cost considerably more. Tank capacity, fuel type, venting, local labor rates, and whether the system also heats the home drive the quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard tank replacement | $1,800 | $2,800 | $4,000 | Like-for-like gas or electric swap |
| Apollo HydroHeat replacement | $4,000 | $6,500 | $10,000+ | Combined domestic hot water and space heating |
| Tank unit, 40-50 gallons | $600 | $1,100 | $2,000 | Equipment only; capacity and efficiency affect price |
| Installation labor | $500 | $900 | $1,800 | Higher for conversions or difficult access |
What a 40- to 50-gallon Apollo replacement usually costs
Many Apollo-branded systems are older, and the name may refer to a conventional water heater or an Apollo HydroHeat unit that supplies both hot water and space heat. A straightforward replacement with a comparable tank generally totals $1,800-$4,000, including a midrange unit, removal, standard connections, and startup.
Budget about $2,800 for a routine tank swap, but confirm whether the existing unit also serves the heating system. A basic electric tank may fall near the low end; gas units and higher-efficiency equipment often cost more. Assumptions: standard 40- to 50-gallon tank, accessible location, existing hookups in usable condition, and typical U.S. labor rates.
How tank, labor, and disposal charges build the quote
Quotes vary in what they include. Ask whether the estimate covers the new tank, removal, required fittings, permit, startup, and any changes to venting or piping. These line items help distinguish a true replacement price from an equipment-only figure.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes it | Usually included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tank equipment | $600-$2,000 | Fuel, capacity, efficiency, warranty | Yes |
| Labor and connections | $500-$1,800 | Pipe changes, access, system complexity | Often |
| Permit and inspection | $50-$300 | City or county requirements | Varies |
| Haul-away and disposal | $75-$250 | Stairs, distance, disposal fees | Sometimes |
| Expansion tank or valve | $100-$450 | Code, system condition, tank type | Not always |
Check the scope line by line; a low quote may exclude permits, disposal, or code-required parts. Labor is often estimated as a fixed installation charge rather than an hourly bill. For comparison, a 5- to 9-hour job at $100-$175 per hour represents $500-$1,575 in labor value.
Capacity, fuel, and HydroHeat connections that raise the price
Capacity is a primary cost driver. Replacing a 30-gallon tank with a similar unit is generally less expensive than moving to a 75- or 80-gallon model, which may require larger connections or a different footprint. A tank larger than 50 gallons can add roughly $300-$900 for equipment and related work.
HydroHeat systems need a system-specific inspection because the water heater may also be part of the home’s heating equipment. If the replacement must connect to heating loops, pumps, controls, or a boiler-style arrangement, the project may reach $4,000-$10,000 or more. New venting can add $300-$1,200; rerouting water or gas lines may add $250-$1,000.
Fuel conversions are another major change. Switching from electric to gas, or gas to electric, can require new wiring, a gas line, venting, or panel work. Depending on distance and code requirements, conversion work can add $500-$3,000 beyond a like-for-like replacement.
How many hours does an Apollo tank replacement take?
A standard, accessible tank swap commonly takes 4-8 hours for a plumber or a small crew. An integrated HydroHeat replacement, restricted basement access, or extensive piping changes can extend work to 1-2 days. Emergency service outside normal hours may add $150-$500, particularly when a leak requires same-day response.
Labor rises when the old unit is difficult to remove or the replacement needs plumbing, electrical, or venting changes. Before work begins, confirm whether the price includes draining and disconnecting the old tank, startup, and checking for leaks. A diagnostic or estimate visit may cost $75-$200, though some contractors credit the fee toward completed work.
Regional labor rates shift the final installed price
Location changes the estimate even when the equipment is similar. In lower-cost rural and Midwestern markets, a routine installation may run about 10%-15% below the national midpoint. Dense Northeast and West Coast metro areas often land 15%-30% above it, reflecting higher labor rates, permits, and access costs.
Compare local installed quotes rather than applying a national equipment price to a contractor’s labor bill. Urban buildings may also involve parking, stairs, restricted work hours, or longer carry distances. Those conditions can add $100-$600, while regional building rules may require upgraded venting or seismic strapping.
Repairing an Apollo unit versus replacing the whole system
A repair may make sense when the fault is limited to a valve, thermostat, or accessible fitting and the tank is in sound condition. Common service calls can range from $150-$600, while a control, pump, or more involved HydroHeat repair may cost $400-$1,500. A leaking tank body generally cannot be repaired reliably and usually points to replacement.
Compare repair cost with the remaining life and function of the entire system, not just the failed part. If an older Apollo unit supplies both domestic hot water and home heat, ask a qualified contractor to identify each connected function before accepting a standard tank quote. A conventional water heater may not be a direct substitute for a combination system.
Removal, venting, and code work to price separately
Old-unit removal is commonly $75-$250 when access is straightforward. Tight closets, attic installations, stairs, or distant disposal points can raise the charge. A drain pan, expansion tank, shutoff valve, or new vent section may each add $50-$500 depending on materials and labor.
Get written prices for code upgrades and replacement-only work before authorizing extras. Permit fees often run $50-$300, but inspection rules differ by jurisdiction. If the installer finds corroded piping, an unsafe flue, or inadequate electrical service, request a description of the issue and a separate cost before the work expands.
Ways to lower the Apollo replacement estimate
Keep the same fuel type, tank location, and capacity when they still meet household demand; avoiding a conversion or relocation can prevent hundreds or thousands of dollars in added work. Schedule during regular business hours when possible, and clear a path to the unit before the crew arrives to reduce handling time.
Compare at least two itemized quotes with the same capacity, fuel, warranty, removal, and permit assumptions. Ask whether a standard tank can safely replace the existing setup or whether the Apollo unit serves a heating loop. Avoid paying for premium efficiency features without comparing their price and expected energy savings for the household’s usage.