There are two basic types -- the traditional water heater with a storage tank (typically heated by gas but also available in electric or solar) and tankless water heaters, also called on-demand or instantaneous, which directly heat water as needed.
Typical costs:
With all needed parts and labor, having a plumber install a traditional gas water heater costs $300-$3,500 or more, depending on capacity (30-75 gallons, with 40 or 50 gallons the most common household sizes); quality of materials and length of warranty (typically 5-12 years); local labor rates; number of workers (some large, heavy water heaters require a crew of two or three, especially for an attic installation); and the amount of repairs required to meet current building codes. For example, CostHelper readers report charges of $755-$1,000 for installing a 30-gallon water heater, at an average cost of $878; $360-$2,800 for a 40-gallon unit, with an average cost of $948; $675-$2,500 for 50 gallons, at an average cost of $1,211; and $1,300-$3,358 for a 75-gallon unit, at an average price of $1,937.
A tank-style water heater can also be purchased at a home improvement store, plumbing supply house or online retailer for $230-$2,000 or more, with installation done separately. Installation costs vary significantly depending on whether the work is done by a plumber or a handyman, the condition of the water heater hook-ups and the amount of work needed to bring them up to current local building codes, and if any adaptations are needed to install a new, larger unit in the space occupied by the old water heater. If extensive work is required, installation can cost as much as or more than the water heater. For example, CostHelper readers report paying $70-$1,706 for installation, for an average expense of $630.
Selling for $230-$2,000 or more, electric tank-style water heaters typically cost less than gas models but are more expensive to operate. Installation costs are similar, bringing the total to $400-$3,000 or more.
Solar water heaters typically cost $1,000-$5,000 or more, with installation usually included in the purchase price.
A central, whole-house tankless water heater can cost $800-$3,000 or more, without installation. Because tankless systems typically require the addition of a 220V/240V outlet and/or larger-diameter gas pipes than found in an average home, installation can bring the total cost to $1,800-$5,000 or more.
What should be included:
Generally, a one- to two-person household needs a 30-40 gallon water heater while a household of five or more needs 50-80 gallons. However, a tank that puts out more than the household uses hourly wastes money and energy heating extra water. Tankless systems avoid that cost and take up less space, but more than one unit might be needed to shower and run a dishwasher at the same time. The U.S. Department of Energy describes the different types of water heaters.
Replacing an old water heater with a similar but updated model is relatively straightforward, but new and more-energy efficient units are often larger, and might not fit the existing space or hook-ups.
Check with the local planning department; a permit and inspection may be required. Replacement water heaters typically are required to meet current building codes, which may mean upgrading the existing water and gas lines, installing new valves and other parts, and the addition of an expansion tank to minimize pressure build-up.
Do-it-yourself installation is possible, but can be challenging. This Old House explains how to replace a water heater, calling it a moderate-to-difficult project that takes 2-4 hours and requiring basic plumbing skills plus the strength to wrestle out the old unit and carry in the new one. CostHelper readers report paying $385-$750 for do-it-yourself installation of new water heater, at an average cost of $574, while a New Jersey reader reports paying $2,500 a plumber (triple the normal rate) to fix the botched do-it-yourself installation of a 40-gallon water heater.
Get several estimates. Request and check references, and be sure the company is properly bonded, insured and licensed. Search for any complaints with the >AA www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews/>Better Business Bureau.
A written contract should include a detailed outline of the work required and materials to be used, and dates within which the project will be done.
Our water heater died last week and because we're in the dead heat of summer, I wasn't in too much a hurry to replace our water heater without calling a couple of places. I searched the internet for an average or median price for the cost of replacing and installing a new water heater and found this site. The first quote I got was the plumber that I signed for the job and his was the lowest of all the five places I called. We got a 6 year warranty for the heater and a one year warranty for parts. I was hoping to find a lower price but $800-1200 seemed to be the average price in this area. They had 2 guys come in and do the installation in our two story home in the attic. It has been blistering hot this summer, so I did not envy them having to do all that work during the hottest part of the day. They were also in charge of the removal and it was done in maybe a couple of hours. Based on some of the prices I've seen posted, I think we got a decent deal.
Hey are there a lot of suckers on here. The reason I paid 500 is we did it ourselves. To have that model installed most all (except for the rip off artists) charge 750-800, installed. I'm from Canada and we should be paying more than the USA. To the master plumbers who are backing the 1500 and 1600 dollar installs, take a hike scammers! I'm happy with out install and looks prof. Find a reputable company to do the work and SHOP around !
tried installing myself. Almost Every joint leaked. Called plumber. plumber had to charge triple to salvage the heater and remove what i tried to install. plus i was going to install the heater using the wrong size smoke pipe which would envelope my home with carbon monoxide, creating a fatal situation. Leave it to the pros.
Heater aprox $500 (inc tax) + 385 install. Consulted with 8 local plumbers, 3 of which actually showed up + Home Depot install service. Plumbers quoted $1,050 to 1,400. HD, with an initial phone quote of $979, went up to $1,450 after the guy showed up with the heater, which I promptly sent him away. Their HDQ called me 15 minutes later to offer a one time deal, which I promptly rejected, I didn't care what it was, I just don't like playing games, but if you do, try them out see if they blink. I had no good vibes from the install guy anyways. HD may force an inspection fee on you so you must ask. HD also surcharges you if the guy has to climb more than 14 steps. The plumber I finally picked was someone who was installing a heater at my neighbor 6 month ago, and his immediate quote of $875 after actually looking at the job (2nd floor, tight closet) earned him a quick "lets do it." Took him just over an hour.
This is the quote i'm getting in Queens NY from two local Plumbers for AOSmith XCV-40. Seems high, as 4 years ago I had a 40 Gal/12YR American WH brand installed by keyspand for 729, including removal. I will get a few more quotes and compare. Is this a high price?
Posted by: JC in Union City, CA in Union City, CA.
Posted: October 1st, 2011 10:10PM
Capacity: 40 gal
Brand: Bradford White
Installer: Tom Krauss
18 year old AOSmith started leaking. Called several plumbers from yellow pages and got phone
estimates from 800 to 1400 (learned 2 lessons: don't bother with the first few companies listed in the yellow pages and don't bother with companies that hire receptionists to give estimates, in both cases the estimates will be higher). Also called HD and got phone estimates of $809/919/989 for GE water heaters with warranties of 6/9/12 years. But a technician from Fast Water company would have to come by to give me the final quote. I could smell a scam already and didn't bother having them come out. Went online and put in a request for estimates with Service Master. Three companies were recommended: (1) Better Water Heaters, (2) Juan's Plumbing Services, and (3) On Demand Water Heaters. The first one, BWH, is rated the highest and also had very high ratings on yelp. Got an estimate for $800. When the plumber came, he changed the estimate to 1025 because the hot/cold water lines had to be replumbed, and the gas and T&P lines needed replumbing as well. This was flabbergasting (you always need those lines replumbed when changing water heaters). So, I turned the guy away. The owner of BHW called me back right away and said that his technician's quote was very fair, but I didn't buy it. Finally went back to Action Plumbing Service that I used 8 years ago for my rental.
Tom Krauss is honest and very experienced. But I started shopping around because his quote of $849 was much higher than his $550 quote back in 2003.
Lesson 3: the highest-rated company soon believes they can charge a lot more because they are the highest rated or maybe they paid a lot to Service Master or yelp to get the very high ratings.
Got tired of replacing Rheem every 9 years which was the reason for the switch to BW. Quotes were all over the place some as high as $1,300. Orange Coast Plumbing were fair, honest and very responsive, work was completed in 2 hours. Hopefully this U.S. made unit will last longer.
leaking heater- friday am-called Blau- upfront quote $2200 plus-replaced the same day-I was out of town- I think my wife signed overcharged quote -seems like the highest price on this site.11 yr warranty
My 15 year old gas water heater busted a month ago. I've been shopping around for a new one. HD quoted me $982 installed with permit, labor and the tank. A plumber was willing to install the unit and realign the water pipes all for 600. had not permit to do it. i.e. total cost would be 800. rnShould a non-licensed plumber be allowed to install a gas water tan heater? what are the consequences?
Obtained quotes from HomeDepot, Lowes and Sears. Cost ranged from $1100-$2000 which included installation. Yes you can buy water heater for $350, but you will have additional cost for installation, delivery,disposal and permit.
Through my PSEG worry free contract the price range was $900-$1300. Includes permit/installation/removal of old water heater. If you call before 1 pm they can replace same day.
Flooding from water heater, so I had my mom call Home Depot to fix/replace it, but they told her they don't do that kind of work! Don't understand when they have a huge splash on their website with a 1-800 #.rnrnLeak has been going on for a long time until finally it started pouring out from the attic through the pipe that it made the pipe fall off, so I knew it had to be replaced. Flow Plumbing had done work for me before, so they got the job once home depot was a no go. Repair men showed up and said they would get the new heater I wanted, install it, and remove the old one for flat fee of $1300 (new 50 gallon Rheem versus old one was 40 gallon). He said it's usually $1800 but because I already had the pan, pipe and stuff, he took that pricing off the bill. whoa! Since I live out of state and my elderly mother lives in my house, I had to just go with it. My stepfather's friend said he'd do it for alot cheaper but I wasn't sure if he was licensed and could guarantee work. The Flow plumbing repairman explained that the city permit people would come by, and they showed up the next morning to inspect the work. So I feel better, but I am wondering about overpaying for labor.
How hard is it to replace 2 water pipes and a gas line. Why would you need a permit for a replacement, sonds like some of you are getting ripped off. HWH was $400, Parts kit was $50. Took me 2 hours, and thats with a lunch break.
Gas water tank was found leaking in the garage the day after Christmas. Called Plumbing Connection (had good ratings on Google) in the morning and someone was able to come early afternoon. Able to get $50 off the bill w/ online coupon. Replaced unit and took away the old WH in the same same day. Everything went pretty smoothly.
Friday evening discovered 1 heater (10 yrs old) burner was out and the other(20 yrs old)was leaking badly. Called Rusty Speakes at Heritage Plumbing (972-494-6700). He told me an easy way to seal off (cost $16 in parts)and drain leaky heater until he could get replacements. He installed 2 heaters, 2 drain pans, 4 cutoff valves, and replumbed my system so I could isolate either heater and use the other if I have problems in the future. Rusty has helped me with advice over the phone several times. He is honest and reliable. Rusty does not know I am giving him this recommendation.
Posted by: endlesshotwaterHO in Orange County, CA.
Posted: March 6th, 2012 10:03PM
Capacity: 75 gallon
Brand: Bradford White
Installer: Crandall\'s Plumbing
extra recovery! Old water heater went out, needed a new one. Did the research and found BW had an excellent reputation but a plumber was the only one who could install it. Searched Yelp and found a few candidates, this was the one I felt most comfortable with. Price just a bit more than a 60 gallon Home Depot heater installed. Feel the BW was a good value. Price included draining and removal of old heater. Did not include pulling city permit, unfortunately. Plumber had to pull door jamb off exterior closet to get the unit in. Install took about 2.5 hours or so. 75 gallon ER tank...1 hour to hot shower- nearly endless hot water for my family of 5.
I had my old water heater replaced last year the heater itself was about $250.00 and Fix It Handyman installed it for $150.00 I felt like it was a fair price and they did such a great job they were in and out done with the project in about an hour. I would def call them again. If you live in the SLC area of Utah give them a call. 801-717-8757 and this is there website. www.Utah-Handyman.net
Leaking Ge Smart Water heater w/ 12 year warranty, leaking in last month of warranty. GE units sold by HD are made by Rheem. Called & got repl credit for heater. Then you must buy new one from HD which the pices have MORE then doubled from 12 years ago. Unit we bout 12 years ago for 236. is 525 now with same 12 year warranty! Now they offer 6 year, 9 yr and 12 yr warranty models.. of wither 40 or 50 gal units. Prices are sky high for water tanks... Is it the metal involved? I thought the tanks were fiberglass surrounded by insulation then a metal shell now.
Plumber mad 2 trips and 1.5 book time for removal an replaced/installed 2 shutoff valves. THen 2nd trip installed 50 gal unit I had gotten.. HD didn't have 40 gal 9yr unit had to get 50 gal 9 yr unit to save time and $$. Plumber installed (Metal pan and drain valve to pan (brought it up to Code now) and took 2 hours to installed new one. I had job of Taking old one back to HD so I could get warranty replacement.August 2012
Will find out tomorrow afternoon the brand they installed and how well the job was done when i get home from work; hopefully i get home in time while their over there
Saw my garage flooded from water heater leak. I tried not to panic, shut-off the gas and waterline. I YELP for a Christian plumbing for obvious reasons and found one in the area. I took picture and emailed to the plumber and gave me an estimate. !5mins later the service person came to check. They will be back by noon to install. I have faith that they will fix and install the new water heater right.
Our gas water heater burst so we went to Home Depot since I generally trust the contractors that they use. The cost of the tank was around $464 and the plumbing company quoted us $839 over the phone for the combined cost of the water heater and the basic installation and removal of the old unit. We had to pay another $50 to pull the permit and the rep warned me that there may be additional costs to bring our water heater up to code. Now, our old heater was the original unit installed in the late 80s so we were expecting some additional cost, but after the final estimate ($833 in additional charges), we were speechless! Here is what we were charged for: $79 for earthquake straps, $99 for a shut off valve, $179 for an expansion tank, $89 to bond water and gas pipes with 6 awg wire and clamps, $240 to increase vent size to 4", $69 for 2x4 bracing (really?), and $39 to adapt hard plumbing to 3/4" fittings. I'm sure we overpaid, but we had to make a hard decision having no hot water and other plumbers were either unresponsive or unavailable for at least a week.
I have worked in heavy construction in long time but never replace my own heater and when I ran into trouble all Im thinking is I can do this. I googled it first and surprise to find out how much it would cost for contarctors to do it. heres my break down cost.. electric water heater 204 + tax = to 218 , breaker 30 amps 12 dollors and 20 ft wire 10 gage for 220 which is around 20 dollors and 10 dollors pvc pipe and one day of work including electrical saves me money..Just always remember to make sure your tank is full of water before making electrical connections to avoid burning off your heater. Theres a procedure of doing this like turning your faucet on after you make your connections on cold and hot water and turn your main water switch. watch steady flow of water in the hot water faucet this will indicate the tank is full then shut it off to do the rest of work. And use teflon tape when making connections on your pipe securing a proper connections and to avoid all hassles makes sure to get the same height of the old heater your replacing so you can fit the new one right in place with out having to add new pipe.. and among other things make sure the breaker is off when making electrical work of somekind to avoid hassles and check the code for proper installation good luck. is this helpful
customers really have no clue what they are talking about with these prices. they are giving all these people bad advice go buy a tank and call a handy man to install it? Really folks take that approach with an attorney, or a doctor, or a car repair. Water heater cost are the same across the board just call home depot or lowes they will tell you the price but what are the other cost involved? Well if the tank cost an averge of 400.00 dollars and the average install is 1000.00 to 1500.00 that leaves 600.00 to 1100.00 for installation of a pan,stand, 3/4 ball valve, thermal expansion tank or valve, water flex lines,t&p drain, vent pipping through roof with cap and collor with new flashing, permit and disposal, any type of water line modification, gas lines and drip legs, and gas cocks. It takes three yrs to get licensed, understand that its not the cost of the parts that should be looked at for the price of the job but how many people it takes to operate a company that you can call and talk to someone and to warrenty your water heater. Tht truck they pulled up in with all these tools on it, insurance,work comp, truck insurance, individual insurance for the technition and there family. Do you want a 10 dollar an hour so called plumber trying to install a new water heater. Really folks get a clue, take my advise call a real plumber and just get price quotes dont settle on the first guy that walkes in your home. If you dont mind risking your property or your families life settle for a handy man service. But for me I will always call a professional.
I was never told how much the actual heater costs; checking online the one I had installed was around $420, so I assume the balance was labor. Home Depo was about $120 over this cost. Another plumber wanted $288 for instalation.
I had a leak in the ceiling and so called Michael and Sons to check it out, it turned out that it was an open pipe that could be capped. The MS guy told me he would waive off the $200 bucks if I would install a new water as my current water heater had nearly overdone it's time.
He quoted me $2300, for a 6 year warranty 50 Gal State Select Water heater, with 1 year complete warranty on all repair, and 5 years of parts and pay for labor charge,it included 2, 3/4 valve replacements, a plumbing permit and 3 complimentary flushes.
I had not done my research and was thinking about saving $200 bucks and agreed for the $2300 job down the reapir, he mentioned the main valve and pressure divertor were dying and quoted me another $550 bucks for a total of $2800.
After having read the reviews her I feel disappointed, I am never going to call Micheal and Sons ever again for anything. They are a total rip off, please stay away from them.
18 yr old water heater went out on Sunday and I would be gone all week. Wife said fix! Didn't shop around. Went right to Home Depot. Took a few hours to install and couple of trips to hardware store. Found receipt for old heater-$158. Maybe I should have shopped around.
The plumber replaced my water heater as well as some of the gas pipes and valves that were near it(within 24") and also replaced moved the house shutoff valve for the houses main water(again I say, all within 24" of water heater). I was given an initial estimate of $1600.00 and the final price was $1800.00. I personally think the cost is highway robbery but, it was my choice! The cost of replacing it 8 years previous was less than $700.00 and that was with a local plumber replacing it. If I need it done again I will hire a local plumber again.rnI will say this though, I have had Roto Rooter work done before and have up till now been pleased with the service received.
I live in a rural area so I didn't have many options to choose from. Home Depot was the lowest bidder at 799. When the guy finally arrived (a day late) he dropped the price to 750 because I had drained the old one.
Emergency - 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater leaked in basement
Amount: $1,075.00
Posted by: JH in Hillside, NJ in Hillside, NJ.
Posted: March 20th, 2013 09:03AM
Capacity: 40 gal
Brand: GE
Installer: Local Plumber
Woke up in the morning and tried to take a shower and noticed no hot water. Went to the basement and heard the water leak alarm going off. I called a local plumber that I got off of Angie's List and used several times before. They always gave me a good price.
He came around 12:00pm and turned off the water to the house which stopped the water from leaking from the water heater that I was spending all morning trying to clean up.... He gave me a quote of around $1000 and would be back around 1:30pm to complete the job. Looking back it seems a little high. Especially since people were telling us that it should have cost around $450-$600. I think they used a handyman and did not get permits.