Homeowners love the endless hot water that a Rheem tankless unit delivers, but many are unsure what the installation will really cost. At CountBricks, we handle hundreds of these projects each year, so we have reliable data on every factor—labor, material, permitting, and long-term energy savings. This article breaks down those costs and shows how CountBricks.com can generate an AI-powered estimate in minutes, complete with voice-guided refinements and real-time material pricing.
Rheem’s reputation for durability and warranty support makes it a top choice in the residential market. Homeowners typically see:
• 40 % space savings compared with tank units
• Up to 25 % utility bill reduction
• Longer equipment life—often 20 years or more
Those advantages are compelling, but they also come with unique installation requirements that affect total cost. CountBricks helps you quantify each requirement before you commit.
1. Equipment price: Rheem units range from $650 for basic gas models to $2,300 for high-capacity condensing versions.
2. Labor: Licensed plumbing and gas work averages $75–$125 per hour nationwide. CountBricks’ database updates regional rates daily, so your estimate is always current.
3. Venting and gas line upgrades: Tankless heaters demand higher BTU input and stainless-steel venting. Expect $300–$900 depending on distance to exterior walls.
4. Electrical requirements: Many models need a dedicated 120 V outlet or breaker upgrade, typically $150–$400.
5. Permits and inspections: City fees in most residential zones fall between $75 and $250. CountBricks automatically factors in local permit schedules.
Based on thousands of CountBricks residential projects, the installed cost for a standard Rheem gas tankless unit sits between $2,400 and $4,100. Electric models trend lower, averaging $1,800–$3,100 because venting and gas work are eliminated. High-efficiency condensing models that qualify for energy rebates can push totals to $4,800 but often pay back the difference within five years.
Traditional bids require several site visits, phone calls, and manual spreadsheets. CountBricks streamlines the entire workflow:
• Voice-guided scope capture: Walk around the mechanical room with your phone and describe what you see—our AI converts speech to line-item tasks.
• Real-time material pricing: Rheem SKUs, copper fittings, gas valves, and vent kits pull live from supply-house feeds inside CountBricks.com.
• Automatic labor mapping: Our platform pairs each task with regional union or open-shop rates, updating every 24 hours.
• One-click quote documents: Generate branded proposals complete with scope, schedule, and terms in under five minutes.
Installation costs are rarely identical from one ZIP code to another. CountBricks’ nationwide database reveals three primary drivers:
• Labor rate differences: Coastal metros can run 20 % higher than midwest suburbs.
• Permit complexity: Seismic, backflow, or high-wind zones may require extra anchoring or documentation.
• Fuel availability: Homes without existing natural-gas service may need propane conversion kits or larger electrical service, adding $500–$1,500.
Many homeowners focus solely on upfront cost, but smart planning weighs long-term savings. CountBricks calculators include:
• Annual energy savings compared with a 50-gallon tank heater
• Applicable utility or federal tax rebates (updated nightly)
• Net present value over the equipment’s expected life
This holistic view often reveals that a higher-efficiency Rheem model, though pricier out of the gate, yields the best lifetime cost of ownership.
Tankless heaters are complex. Incorrect gas pressure or improper vent pitch can void warranties and create safety hazards. CountBricks always recommends licensed professionals, and our contractor marketplace connects you with vetted installers who already use CountBricks.com for takeoffs and invoicing. For those exploring partial DIY, the platform still provides material lists and step-by-step task sequencing so you understand exactly where pros are essential.
A recent Montgomery homeowner used CountBricks to replace a 40-gallon tank with a Rheem RTGH-95DVLP:
• Equipment: $1,450 (condensing unit)
• Materials: $620 (vent kit, gas flex, valves, isolation kit)
• Labor: $1,275 (10 hours journeyman + helper)
• Permit & inspections: $120
Total project cost: $3,465. The AI-generated estimate matched the final invoice within 1.7 %, proving the accuracy of CountBricks predictive costing.
Ready to see your own numbers? Open a free CountBricks account, start a new estimate, and speak your scope. Within minutes you will receive a detailed breakdown of your Rheem tankless water heater installation cost, regional labor rates, and projected energy savings. For turnkey service, request bids directly from CountBricks-verified contractors, or share the estimate with your preferred plumber.
Visit CountBricks.com/services to get started today.
Even with accurate upfront estimates, savvy homeowners and contractors can further reduce Rheem tankless water heater installation cost. Below are three proven strategies pulled from recent CountBricks projects:
• CountBricks tracks distributor markdowns and factory rebates. Plan installs during quarter-end promotions and you can shave 5 %–10 % off equipment pricing.
• Pairing the heater swap with a bathroom remodel or panel upgrade lets inspectors sign off on multiple scopes in one visit. Our clients report average savings of $75–$150 in administrative fees.
• If you already intend to upsize gas or electrical service, complete that work before heater installation. Combining trenching, meter replacement, and vent termination avoids redundant mobilization charges—saving another $200-$400.
A Birmingham homeowner used these tactics with CountBricks planning tools. By purchasing the Rheem unit during a spring promo, bundling permits with a kitchen renovation, and coordinating gas-line upsizing, total project cost dropped from $3,820 to $3,210. The CountBricks dashboard tracked every change order in real time, preserving transparency and keeping the contractor paid promptly via in-app invoicing.
Our AI doesn’t stop at the estimate. Post-installation, CountBricks monitors energy usage and alerts you when consumption patterns suggest maintenance needs—protecting your investment and guaranteeing long-term efficiency. Explore these extended services at CountBricks.com/portfolio and see why residential clients nationwide trust CountBricks for data-driven construction decisions.
From first voice note to final inspection, CountBricks keeps your project on budget and on schedule—every step of the way.
