Fairway repairs and replaces gas and electric water heaters across the Des Moines metro. A 50-gallon gas tank runs $1,750 to $2,600 installed, and most are replaced the same or next day.
A tank leaking at the base can't be repaired. Shut off the cold water line at the top of the tank and turn the gas to pilot.
We install and repair tank and tankless water heaters, gas and electric, up to 100 gallons, in homes and small offices. We do not service boiler-fed or solar water heating systems.
Repair or replace?
Tanks in Des Moines usually last 10 to 13 years; the hard water shortens that. The age and where it's failing decide it.
- Repair it. No hot water from a failed thermocouple, gas valve or element on a tank under 10 years. $180 to $450.
- Replace it. Any leak from the tank itself, rust in the hot water, or a tank past 12 years.
- Consider tankless. Endless hot water and 20-plus years of life, at about twice the upfront cost.
What a replacement includes
One flat price covers everything needed to make the new heater safe and up to code.
- Haul-away. The old tank is drained and taken away.
- New connections. Shutoff valve, flexible lines, and a new relief valve and drain line.
- Permit and venting. Pulled and checked; venting is tested for proper draft.
- Expansion tank. Added where the code requires it, priced on the quote.
How a water heater replacement works
Most replacements take three to four hours from arrival to hot water.
- 1You call. We confirm the size and fuel type over the phone, so the truck brings the right heater.
- 2You see the price. A flat rate for the installed heater, before work starts.
- 3We swap it. Drain, disconnect, install, test the venting and the relief valve.
- 4Hot water. Usually within an hour of the install finishing.
What a water heater costs in Des Moines
These are installed prices, including haul-away, connections and the permit.
- 40 to 50-gallon gas tank
- $1,750 to $2,600
- 40 to 50-gallon electric tank
- $1,550 to $2,300
- Tankless gasIncludes venting and gas line sizing
- $4,200 to $5,800
- Water heater repair
- $180 to $450
What moves the number most:
- Fuel and venting. Gas tanks that need new venting cost more to install.
- Access. Attic and tight closet installs take longer than an open basement.
- Code updates. An expansion tank or a drain pan, if your home needs one.
The quoted price includes everything above. No add-ons after the work starts.
Why homeowners choose Fairway Heating & Plumbing
Same or next day.
Common sizes ride on the trucks.
Everything in one price.
Haul-away, permit and connections included.
Repair when it makes sense.
A thermocouple on a 6-year-old tank is a repair, not a new heater.
Water Heaters questions we get asked
How long does a water heater last in Des Moines?
Most tank water heaters last 10 to 13 years here. Des Moines water is hard, which builds sediment in the tank and shortens its life. Flushing the tank once a year helps. Tankless heaters usually last 20 years or more.
My water heater is leaking. What should I do?
Shut off the cold water valve at the top of the tank and turn the gas to pilot, or the breaker off for an electric tank. If the leak is from the tank itself, it needs replacing. If it's from a fitting or the relief valve, it may be a repair.
Is tankless worth it?
If you run out of hot water, plan to stay 10 or more years, or want the space back, often yes. A tankless heater costs about twice as much installed and lasts about twice as long.
Areas we serve
- Des Moines, IA
- West Des Moines, IA
- Ankeny, IA
- Urbandale, IA
- Johnston, IA
- Clive, IA
- Waukee, IA
- Altoona, IA
- Pleasant Hill, IA
- Norwalk, IA
Updated October 2026