Replacing a Water Heater Cost - Buyer Experiences and Price Information

After noticing a puddle on the basement floor under my waterheater after a 24 inch snowfall two nights earlier i was a bit worried about getting a new waterheater installed.I found Mr.Waterheater online and they give the prices for the size tank you need installed, they were right on $499.00 for a 40 gallon tank installed $10.00 to haul away the old tank and $40.00 to replace the copper gas line with stainless steel total price $549.00 the technician was clean, nice and quick..No hidden charges and no push for un-needed upgrades...

Herber removed and replaced the 75 gallon Rheem, did some other work on humidifier line, replaced the expansion tank. It was 1 guy/2 hrs of work to empty it out on Monday, 4 hrs and 3 guys to do the install. Our dilema started Friday when the water wouldn't get hot. By Saturday it was cold. There was a small puddle underneath the water heater.

Was quoted approximately $850 for new heater, including install and removal. This was on a weekday and was not an emergency situation. Wholesale price of heater is about $400. Installation was done in about two hours. It was not a problematic installation. This was a one man installation. Installer was very professional and did nice work. Unfortunately was charged over $250 more than the quoted priced. Don't know why I was charged more than the phone quote. I would have chosen another company if they told me the price I was actually charged.

I recently bought a new home and noticed the water heater was in rough shape. I called a few places and got prices from 550.00 to 1,000.00. This company came in white glove treatment, replaced the water heater and took the old one. The part i liked the most was that they went around to my faucets and cleaned the screens. When he gave me the bill he broke it down and answered all my questions about it. Wanted to put this out there to let people know to shop around. Many companies like this one still out there.

I just replaced a 1987 Kenmore gas water heater 40 gallon capacity with a Bradford White 40 gallon capacity. After doing a lot of research on the internet, I learned Bradford White is a highly recommended brand. I contacted 4 contractors (after checking Better Business Bureau ratings for each) for quotes. One of those contractors came out the same day to give me a quote. That contractor told me it could be done the next day for $645.00 installation+disposal. So I hired that specific contractor. They did an excellent job and after seeing the prices and stories on this site I am glad I did my homework and had a very good experience.

To all you DIY out there. Flexible supply lines are NOT code in IL, and I am sure they are not code in many other states. There are codes in place for your safety. Licensed plumbers must follow all applicable codes and laws in order to become and remain licensed with their respective states.
In addition, licensed plumbers must train for 5 years and pass an exam with a 50%+ failure rate in order to become licensed. Your RN, auto mechanic, and your computer repair man don't have nearly the amount of training for their respective careers and most have no problem paying $80-$120/hr for those services. They also don't answer their phones and get in their service vans 24 hrs a day/365 days a year when you need them. Lowes and Home Depot could care less about you and your emergency after 9pm as well.
Give your business to a locally owned company with licensed plumbers! Buy Bradford White, the ONLY heater still made in the USA...in MI!

I have read all of the previous posts, and after a couple of days of fighting with General Electric over their warranty, and Plumbers who recomended replacing the water heater, I have to laugh. Please note the comments from the plumber in Calvert Texas and from TN/MS. $2,000 to replace a Water Heater, come on! I also have owned several successful businesses, and understand the costs. Luckily, I was speaking to a friend of mine who I had done some work for (free computer work by the way) he called a mutual friend whom I had also done some work for (also free)who is a plumber. He installed a Rheem 50 gallon, asking me to purchase the tank $230!! I gave him $260. That's over $1,700! There's not enough room here to write about all of the additional problems I had attempting to get GE to honor their warranty.

I was quoted at 770 to have my 40 gal. tank removed and a new one installed. I thought this was a little steep after going to Lowes and seeing a tank that would work for 350 with a 280 dollar install plan. But I decided to go with a reputable plumber to do the job, plus they answered my call and called me back promply. The guy showed up at 8AM promtly. My current lines did not extend high enough, so he had to add lines to make the connects go higher. He installed a new shut off valve because mine at the hot water heat was not actually stopping water flow 100% (I did confirm this myself). He ended up using 10 feet of new lines, a new shut off, a handful of 90 degree fitting and 3 hours of work (I was there the entire 3 hours and he was working). So for the extra hour to move lines up, plus the extra materals my bill ended up at 900 bucks. A bit more than I expected, but I'm going to pay it and be done with it. Eveything works great and the guy was really nice.

My water heater cracked in the middle of the night and flooded my basement and I call ATG Mechanical and they came out pumped all the water out and replaced my heater the same night I thought they where going to kill me with the price of the work and the gave me a great price at the end and I've recommended them to all my friends and family.

I had no hot water on Wednesday so I called Hub Plumbing. They came out on Thursday and determined that I had a leak. They gave me an estimate of $2,275.71 to install a State Select 40 gallon water heater and remove the old one. My protests over the price got it reduced to $2,000 even but that is still high. I felt that I was getting ripped off but had no basis for comparison. I was desperate so I agreed without getting other estimates. I wish that I had found this website prior to paying the $2,000.

I am a plumber in Tennessee/ Mississippi area and have my own company that I moved from New York. I charge $900.00-$925.00 to replace 50 gallon water heaters in the attic and still make a good profit. If you are charged much more than that you are getting ripped off. I clear about $500.00 on that cost for 1-3 hours work and do it bt myself. I am happy with that profit and am amazed at some of the numbers I bid against. On the flip side if you think that it is outrageous for us to receive that kind of money for the work that we do,than you should try to be in this industry and see how strenuos and difficult it is on your body, and the knowledge you really need to have, to do the proper work. Don't get me wrong their are crooks and conmen in every industry making it dificult for the honest buisness man to survive. In comparison to salaries people are judgemental about what they feel another person should or should not make. My CPA charges me $200.00 plus an hour, my attorney is approx. the same, my family doctor is over $150.00 an hour/ visit and people don't flinch at the pricing with them. I charge $89.00 per hour and people flip out saying we are insain with our prices. At that rate of charge (accroding to my CPA) that puts me around $25-$30 an hour. So to say we make more than doctors who charge there rate to at least 6 people in an hour to us who most likely will be with you for a full hour and need to travel to you is rediculous. In short the grass always looks greener on the other side, and remember the health and welfare of this country is soley reliant upon the plumbing industry. We are the ones who pipe the hospitals, homes, and industries to proved water and sanitation for everyone. I think people forget about its importance and convienence until they loose it. We are a god sent gift when we show up at the door but crook and a villan we leave.

Water Heater propane type exact size and fittings as old one. $35.00 survey fee (non refundable)Bring up to code (expansion tank)pop off valve side pipe. gas exhaust pipe). Two hours (5 till 7) $637.00 . Does not include $35.00 above) I consider this a big labor rip off. Supervisor at Lowes told me they have no control over contractors. Stay away from this type of set up.

Our water heater started leaking at the top on Saturday night. We called a plumber the next morning (Sunday). They sent out a very nice respectful plumber. They charged only by flat-rate. But I do know the heater probably cost about $500, there was a $162 charge for weekends and about 2 hours of somewhat easy labor and he removed old water heater and disposed of it. I figure about $500 for the water heater, $500 for install, $162 for weekend and the other $200+ for disposal and ?? A little steep but we have the peace of mind of knowing its done right and we have a good warrantied tank now.

Small leak told me that it was time to change. Decided to go to regional company versus mom and pop. Price quoted was all inclusive. Called the firm at 10:30, was told a team could be at my home between 12 and 3. Said okay and they called me an hour before they arrived with an arrival time of 1:30, job finished at 2:30. Quick and professional, they had to cut some copper piping and used some fittings and of course welding. This was not a job I would do myself. Don't want to handle gas connections or worry about heat exhaust. Thought this was fair and reasonble with a six year warranty including labor.

I bought a 50 gallon electric return at lowes (full warranty)and haggled the price down from 150 to 100, then bought the flexible water heater lines, and proper fittings to go from copper to the flex lines. Installled properly, I have worked construction for ever and have installed plenty of WH, and did not work. Called Warranty center and they sent out 2 Sears technicians, who replaced the elements. Did not cost me a dime. Two technicians, new elements, no charge! That is how a warranty is supposed to work, if you are told otherwise, then you are being ripped off. As far as the LA contractor who thinks $200 an hour is reasonable because of his overhead costs, he has too much overhead. The notion that a business owner deserves to be rich is absurd. The notion that unless there is a 20% profit margin on everything is what has got this country into trouble....greedy people suck! Whats wrong with 5% profit. Remember profit is after expenses, after the overhead is paid. One thing to remember, if you install a WH yourself, fill the water tank before turning the WH on. IF you turn on an electric tank without having the tank full, it will burn out the elements immediately!!!

I had a leak in my water heater and called Rapid Plumbing. After a 5 minute inspection he said it needed replaced and gave a $1,700 estimate. The water heater is a standard 50-gallon tank in an easy to access garage location. While he waited, I googled the average costs, priced units at several stores and found this great website! The average cost for a 50 gallon gas water heater seems to be between around $500-$700 and installation costs around $400, meaning his estimate was from $800 to $700 too much. That is 70% more than the consensus price found online.

Called Pronto plumbing they sent SECCO to replace water heater. First thing they wanted to do was sell me a membership. Gave me a quote of $1600 to install and $1400 if I was a member. I new I was getting ripped off so I said no. I still had to pay 44.95 for the call to find out what was wrong with my water heater. I am a senior citizen but I am not a stupid senior citizen. I decided to shop around for a better price. There has to be a better price out there.

My 23 yr old hot water heater was suddenly flooding my basement. With no knowledge of these things, I panic'd and grabbed the yellow pages. "My Plumber" was quick to answer the phone at 9PM and by 7AM the plumber was at the door. He was very competent and had everything finished in three hours. I agreed to the price, but feel like a sucker now. $1,100 would have seemed about right. My advice? Don't panic. Water heater installs are not rocket science and in this economy it pays to shop around and haggle.

Old one started leaking 4.5 years into 6 year warranty. When I got my RMA number from Rheem, they found previous dealer was no longer with them. Gave me new dealer phone numbers, and the man at the counter just handed the phone to a plumber who was picking up some parts. I have changed out many water heaters -- shocked to spend $200 for the labor! Felt much better after I read these posts. Looks like install costs are in line, I just wonder why I am horsing around in the computer industry if plumbing is so darn lucrative!

Old one started leaking 4.5 years into 6 year warranty. When I got my RMA number from Rheem, they found previous dealer was no longer with them. Gave me new dealer phone numbers, and the man at the counter just handed the phone to a plumber who was picking up some parts. I have changed out many water heaters -- shocked to spend $200 for the labor! Felt much better after I read these posts. Looks like install costs are in line, I just wonder why I am horsing around in the computer industry if plumbing is so darn lucrative!

Good article, but with respect, I just wanted to say that the prices stated at the top of the article do not make any sense, in my opinion:

"Buying a water heater costs $150-$3,500, depending on capacity, energy efficiency and type. Traditional tank systems run about $100-$600 for electric and $250-$1,000 for gas. Tankless types cost $200-$1,200, from a small under-sink unit to one that delivers 5 gallons a minute. Heat pump models are $600-$2,000 or more, and solar water heaters run $1,000-$5,000 (including installation)."

Where can you get a water heater for $100 or $200?
A tankless unit does not sell for $200. They are way more expensive.

Home Depot had quite a few options with various levels of warranty. I selected the 9 year option based on the fact that systems generally last between 7 to 14 years. The old one lasted 10 years. After draining, the unit (that's in the basement) job went relatively well. 2 hours later = Back up and running. I'm NOT a plumber.

Sounds like everyone wants something for nothing. I am a plumbing and jeating contractor in CT and would like to inform people that there is a lot more costs involved in running a licensed and insured business than $XX per hour. So keep hiring unlicensed moonliters and "uncle joes buddys brother to do your work. See what happens when his torch ignites your old house or a leak destroys grandmas wedding pics. Was that cheap quote really worth it? Remember you get what you pay for-is this really a big secret? And by the way I get$700 for a 40gal elec (rheem),$800 40gal gas (rheem) all said and done basic install

I was definitely taken advantage of. Had to replace my water heater on an emergency basis. It took the guy no more than 2 hours and this included the time it took for the heater to come from his warehouse after I ok'd the job. ( I had no choice ). I would have considered $1000 a lot, this was waaay out of line. These plumbers must think they are doctors. I think even a doctor would be more reasonable.

I was quoted this estimate over the phone by CD, I've used them in the past for the furnace and air conditionaer, and was charged this same amount when they were finished. I looked up this brand of water heater online and they go for approx $600 and up. Two hours after I called CD, they were there with my new water heater. B/c my water heater was so old, it was draining slowly from a clogged water release valve and the tech just knocked off the valve (after waiting 45 min) and the water came out quickly after that. So including waiting for the water to completely drain out, it took 2 men 2 1/2 hrs to install my water heater. I believe I paid a fair price for the water heater and labor. I called 2 other companies for estimates. One quoted $1,950 and the other wouldn't quote over the phone, but offered to send a plumber out to look it over and give me an estimate (no thanks).

40 gal. short GE purchased from Home Depot (around $350). Installing price $250 by contract, I think was fair. YET. $172 extra for installing pressure reducing valve with the valve from me $26!!! that just did it. I personally think Plumbers are con artists yet thanks to the city code they go away with it.Lesson learned... I may not be able to solder yet the rest I can fix myself.

Stopped by my rental property to find one of the water heaters in the basement spraying water everywhere. The water was still hot so I consider myself lucky that I found it so quickly. The shut off value would not work so I cut the pipe and installed a pipe plug. Called the plumber in the morning and they showed up 3 hours later. It is a two unit building so decided to have both water heaters replaced because they were the same unknown age. He gave me 10% discount for having both done. This includes a 6year warranty.

I made friends with a plumber that does all of my work on the side. I bought the 40 gl. at Home Depot for 290 including tax. My Plumber came over and used his fittings to install the new one. I gave him $70 for being there twice. 1st for 20 min when he removed the 1st one 2nd time he was there for an hour and a half installing the new one. I feel very fortunite to be able to have done this for so cheap. especially since my wife backed into a police car today! That one wont cost so little.

I just had sears replace my 40 gal water heater. the tank,delivery, install and permit, was $689.00. plus the install had a $35.00 rebate. I was made aware of the fact that there might be additional "code" charges based on my city, which no other place did, so there were no surprises. FWI, I did have to pay an additional $50 to bring my home up to code. So overall, I get the best, upfront service from everywhere I called.

The plumbers just left my house and I am in shock! I called last week about my leaking State Select water heater. For $119 (I'm okay and expecting this so far), a plumber came on Friday and confirmed I needed a replacement. He told me we could get the same State Select water heater and called for a price of about 1,500 a Ferguson Plumbing Supply. He asked me if I wanted to work done that day (it was later afternoon) or first thing Monday. I said whichever is best for your company. He told me it would be better for me to have the 3 guys necessary at my home first thing Monday with the heater already on the truck. When the 3 arrived, they had a Rudd heater instead of the State Selct (do I care?). They did spend 3 1/2 hours, were professional, considerate, etc. I had been told additional parts would be about 300.00. My total bill was 3358.10 with the labor costing 1706.00. I was floored. I know all 3 of those guys were not master plumbers. Maybe one was a mechanic and the other was a helper. I thought the job needed 3 men because of the weight of the heater - I never thought I'd be paying 3 men 120/hr. What can I do? Was that reasonable? The fellow also told me I shouldn't have had to replace my 8 year old heater for 20 years. It must have been installed incorrectly ....