For this Toronto gas water heater tank replacement, RenoFiz estimated about $3,224 CAD for the mandatory scope, plus up to $241 CAD of possible extra work if the drain pan or gas shut-off valve turns out to need replacing.

Location
Toronto, ON (FSA M5V)
Existing unit
40-gallon atmospheric gas tank
Replacement
Standard 40-gallon gas tank
Unit supply
Contractor-supplied
Access
Walk-out / main floor, no stairs
Code items
Seismic strapping and expansion tank
Our AI assistant helps you understand the work and likely cost. If you decide to connect with a contractor, they start with your project details and estimate.
See the full cost breakdown for this project.
| Scope item | Labour | Materials | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permit Coordination & Fees | $207.00 | $425.00 | $632.00 |
| 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater Package | — | $2,236.81 | $2,236.81 |
| Seismic Strapping (Ontario Code) | — | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Thermal Expansion Tank | — | $280.00 | $280.00 |
| Complete base project cost | $207.00 | $3,016.81 | $3,223.81 |
Conditions, constraints, and on-site decisions that shape the final project cost.
Trigger: The existing drain pan is found to be cracked, leaking, or improperly sized when the old tank is removed.
A new hot water tank drain pan would need to be supplied and installed. This example identifies approximately $150 in possible additional work for this item.
Trigger: The existing gas shut-off valve fails to operate or shows signs of leakage during disconnect.
A new gas shut-off valve would need to be supplied and installed by a gas fitter. This example identifies approximately $90 in possible additional work for this item.
Trigger: A larger tank, a different unit, a homeowner-supplied unit, or a conversion to a tankless system is chosen instead of a contractor-supplied 40-gallon gas tank.
The unit, venting, gas, and installation requirements change, so the project would need its own scoped estimate.
Trigger: The unit must be moved up one or more flights of stairs, or other site conditions differ from this walk-out, no-stairs location.
Those conditions require their own scoped estimate instead of using this example as an average price.
This is the how RenoFiz gathered the facts and turned a simple request into a scoped estimate.
i'd like to get my hot water tank replaced
I've had a look at the photo of your water heater — it's a gas-fired tank with a standard atmospheric vent, sitting in what looks like a basement or utility room.
To pin down an accurate replacement estimate, a few questions:
Question: What is your postal code (first three characters)?
Question: Do you know your current tank's capacity (e.g., 40 or 50 gallons), and do you want to stay the same size?
Question: Are you after a straight tank replacement, or thinking about converting to a tankless (on-demand) system?
Question: Will you supply the new water heater yourself, or should the contractor provide it?
Question: Are there any stairs to navigate when moving the tank from its spot to outside?
What is your postal code (first three characters)?: M5V
Do you know your current tank's capacity (e.g., 40 or 50 gallons), and do you want to stay the same size?: 40 Gallon (standard)
Are you after a straight tank replacement, or thinking about converting to a tankless (on-demand) system?: Standard tank replacement
Will you supply the new water heater yourself, or should the contractor provide it?: Contractor-supplied (standard)
Are there any stairs to navigate when moving the tank from its spot to outside?: No stairs (walk-out or main floor)
Swap-out of an existing 40-gallon atmospheric gas water heater. Covers a contractor-supplied unit, installation, gas and plumbing permits, seismic strapping, and removal/disposal of the old tank. The site is a walk-out/main floor with no stairs.
| Permit / Inspection | Owner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Permit | gas_fitter | Required for a gas water heater replacement in Ontario. |
| Plumbing Permit | plumber | Required for a water heater replacement in Ontario. |
| Step | Owner | Description |
|---|---|---|
| BOP-01 | contractor/owner | Apply for and secure the municipal gas and plumbing permits. |
| BOP-02 | plumber/gas_fitter | Isolate and disconnect the water, gas, and venting from the existing tank. |
| BOP-03 | plumber | Drain and remove the old tank, protecting floors and access routes. |
| BOP-04 | plumber/gas_fitter | Set the new water heater, including water piping, gas connection, and venting. |
| BOP-05 | plumber | Fit the required code components (expansion tank, drain pan, T&P discharge, seismic strapping) where not present or reusable. |
| BOP-06 | inspector | Carry out the municipal gas/plumbing inspection. |
| BOP-07 | plumber/gas_fitter | Fill, test, and commission the new unit. |
| BOP-08 | plumber | Haul away and dispose of the old tank. |
| Title | Description | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Coordination & Fees | Administration and coordination of the municipal gas and plumbing permits, including the application and inspection scheduling. | $490 - $785 |
| 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater Package | Supply and install a 40 US gallon atmospheric gas tank. Includes disconnecting the existing unit, plus draining, removal, and commissioning of the new one. Typical model: Rheem PROG40S38 or Bradford White RG240S6N. | $1,700 - $2,700 |
| Seismic Strapping (Ontario Code) | Install seismic strapping to meet Ontario building code water-heater restraint requirements. | $60 - $90 |
| Thermal Expansion Tank | Supply and install a thermal expansion tank to satisfy current closed-system plumbing code. | $200 - $350 |
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Materials | $2,400 - $3,700 |
| Labour | $145 - $260 |
| Total | $2,490 - $3,885 |
| Description | Trade | Est. Cost | On-Site Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supply and install a new hot water tank drain pan if the existing pan is found damaged or non-compliant. | Plumber | $100 - $200 | Existing drain pan found cracked, leaking, or wrongly sized once the old tank is pulled. |
| Supply and install a new gas shut-off valve if the existing valve is seized or non-compliant. | Gas Fitter | $70 - $110 | Existing gas shut-off valve won't operate or shows signs of leaking during disconnect. |
The final cost may shift once a contractor confirms site conditions.
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Our AI assistant helps you understand the work and likely cost. If you decide to connect with a contractor, they start with your project details and estimate.