Our Reviews
Expert Water Heater Installation & Replacement in San Antonio, TX
A tank water heater installation in San Antonio typically runs $1,300 to $2,200, and most replacements are finished in a single visit. Apollo Air is licensed for both HVAC and plumbing — TACLA128041E and M39895 — which matters here more than it sounds, because a water heater sits at the junction of gas, water and venting. Service calls are free, and you get the price in writing before the old unit comes out.
This page covers tank units — the 40, 50 and 75-gallon heaters in most San Antonio garages and attics. If you are weighing an on-demand system instead, our tankless water heater installation page covers the costs, the gas-line requirements and the honest case for and against.
Apollo Air Heating & Cooling Plumbing Services:
What size tank does your house need?
Sizing is where most replacements go wrong, and it usually goes wrong by default — someone matches whatever was there before without asking whether it was right. A 40-gallon tank suits one or two people. Fifty covers most three and four-person households. Seventy-five and up is for larger families, or homes with a soaking tub that can empty a smaller tank on its own.
Capacity is only half of it. Recovery rate — how fast the unit reheats after it has been drained — decides whether the second and third showers of the morning are warm. Two 50-gallon heaters with different recovery rates behave like different appliances. We size against how your household actually uses hot water, which takes about five minutes to establish and saves a complaint six months later.
Why tank heaters fail early in San Antonio
Manufacturers quote around a decade. Here you should plan for less, and two local conditions explain why.
The first is where the unit lives. In single-storey homes across this city the water heater is in the attic, and San Antonio attics pass 140°F through the summer. That heat works on the tank, the fittings and the temperature and pressure relief valve for months at a stretch. It also means a failure drains through a ceiling rather than across a garage floor, which is why the drain pan and its routing are worth more attention than they usually get.
The second is the water. Edwards Aquifer supply carries enough dissolved mineral that sediment collects on the tank floor faster than the manual assumes. That layer insulates the burner from the water it is meant to heat, so the unit runs longer for the same result, and the noise people describe as rumbling is water boiling underneath it. An annual flush clears it — we run a $49 flush, and it is the cheapest thing on this page by an order of magnitude.
What a tank water heater costs in San Antonio
| UNIT | SAN ANTONIO RANGE, 2026 | WHAT DRIVES IT |
|---|---|---|
| 40-gallon gas tank | $1,200 – $1,900 | Smallest common size. Suits one or two people and usually drops into the existing footprint. |
| 50-gallon gas tank | $1,300 – $2,200 | The default replacement in most San Antonio homes. |
| 75–80 gallon tank | $2,000 – $3,200 | Larger households. Bigger unit, heavier handling, occasionally a supply upgrade. |
| Electric tank, like-for-like | $1,100 – $1,800 | No venting to rebuild, so often the cheapest swap where the circuit already supports it. |
| Attic installation | Add $200 – $600 | Access, plus the drain pan and routing that protect the ceiling underneath. |
Those are market ranges for 2026, not a quote. What moves a job inside them is the location, whether the venting and gas connection still meet code, and what the old installation left behind. Your own figure comes in writing before the old unit is disconnected, and financing is available at 0% for 24 months.
Why Replace Your Water Heater Promptly?
Don’t wait for an icy surprise to remind you your water heater’s on its last leg! Timely replacement isn’t just about avoiding cold showers; it’s about protecting your comfort, your energy bills, and your peace of mind. As water heaters age, they lose efficiency, take longer to heat, and can leak or rust, leading to costly water damage.
A new system means faster heating, lower utility costs, and dependable performance every day. Plus, modern units are smarter, sleeker, and designed to save both energy and space. At Apollo Air Heating & Cooling, our water heater replacement in San Antonio, TX, makes replacement quick, clean, and stress-free, so you can enjoy endless hot water without worry. Stay ahead of breakdowns and let your comfort flow nonstop!
Our Hassle-Free Water Heater Installation Process
Assessment and sizing
We look at the existing unit, where it sits, and how the household uses hot water — then recommend a capacity and recovery rate rather than matching the old label.
Removal and haul-away
We drain the old tank down, break the connections and carry it out. If the previous installation left anything non-compliant behind, you hear about it at this point rather than at the end.
Installation
The replacement goes in and gets tied into gas, water and vent, with shut-off, expansion tank and drain pan all meeting current code. On an attic job the pan and its drain line get more attention than anything else.
Testing and walkthrough
We fill and fire it, check every connection, verify the temperature and pressure relief valve, and on gas systems run a full leak and compliance check. Then you are shown the shut-off and the warranty terms before we leave.
Experience The Power Of Water Heater Services
Tank water heater installation in San Antonio — sized to your household, installed to code, quoted in writing before the old unit comes out. Free service calls, same-day options, 0% financing for 24 months. Call (210) 610-6635 or book online.
“Nick and Scott did a great job installing our water heater. They arrived on time., were efficient. clean, and very respectful.”
VIRGINIA L. gOOGLE Review
Areas We Serve
- Boerne, TX
- Bulverde, TX
- Cibolo, TX
- Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
- Helotes, TX
- Hollywood Park, TX
- New Braunfels, TX
- San Antonio, TX
- Schertz, TX
- Selma, TX
- Shavano Park, TX
- Stone Oak, TX
current Specials
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my water heater needs to be replaced?
If your water heater is over 8–10 years old, makes unusual noises, or takes longer to
heat water, it’s likely time for a replacement. Leaks, rusty water, or rising utility bills are also key warning signs.
What size tank water heater do I need?
Forty gallons suits one or two people, fifty covers most three and four-person households, and seventy-five or more is for larger families or homes with a soaking tub. Then check the recovery rate, because that is what decides whether the third shower of the morning is warm — two tanks of the same size can behave completely differently. We work from how your household draws hot water, not from the label on the unit coming out. Weighing an on-demand system instead? The tankless page walks through that decision.
How long does a water heater installation take?
Most installations in San Antonio homes are completed within a few hours. We offer
same-day service options so you don’t have to go without hot water for long.
Can I replace my water heater myself?
It’s not recommended. Improper installation can lead to leaks, gas issues, or even
voided warranties. Apollo Air Heating & Cooling certified experts ensure your system meets all safety codes and performs at peak efficiency.
Do you offer warranties or maintenance plans?
Yes! Apollo Air Heating & Cooling provides manufacturer warranties and affordable
maintenance plans to keep your water heating system running efficiently year-round. Regular tune-ups help improve the lifespan of your system and prevent costly breakdowns.
How long does a tank water heater last in San Antonio?
Eight to twelve years is the general range, and here it tends toward the lower half — attic heat and Edwards Aquifer sediment both work against it. An annual flush is the single thing that moves it back up. If yours is past ten and you have never flushed it, plan the replacement rather than waiting for it.
We Serve All Major Brands
We install and warrant all major brands, and we size to the household rather than to whatever fits the old footprint — flow rate, fixture count and simultaneous demand, not just gallons. Whatever goes in, the work carries our 100% workmanship guarantee.