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That's what I would do. If you're going to be living there for another five years, you'll be heating a LOT of extra water that you don't need with a 75 gallon tank. I have a 50 gallon tank for my household and I plan to downsize. Point of use tanks are an option to consider. Tankless, too.
Isn't tankless very expensive to install, one guy said if I will be living there for a long time then it's a good investment, otherwise initial cost is very high.
So going from existing 75 to 50 the job will need a permit? need a professional plumber to do that right and it will cost more. Handyman can't do it?
Got kinda confused some say it's an easy job just hire a handyman do it, no need to spend 10x hire a pro. Some said it got gas involved and need to bring up to code so get a pro.
also house and gas water heater are both 12 years old. 5 bedroom 5.5 bath. thanks for the help.
I don't think you need a permit, But I'm not a lawyer, home inspector, or anything else. And, I don't think it would cost 10X to get a plumber vs a Handyman.
The question is, will the handyman touch it? Some of that depends on your locale and your handyman. I know that around here, in theory, a Handyman is allowed to swap out your kitchen faucet, or replace the lifter setup in the toilet bowl, but not replace a toilet or break the wax seal on the toilet. Some will, I'm sure but they could get in trouble.
The job, in and of itself, is simple. Is there a shutoff on the gas line above the water heater?
To change the tank my county needs permit, so if I have a handyman do it and he doesn't provide permit, later I need to sell the house then what?
Wow--I guess Vegas needs the money. I've never needed a permit in my area and I've always changed my own water heaters. They're rather easy to replace. But, if a permit is required, you might as well get one. There's no sense in creating future complications.
Isn't tankless very expensive to install, one guy said if I will be living there for a long time then it's a good investment, otherwise initial cost is very high.
By "initial cost" he may have been referring to the units themselves, as well as to the installation. Generally, tankless units do cost more than regular water heaters. The actual installation would be a bit more involved, too (although I've never installed one), because you'd likely need additional piping or electrical connections, depending on whether it would be a gas or electric unit. Cost is definitely a consideration. It's always easier just to swap out a tank.
When we replaced the existing 50 gallon we had a "booster" installed on top of the new tank. You keep the temp turned up to max on the unit and the booster blends in cooler water when you dispense. It turns a 50 gallon water heater into an 80 gallon. Rheem makes the booster we added in case you want to read up about it. It was WAY cheaper than upgrading to a 75 gallon tank and I've seen no difference in our gas bills.
I don't think you need a permit, But I'm not a lawyer, home inspector, or anything else. And, I don't think it would cost 10X to get a plumber vs a Handyman.
The question is, will the handyman touch it? Some of that depends on your locale and your handyman. I know that around here, in theory, a Handyman is allowed to swap out your kitchen faucet, or replace the lifter setup in the toilet bowl, but not replace a toilet or break the wax seal on the toilet. Some will, I'm sure but they could get in trouble.
The job, in and of itself, is simple. Is there a shutoff on the gas line above the water heater?
Yeah there is a shutoff for gas, I have it at off now as well as the inlet water.
I can do basic car maintenance and build pc, but I have never done water heater before, it involves gas that kind of scares me. Watched few youtube videos and I am not sure if I can handle it. I think if I get the same size/ brand and fittings are all the same, it's just installation everything and is very simple right? but I might get 40 or 50 gallon and it would need longer pipes and whatnot. Also if I get it from lowes or HD, I don't have a truck to get it home since it's so big. I think I will just get some plumber to do it.
When we replaced the existing 50 gallon we had a "booster" installed on top of the new tank. You keep the temp turned up to max on the unit and the booster blends in cooler water when you dispense. It turns a 50 gallon water heater into an 80 gallon. Rheem makes the booster we added in case you want to read up about it. It was WAY cheaper than upgrading to a 75 gallon tank and I've seen no difference in our gas bills.
awesome, is this only available for rheem or other brands can do it too.
So later if I sell the house I can just do the booster for the new buyer, or they can just do it themselves instead of getting a brand new one.
When we had a 4400 square ft, 5 bd 3full and 2 half baths we had 2 40 gallon water heaters. We now have house with 3 1/2 baths and 1 40 gallon heater. It is fine for 2 people. There has never been a hot water issue when the house is full of kids and grandkids.
Some days i think we pay more for water going down the drain waiting for the hot. It would be cheaper to add another point source electric heater.
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