Advice Needed...My 1st Water Heater Replacement

[mmyk72]

Originally Posted by NYCresident2014

I think the deal you got sounds about right. The Lowes/HD prices always creep up a little after all is said and done- every little extra costs a lot. I had a gas water heater replaced and it was a couple hundred extra for little bits. So $2300 all-in from a regular plumber vs what would have been approximately $2k from a big box isn't bad.

I usually favor the big box stores but have had similar experiences to yours- if they can't get it, I at least try to get someone who isn't much more. Especially with something as simple as a water heater- it's either in and it works, or not. A bad install will be immediately visible in the form of leaking etc.

Awesome. Thanks for this. I agree that it either works immediately or will see leaks right away. I heard the Lowe's AO Smith brand is a good product so taking my chances that once it works after installing, it should be good for years.

[NYCresident2014]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

Just curious, did they include an “expansion tank”? Do you have one now? If not, it will be a requirement. If so, now’s a good time to replace the old one- they don’t last forever!

When I had my water heater replaced, the expansion tank was only required if there was a check valve on the main feed line coming in from the street. The theory is that, without a check valve, the entire municipal plumbing system is your expansion tank.