Water heater replacement (sales, how much, house)

[elnina]

What is a typical charge for it? ( 40 gal/gas, simple model )
Can HVAC guy do it, or must be licensed plumber? ( not sure about the regulations ).
I know, there is also surcharge for a permit.

[cheryjohns]

Depends on the water heater. You might think about going tankless.

If I remember correctly, you said you had an older home - a licensed plumber will have to bring the water heater up to current required code. Example: your current heater may be floor level - he will have to bring it up and pipes may have to be adjusted. Get a couple or more bids.

[elnina]

Yes, it's an older home, but the water heater is elevated.
No tankless, it's a rental.

[tstone]

Figure on about $1,000 all-in.

[elnina]

So, if I buy $400 heater the $600 is installation?

[mtgmike]

Yep. Ive done them myself in a previous home that had the heater in the garage. My house now has two 40 gal short units in the attic. The feed valve for the unit that failed was pretty corroded, and I just knew if I messed with it myself the pvc line would crack, etc.

I bought mine through Home Depot, and they used Delta Mechanical to contract the install. $965 all in. I was thrilled with their job. They were fast, clean, etc. Couldnt be happier. I expect the worst with random sub contractors, but these guys were awesome.

[tstone]

Originally Posted by elnina

So, if I buy $400 heater the $600 is installation?

$400 for basic heater, add 2 new metal hoses and sales tax, then a pair of solder-welds if you want the warranty to be valid. And of course a permit if you're in the city limit. Installation probably comes out to be $400-something + a little extra to remove & replace in an attic since it's a 2 man job. I had Lowe's do ours and the guy they brought out had 20 yrs experience and did a flawless job. He brought in a helper to remove the old one and stuff the new one in, then the helper left. If it was on the 1st floor he wouldn't have needed the helper => would've cost a bit less.

[NTT]

Hi ElNina!

There are some regulation with a water heater such as how much space between the top of the unit to the roof. It must be vented properly. Something that a licensed plumber should know.

Cost of 40 gals heater for $400 is ok. Make sure the unit is "self cleaning". It will help you from having to drain it out each year. Also, that it has a long life such as 15 years or so.

Installation for $600 seems high to me. But then again, I replaced mine 5 yrs ago when installation was quoted for $150 at Lowe's. I didn't use them though. Check around for prices.

I wish I could have gone with a tankless unit. But back then, it was still new to our area and not many plumbers knew how to install one. Plus, I didn't have the expense for one. Funny how this is because other countries have used this technology for years. A tankless water heater is the norm for them. Here in the US, it's still unheard of for many homeowners.

[houston-nomad]

You pay a lot more for a tankless, don't you? How quickly do you think the savings on energy makes it worthwhile?

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by houston-nomad

You pay a lot more for a tankless, don't you? How quickly do you think the savings on energy makes it worthwhile?

Yes, but I just found out it's not her primary home. She won't glean any savings, so I would not do it. It might be worth it if it was YOUR utility bills. How much you save would vary per household.