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CostHelper.com > Home & Garden  > Replacing a Water Heater

Replacing a Water Heater Cost

How Much Does Replacing a Water Heater Cost?

low costLow: $350-$1,000
low costMedium: $600-$2,800
low costHigh: $900-$2,700

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Typical costs:
  • 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). Weigh the purchase price against the ongoing monthly expenses; the cheapest units are going to be the most expensive ones to use. The U.S. Department of Energy gives detailed descriptions of each type.
  • Installation runs about $200-$400 for a traditional tank model depending on size, existing set-up, fit and other factors; installing a tankless water heater can cost two to four times more if the supply lines or venting need resizing or other significant changes are required; heat pump water heaters cost about $300-$700 to install; and solar systems usually have installation included in the purchase price. It costs more to replace an old-style heater with a different system, but can save money in the long run.
What should be included:
  • Traditionally, two people need a 30-40 gallon capacity tank; five or more in a household calls for 50-80 gallons. But the first-hour rating (how many gallons it delivers in an hour of use) can be more important than capacity; if you buy a tank that puts out more than you need hourly, you're wasting money heating extra water. The on-demand tankless systems avoid that cost and take up less space, but you might need more than one to shower and run a dishwasher at the same time. A heat pump system requires a lot of open space around it in a room that stays warm.
  • Replacing an old water heater with a similar but updated model is relatively straightforward, but be sure to check the dimensions. New more-energy efficient units are often a bit larger, and might not fit the existing space. And be sure you're clear on the space and hook-ups available in your home, as compared to the requirements of a more energy-efficient style of water heater.
  • Installing a home water heater is generally considered an intermediate-level skill. Detailed how-to instructions are provided by TheHomeShow.com.
Shopping for replacing a water heater:
Article updated November 2006
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Recent Posts
Amount: $0.00 Some quotes we got...
Posted by: fixer upper+homeowner in San Jose, CA.Purchased: January, 2008
Capacity: 40 gallonBrand: a few different kinds
The pipes to our water heater struck a leak, so we got some quotes to fix/replace it. Because the water heater was located in our kitchen, we also got quotes to move it to the garage (safer).
1) We got a quote of $200 (ripoff!) to fix the leak. Another plumber replaced the hose for free because it was so easy. He just had to replace the hose with a ratchet/wrench.
2) To replace the 40 gallon water heater, and install a pan & drain (so a leak would flow outdoors) w/a 40 gallon Bradford White water heater, the quote was $975.
3) To move the water heater to the garage, clear old the old water heater in the kitchen, run new gas lines to a 50 gallon Bradford White water heater, the quote was $1,975.
4) To move the water heater to the garage with a Rinnai *tankless* water heater, the quote (from a plumber who did a lot of tankless) was $3,100 for the heater, installation, exhaust pipes and gas line to the garage. Doing some research, it looks like the two most recommended tankless water heater brands are Tagaki and Rinnai, but this plumber only installs (and recommended) Rinnai.
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Amount: $2,500.00 Replacement of Water Heater
Posted by: a user in Redondo Beach, CO.Purchased: February, 2008
Capacity: 50 gallonBrand: Bradford White Direct Vent Defender
Installer: Payless 4 Plumbing
My water heater developed a leak and I contacted Payless 4 Plumbing based in the Inland Empire. The technician appeared competent and indicated that I need to get it replaced. Because it was a direct vent water heater and piping and all could take a lot of time to fit in the space in my garage, he quoted me $1500 for the water heater and $1300 for the installation which would require 2 people. I thought it was a rip-off, but it was late Friday afternoon and I needed to get it replaced quickly and he was willing to offer a 10% less than any other bid that I would get in the interim. I felt that I could have gotten a tankless water heater, but he discouraged me because it would cost me more since it would require upgrading my 1/4" gas line to 1/2" from the street. To save time, I elected to go with him and negotiated the pricing down to $2500. The installation took about 4 hours and I would say considering it was a like replacement with some dimensional adjustments, the job was satisfactory, but not extraordinary. It finally hit me that I was probably ripped off but I had no recourse since I signed a "contract" at the $2500 flat rate price. Even if the water heater, which the plumber claims is top of the line and in compliance with new California regulations that went into effect 1/1/08, for 4 hours of installation work, $1300 or even $1000 is a total ripoff. Regardless of how difficult or easy the job, the pay per hour for a plumbing service should be the same! I feel like an idiot for paying $325/hour for 2 people. It should have been at the most $200/hour or $800.00.
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Amount: $2,500.00 Replacement of water heater
Posted by: Boo bear in Bonita, CA.Purchased: February, 2008
Capacity: 50 GallonsBrand: Bradford White
Installer: Affordable Water Heaters
Our water hearter started leaking, only 4 year ols so I called the original installer since it would be under warrenty. They did come to my aid quickly and even though they said the unit was under warrenty it cost me $1062 to have it replaced. I do think I got ripped off but when you are up to your ankles in water and it is late at night you are at your weakest. They said they needed to do all these upgrades but when I compared the new bill to the one 4 years ago the same this were listed.
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Amount: $1,200.00 Replacement of water heater
Posted by: a user in kennesaw, GA.Purchased: May, 2008
Capacity: 50Brand: don't know
Installer: superior plumbing
My pressure was low, so I called a plumber. He indictated that my water heater was faulty and the pipe in the center was not attracting minerals like it was supposed to, therefore letting them pass through the pipes and clogging the system. I was quoted at 1200 for a 50 gallon tank, he said he would fix a gas leak too. it seemed expensive before, but maybe not.
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Amount: $927.50 Replacement of water heater
Posted by: a user in Virginia Beach, VA.Purchased: May, 2008
Capacity: 50 galBrand: State
Installer: American Mechanical
Our water heater start leaking and i called the warranty company. They gave me the phone of American Mechanical and I did call them.(Mistake #1)
1. They never disclosed the prise upfront. The technician called the warranty company from her truck and get replacement preautorized and gave me upfront to sign invoice with total price $427.50 that I agree to pay (Mistake #2), but never show me that there is $500 more already paid by the warranty company.
2. The water heater is the lowest possible model from State Mfg. - never heard about them.
3. Refused to give me an itemized bill.Don't know it it is legal?
4. I felt ripped-off to pay the price - at least $600 for labor for 2.5 hours.
5. And you think the health care is expensive.....
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Amount: $1,151.00 BEWARE - Water Heater Install
Posted by: Beware of Lowes in Minnesota in West Saint Paul, MN.Purchased: July, 2008
Capacity: 40 gallonsBrand: Whirlpool
Installer: Lowe's
I bought a 319.00 short water heater from Lowe's. The installation was 332.00 and would be done the same day. Not bad, since I had a quote of 800.00 from another company, who was doing my new furnace and air conditioner. But I had done 10 to 12 thousand dollars worth of business with Lowe's in just the last year and had 200.00 in gift cards; so after using the gift cards, I had to come up with 450.00. I could swing it even though money was tight. Of course I needed a few "extras" so when they arrived they said the install would be 5-600.00. I was very embarrased when I had to pay and realized this was not including 332.00 I had already payed. So for a 3/4 copper pipe, new ball valve and gas shut off and a 4 inch elbow valve that he had to (I watched this) make a 4 inch hole from a 3 inch hole (code) that took little effort and minutes to create I was charged another 500.00. The pipe, vent and valves cost 38.00 at Lowes. I ended up paying over $277.00 and hour for one guy. That is giving him a generous 3 hours of labor. When I called the Lowes manager in charge of installs he did not think this was outrageous; and told me they only hire the best. If I wanted the best, I would not go to Lowe's. I also called 2 other copanies that are bonded and insured and the highest hourly rate was 82.42 and hour! Lesson learned.........I will update you if Lowe's District Manager thinks 277.00 an hour is comparable. BEWARE of the quotes from LOWE'S.
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Amount: $0.00 water heaters
Posted by: chris h. clark in indianapolis, IN.Purchased: 2008
Capacity: 40gal gas/50 electricBrand: bradford whites
Installer: glenn h. clark&sons plumbing co.
i work and own part of this company.most if not all the prices that i've seen are way out of line.
we get a lot less than these and i get people complaining about my prices.
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Amount: $825.00 Insight regarding legitimate cost
Posted by: Mario in Cambridge, MA.Purchased: August, 2008
Capacity: 40 gallonBrand: State Select
I just recently had a 40 gallon State Select gas water heater installed (6 yr. warranty). Overall, the cost was $825.00 for the water heater, removal of the old water heater, and labor. However, the plumber did not specify the the corresponding amount in conjunction with each category on the invoice. Do you think I was overcharged? Greatly appreciated, Mario
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Amount: $1,600.00 new home
Posted by: goonie in manassas, VA.Purchased: September, 2008
Capacity: 50 galBrand:
We had a home inspected and was told the water heater was in great shape when we moved in we found out that we had no hot water we called a heater comp and was told it was at end of life it cost us 1600.00 and 250.00 to light the pilot. Take this word of wisdom always get to inspections.
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Amount: $0.00 Costs
Posted by: contractor in Los Angeles, CA.Purchased: 2008
While I agree that most of the prices quoted were ridiculously high, a lot of people on here seem to not grasp the difference of a business vs. hourly labor rates. Being a business owner, it strikes me to see all my effort in placing ads in phoonebooks, mags, etc. etc. and the high cost, having a full time office which does invoicing, estimating, answers phone calls, etc. being compared to "Oh and I think $200/hr is too much for a plumber." If you want to pay $20/$30 hourly, then directly hire an employee, pay his taxes, workers comp, insurance, plus pay him for the downtime during an 8 hour work week, or the less than busy days over the week. My point being, you are not comparing apples to apples when complaining about costs. Yet many of the same people will happily pay $5.00 for hot water filtered through coffee at starbucks.
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Amount: $925.00 hot water heater
Posted by: wasp22 in portsmouth, VA.Purchased: October, 2008
Capacity: 50 gallonBrand: state
Installer: rons plumbing
I got a basic water heater installed and felt I overpaid, he did replace the valve that shuts off the water to the tank. However, after reading the post about the Lowes installler I dont feel too bad. I guess sometime the homeowner just has to suck it up......or DIY, both of these options stink!!
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Amount: $800.00 Gas Water Heater replacement
Posted by: Robo in Los Angeles, CA.Purchased: October, 2008
Capacity: 50 gallon gasBrand: HD
Installer: Ginteras
[Comment: Lowe\'s and Home Depot are notorious for substracting to unproven companies, some of whom fail to show after HD and Lowe take a deposit on the work and refuse to return deposits without \"absolute proof of no-show.\"]

Home buyers don\'t consider the price and whistles on a water heater you install, even if you tell them. The fancy ones last no more longer. Buy a regular one. Installation is considered intermediate-level and involves removal and installation, which means unhooking and rehooking. Hire the pro to inspect but not to install.

Prices -- including labor -- are quickly falling in this economy now. It is a buyer\'s market. Even necessary skills like plumbing are not recession-proof when everyone is competing for diminishing dollars.

Cost of one immigrant handyman to buy new one, install, and dump old one: $300. Cost of water heater: $500. Grand total: $800.

From someone who stupidly paid $4600 to Newton Plumbing of Culver City for emergency plumbing earlier (and had to come back when it leaked a day later).
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Amount: $0.00 water heater replacement
Posted by: Cayenne in Chicago, IL.Purchased: 2008
Capacity: 40Brand:
Installer: local gas co
This page has been so helpful to me. I want to replace my heater cause it is banging louldly and well past the 5 year warranty. I just got a quote from my local gas company that I have a home appliance repair(water heater, furnance, washer and plumbing) plan with and they will install a new water heater under the plan for $395 including the heater so I guess this is the best deal in Chicago. Thanks for all your input.
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Amount: $729.00 Changing out water heater
Posted by: Lady from the heart of Illinois in East Peoria, IL.Purchased: November, 2008
Capacity: 50 gallonBrand: Whirlpool 9 year warranty
Installer: Lowe's-Joe the Plumber
My water heater committed suicide at 9 pm tonight and I need to leave tomorrow or Saturday latest for a week. I called Lowe's for advice on how to be sure everything is turned off properly to avoid my house sympathetically blowing itself up along with its friend.

He was very helped me make sure everything was okay, gave me estimates over the phone, did not point me to the highest, most expensive, but to a middle range that he felt was the best value. He knows the plumber personally who does their installations, quoted me $250, add on $150 extra for emergency service if I want to go to the head of the line, but did not advise it. He said it was very possible that the installation could be done tomorrow, and we're checking on it first thing in the morning. I paid $729 even for the water heater and installation. He said any extra would be quoted, and with our house being 15 years old, there should be no extra quotes, maybe the odd piece, but not a lot more than $5-10. He also assured me that if I changed my mind and wanted to find my own plumber, that is fine, just call and cancel, and the money will be refunded. Since my husband is in Europe and I don't think I could manhandle that thing up the basement stairs, this seems like a pretty good deal. I'll come back and let you know how it went.
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Amount: $900.00 DIY
Posted by: homeowner in California in California, CA.Purchased: 2008
Capacity: Brand: Noritz
Installer: Self
It's fun to DIY if you have the time.
As the old heater failed (in my 3 houses I've had 3 water heater failures) slowly (leaking), I ordered a NOritz tankless heater online. It took about 10 days to arrive. By Day 8 we were heating water on the stove for BATHS. Remember those?
In the interim, I ran 120V AC from the outside breaker box to the outside water heater location. That was cool. I even added a 2nd junction box for AC for fiber optic INternet someday.
Then on the day of the Noritz install I had to make two runs to three hardware stores to get the correct hardware/fittings. And now I have a tankless heater of which I am very proud.
The NOritz was $700. The hardware/expendables was about $200. Looking at my work hanging on the wall: priceless.
Now w/ a fake contractor invoice for the install, I will get a $200 rebate from the gas co.
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Amount: $950.00 water heater replacement
Posted by: A user in Denver, CO in Denver, CO.Purchased: 2008
Installer: DIY
Home from Thanksgiving trip to find water heater leaking. Last time this happened (14 years ago) went with private plumber but felt overcharged; this time went to Lowes, bought 50 gallon model for $429, $279 install package, $30 misc parts and $60 permit fee. All went well -- very fast response -- bought Sunday afternoon and installer called first thing Monday. Had to pay $75 extra for cutting water pipes and reconfiguring exhaust vent since new unit is taller (seemed to me that this should have been part of standard install, but I guess I can\'t complain too much about $75). All in all, I was very happy with Lowes
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Amount: $620.00 Not as much as expected
Posted by: a user in Portsmouth, VA.Purchased: December, 2008
Capacity: 40Brand: Whirlpool
Installer: Integrity Plumbing
I woke up at 3am this morning to drips coming from my attic. I went up to check the water heater and found it was busted with water coming up from the top of the tank. I went to Lowe's and paid $370 for a new tank and install kit and started calling plumbers to see If i could get an appointment for an install. I wasn't really expecting to have it fixed today because it was a saturday, but Integrity was very good, nice and installed it today for $220.
I did help lift the new tank up to the attic, but I expected to pay more because it was up there and not in a garage or closet. I think this price was very reasonable for the workload and tipped them an extra $30 for a job well done.
Hopefully the new water heater won't crap out like in the reviews I've read about it, but if it does, I know a good plumber to call that won't screw me over.
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Amount: $404.00 DIY Surprise
Posted by: New homeowner in East Lansing, MI.Purchased: December, 2008
Capacity: 40Brand: GE
Installer: Myself
I came into my basement to see my hot water heater was leaking. It was slow, so I was able to stem the tide by mopping a few times a day so i could figure out what to do. With the help of my uncle, I now have(as of today) a new hot water heater happily chugging away. It took about 1 hour 45 minutes to do, but 45 of those minutes were for a second trip to the hardware store to get a few extras.

If you have the time(and energy) and willingness to get your hands dirty, I would recommend going the DIY route. I was surprised at how easy it really was.
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Amount: $900.00 replace water heater
Posted by: Chris Barreras in Diamond Bar, CA.Purchased: December, 2008
Capacity: 50 gallonsBrand: GE
Installer: Plumbing Pros (Southern, CA)
Three days before Christmas and I come home at 8pm with a small river in my garage. I called Plumbing Pros .. luckily I have used him (Bill) in the past and he has been fair. My water heater decided to die/leak on me 6 months before my limited warranty expired. Bill walked me trough the process and GE gave me a $218.00 credit towards a new GE water heater, awesome!! Just had to take it to Home Depot, (which Bill did for me the next day) and I got my credit right there at the store.
I bought a new water heater, paying the difference and Bill charged me $450.00 for labor and install. Overall I payed close to $900.00 total for a new 50 gallon water heater including the install. After reading some of the other postings here I feel I got a fair price. It sucked to have to deal with this so close to Christmas, but it was a nice early present to now not have to worry about my water heater for hopefully a decade.
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Amount: $970.00 Replacing a Water Heater
Posted by: Homeowner in San Carlos, CA in San Carlos, CA.Purchased: December, 2008
Capacity: 50Brand: Rheem w/ 12 year warranty
Installer: Water Heater Only Inc.
I came home after Christmas vacation to a basement full of water. After pumping the water out I received a few quotes and decided to go with Water Heater Only Inc. as they could get it installed over the weekend for no extra cost. Over the phone they quoted me $850-1,100 for a new Rheem heater w/ 6 year warranty and installation. When he arrived he inspected the connection to the old heater which had a combination of galvanized, brass and copper. He replaced it all including a new shut off valve as part of the install price of $850. I purchased the extended 12 year warranty for an additional $120. I would highly recommend Water Heater Only.
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Amount: $0.00 water heater swap
Posted by: moentrol in coldspring, TX.Purchased: 2008
Capacity: anyBrand: Rheem
Installer: Calvert Plumbing
Well i work for Calvert Plumbing in Texas and we flat rate our water heater change outs at 3 hours for $225 labor. we also change all valves and water heater flex lines standard in the installation. thats only costs you $40 in parts. we only carry Rheem water heaters which range from $230-$500 depending on type and size. or customers and supply the water heater. if any extra work is required like running t&p or pan drain line or even moving water lines to fit the new heater the only extras you pay are for parts unless we have to go over 3 hours which is the $70 per hour but we bill at 15 minute intervals so if we go half an hour over you dont pay for the hour just $35 for the half hour. some of these prices i read about above were unbelievable. in my opinion anyway.
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Amount: $843.95 Bradford White Warranty Replacement
Posted by: USWC in Henderson, CO.Purchased: January, 2009
Capacity: 40Brand: Bradford White
Installer: AAA Service
6 Year old house, water heater was still under warranty. Was unsure of the original installer, so had AAA Service install it. Thought it was going to cost $450, at the max. Was almost double that though. Here was the delemia, do I get the company to stand by their product, or do I go to home depot, pay 500 and install myself? I decided to make the company standby their product. Did this cost more in the long run? Most definetly, and I really do not see the pros of having a \"pro\" do the work. Next time, I\'ll save some money and diy...
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Amount: $685.00 Water Heater Replaccement
Posted by: Christopher Waters in Oceanside, CA.Purchased: December, 2008
Capacity: 40 gallonBrand: Rheem
Installer: HRPlumbing
I recently had a situation with a busted water heater and after numerous quotes up to $1600 I found an ad online for $685 to
replace a 40 gallon water heater so I gave them a shot and to my surprise they delivered. They were clean, did nice work, installed new valves and connectors and hauled off the old one. There was no hidden costs. The price was as quoted. I'm very pleased.
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Amount: $800.00 Fair price
Posted by: Boudreaux in Dallas, TX.Purchased: January, 2009
Capacity: ~50Brand: Bradford White
Installer: Independant Contractor
Found a plumber who was contracted by Home Depot. He agreed to do the job for me on the side. He installed a new water heater, new plumbing lines (in and out of new water heater) with a modern shut-off valve, an oversize drip collection pan, a new PVC drain pipe from the drip collection pan, and a city permit for the installation. The job was clean.
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Amount: $1,388.54 Hot water Heater
Posted by: noodle in Raleigh, NC.Purchased: January, 2009
Capacity: 40 gallonBrand: State Select
Installer: Progressive Plumbing and Piping
I woke up at 3 am smelling smoke and wires burning in my basement. After getting my children out of the house I went in the basement to investigate and saw where my electric hot water heater wires had caught on fire. The fire department came and shut the power off by the breaker box. Progressive plumbing charged $842.54 for a State Select Water Heater(approx $508.00 per year to run for efficiency rating)40 gallon tank, expansion tank cost $98.00, electrical permit $99.00,plumbing permit $99.00 ( I personally have never seen these two permit fees) and electrical disconnect $250.00. Total $1388.54. The technician was helpful but forgot to turn the breaker switch back on when he left. Upon inspection that night I noticed this oversight and flipped it back thinking it would bring the hot water back. Later in the night I got up and noticed we still had no hot water. I called the 24 hour line and was called back in about 20 minutes. The technician had also forgotten to turn the breaker fuse over to pass the current and heat the water. Did I pay too much? The service was on time and the plumbers were nice and informative. I had no problem with the team. I would have expected a larger tank for the money based upon investigating after the fact. I suppose I shouldnt worry about it; now that it is done.
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Amount: $385.00 DIY Gas Water Heater Replacement
Posted by: Shoestring Budget in Bay Area, CA.Purchased: February, 2009
Capacity: 40 gallonBrand: GE
Installer: Husband
We arrived at my elderly mother's house for our weekly visit and opened the garage door to discover water all over the floor. Her thirty-year-old water heater had rusted through. We drove down to Home Depot and picked out a 40 gallon GE natural gas water heater priced at $359.00 ($385 with tax-- we had no time to shop around). Then we drove back to our own house to pick up two flexible metal hoses that my husband had in the garage (he collects hardware things like that!) so we wouldn't have to buy them. They probably would have run about $15(?). (While there he grabbed his shop-vac, some wrenches and a hacksaw too.) He reused a fitting from the old water heater and was able to install the new one himself in about an hour.

Total spent on it out of pocket (excluding gas to drive to Home Depot and over to our house for the hoses) was $385.48. We still need to get rid of the old water heater, but our local garbage company has free dump days a couple of times a year, so we'll get rid of it then. My mother has no clue how much having a handy son-in-law has saved her over the years. :-)
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Amount: $0.00 Business Costs
Posted by: a user in Arroyo Grande, CA.Purchased: 2009
Capacity: 0Brand:
Installer: Contractor on CA. Coast
I agree with contractor in Los Angeles, CA. It is not cheap to run a business. Contractors in California have to be licensed, carry a bond, and though liability insurance is not a requirement, it is really a necessity. Remember also that one call back can take away the profit from the job. There is a lot of overhead and risk involved in running a business. It is expensive in California and, as you know, a lot of people are sue happy. Some of the prices here may be a bit high but without actually seeing the job it is difficult to judge. As he said, try paying the costs to run a business and see how much you need to charge to take home some money to pay your own bills.
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Amount: $1,500.00 State Select with Power Vent
Posted by: Dandy Dan in Eureka, IL.Purchased: February, 2009
Capacity: 50 galBrand: State
Installer: AMI
I replaced a 23 year old State Select 40 gal water heater with power vent with a new 50 gal of the same. Seems after 23 years, the dimensions are the same between the 40 and 50 gal? The installers did a nice job but did inform me that the new one will only last 10 to 12 years if I\'m lucky. My quotes were between $1300 - $1500 installed from various companies on brands that included AO Smith, State, and Bradford-White. Went with this installer since he offered the same day service. Wife and daughter seemed to miss the hot water! The recession hasn\'t hit these guys yet, all others I called seemed to be too busy.
Friends had warned me not to go to the big box stored with their nightmare stories of waiting days for replacement parts when needed. Something about reversed threads on a thermal coupler and other odd parts made in Europe.
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Amount: $1,200.00 Replacing Water Heater
Posted by: pugsrule in Jackson, MS.Purchased: March, 2009
Capacity: 50 gallonBrand: Whirlpool
Installer: Mr. Rooter
I started hearing a rattling noise in my attic on Friday night. It wasn't unusual for my water heater to make noises but this was more persistant. I didn't take the time to go up and check on it until I went to run a bath on Sunday and stepped into a tub full of cold water. My own stupidity. I went up to the attic immediately and saw water pouring over the top of the water heater and quickly filling up the pan underneath. I grabbed the yellow pages and started making calls to various plumbers in the area. The first one to call me back was the one that got the job. I am not saying this is the right way to choose a plumber but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures. He came quickly. He told me it was a bad leak and I needed a new heater. He said he would pick up the new heater, install it, and remove the old one for $1200 approximately. He said he would need to change out some copper wiring also. I started stuttering and looking up prices on the internet and finally just looked at him and he looked competent and he was bonded and insured so I said -"go ahead". I closed my eyes and waited for him (and his son) to finish. 3+ hours later he was finished. So far so good. Maybe I paid too much but it was worth it to get it all done in a few hours with no clean up. Great for a single woman!!
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Amount: $600.00 water heater
Posted by: Nick G. in TYLER, TX.Purchased: January, 2009
Capacity: 40Brand: whirpool
Installer: self
I CANT BELIVE MY EYES.PEOPLE ARE BEING RIPED OFF BY THESE COMPANYS I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS KIND OF WORK FOR TWENTY EIGHT YEARS.I CHARGE 600.00 TO INSTALL A FORTY GALLON HEATER.GUESS WHAT?THATS HEATER AND LABOR.A STATE WATER HEATER IS A CHEEP BUILT WATER HEATER.I DO WHIRPOOL AND AO SMITH.
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Amount: $3,358.10 Replace 75 gallon State Select Gas Water Heater
Posted by: Cynthia in Williamsburg, VA.Purchased: March, 2009
Capacity: 75 gallonBrand: Rudd
Installer: A-1 Sewer and Drain
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 ....
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Amount: $689.00 replace water heater
Posted by: Louis in Shelby Twp., MI.Purchased: February, 2009
Capacity: 40 gal. gasBrand: sears
Installer: sears
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.
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Amount: $360.00 Hot Water Heater
Posted by: in Satellite Beach Florida. in mELBOURNE, FL.Purchased: May, 2009
Capacity: 40Brand: ge
Installer: Plumber
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.
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Amount: $1,550.00 2 Water Hearters
Posted by: Landlord Todd in Newport, KY.Purchased: May, 2009
Capacity: 40 gallonsBrand: Rheem
Installer: Zins Plumbing
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.
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Amount: $250.00 new water heater
Posted by: a user in Omaha, NE.Purchased: 2009
Capacity: 40Brand: GE
Installer: Aksarben Heting & plumbing La Vista NE
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.
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Amount: $1,089.00 New Water Heater
Posted by: Erin K. in Grayslake, IL.Purchased: 2009
Capacity: 50 Gal.Brand: A.O.Smith
Installer: Comfort Doctors
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).
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Amount: $1,600.00 replacement water heater
Posted by: unhappy homeowner in Deer Park, NY.Purchased: July, 2009
Capacity: 40 galBrand: A O SMITH
Installer: Ray the Plumber
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.
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Amount: $0.00 keep whining
Posted by: 3rd generation plumber in waterbury, CT.Purchased: 2009
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
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Amount: $500.00 Do it myself
Posted by: Ron - The homeowner in Wanaque, NJ.Purchased: July, 2009
Capacity: 40GalBrand: GE
Installer: Myself
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.
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Amount: $0.00 clarification
Posted by: a user in Ottawa Ontario, CA.Purchased: 2009
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.
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Amount: $200.00 Old one under warranty
Posted by: Rick L. in Mesa, AZ.Purchased: November, 2004
Capacity: 50 GallonBrand: Rheem
Installer: Premiere
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!
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Amount: $200.00 Old one under warranty
Posted by: Rick L. in Mesa, AZ.Purchased: November, 2004
Capacity: 50 GallonBrand: Rheem
Installer: Premiere
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!
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Amount: $1,600.00 Overcharged ... but its done with
Posted by: JimV in Herndon, VA.Purchased: August, 2009
Capacity: 52Brand: State Mfg
Installer: My Plumber
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.
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Amount: $0.00 water heater replacement
Posted by: Cashmere in Harrisburg, PA.Purchased: 2009
Capacity: 50Brand:
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.
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Amount: $1,700.00 Replace water heater
Posted by: rgreen in Irvine, CA.Purchased: September, 2009
Capacity: 50Brand: Kenmore miser 5
Installer: Rapid Plumbing
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.
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Amount: $0.00 Way too much
Posted by: Shawn in Wapakoneta, OH.Purchased: June, 2009
Capacity: 50Brand: Whirlpool
Installer: Myself
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!!!
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Amount: $994.00 Replace Gas Water Heater
Posted by: Alex in Swansea in Swansea, MA.Purchased: September, 2009
Capacity: 44 galBrand: State Select
Installer: GEM
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.
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Amount: $1,400.00 Replacing Water Heater
Posted by: GolfMom3 in RSM, CA.Purchased: October, 2009
Capacity: 50 gal/12 yr tank warrantyBrand: Whirlpool
Installer: ABR Plumbing, Orange County, CA
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.
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Amount: $1,069.15 Water Heater
Posted by: Ray in Albemarle, NC.Purchased: October, 2009
Capacity: 40 Gal ShortBrand: whirlpool
Installer: Lowes contractor
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.
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Amount: $925.00 water heater
Posted by: plumber TN/MS area in memphis, TN.Purchased: November, 2009
Capacity: 50 gallonBrand: A.O. Smith
Installer: plumber
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.
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Amount: $2,000.00 Replace water heater
Posted by: Ripped off homeowner in Boston, MA.Purchased: December, 2009
Capacity: 40 gallonBrand: State Select
Installer: Hub Plumbing & Mechanical, Boston, MA
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.
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Amount: $1,100.00 Replaced water heater
Posted by: Very Happy Homeowner in Bayside, NY.Purchased: December, 2009
Capacity: 50 gallonBrand: A.O. SMITH
Installer: ATG Mechanical Corp.
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.
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Amount: $900.03 Replaced Water Heater
Posted by: Randy With Hot Water in Peoria, IL.Purchased: December, 2009
Capacity: 40Brand: O.E Smith
Installer: Lynn Moses
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.
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Amount: $260.00 Plumbers and General Electric Warranty
Posted by: Lucky in Texas in League City, TX.Purchased: December, 2009
Capacity: 50 gallonBrand: Rheem
Installer: Friend
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.
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Amount: $850.00 Use licensed plumbers
Posted by: Melissa Wagner in Woodridge, IL.Purchased: December, 2009
Capacity: 50 gallonBrand: Bradford White
Installer: Wagner Family Plumbing
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!
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Amount: $645.00 New Water Heater
Posted by: Satisfied Customer in Berea, OH.Purchased: December, 2009
Capacity: 40 gallonsBrand: Bradford White
Installer: BTU Comfort Solutions
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.
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Amount: $675.00 New Water Heater
Posted by: Jenn13 in Marion, MA.Purchased: November, 2009
Capacity: 40 gallonsBrand: Bradford White
Installer: Connolly Plumbing & Heating Wareham, Ma
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.
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Amount: $1,100.00 New Water Heater
Posted by: TJ C in Bensalem, PA.Purchased: January, 2010
Capacity: 40 gallonsBrand: Bradford White
Installer: Roger Carney Plumbing
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.
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Amount: $1,750.00 New Water Heater
Posted by: Pebbles On Long Island in smithtown, NY.Purchased: February, 2009
Capacity: 75Brand: Rheem
Installer: Herber Plumbing
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.
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Amount: $540.00 New water heater
Posted by: Jason McCauley in Pittsburgh, PA.Purchased: February, 2010
Capacity: 40 gallonsBrand: Bradford White
Installer: Mr.Waterheater
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...
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Amount: $1,000.00 Replace 50 gallon Water Heater
Posted by: Ouch!! in El Dorado Hills, CA.Purchased: February, 2010
Capacity: 50 GallonBrand: Bradford White
Installer: Local Plumber
Our Water heater was 13 years old and finally gave out. Looked around and compared cost with Home Depot and Lowes, and decided to go with a local plumber in the neighborhood. We were quoted a flat $1000 for the job. (Water heater, install and removal of old water heater.) After looking up the actual cost of the water heater, I found out it only cost $500, so we paid $500 for the install. I guess that was ok considering there were 2 people, and they did it in about an hour. I could have purchased the unit myself, but there was a $300 delivery charge to ship it out. In the end, I may have overpaid by $100-$200 but they did the job very well and came immediately. Called them at 9 am and they squeezed us in the same day. We also kept the business local which is good for our small town.
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Amount: $1,526.00 New water heater
Posted by: Southernlady in Birmingham, AL.Purchased: February, 2010
Capacity: 40 gallonBrand: Rheen Guardian System
Installer: Roto-Rooter
Our 23 year old water heater began leaking and we called Roto-Rooter and scheduled an appointment. The plumber gave us an estimate of $1500. Our old water heater had been sitting right on the basement concrete floor and we were told this was no longer up to code and the new water heater would have to be put placed on a stand. Also, some of our piping had to be redone in order to fit the new water heater. It took one plumber approximately four hours to complete the work and the tank is beautiful and the job was done very neatly and professionally.
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Amount: $400.00 New Water Heater Installation
Posted by: Set for another 15-20 years in Espanola, NM.Purchased: February, 2010
Capacity: 40 gallonsBrand: Whirlpool Hi-Altitude
Installer: Private Contractor
Purchased a new water heater from LOWES at a great price ($429.00) for a 40 gallon tank, natural gas,40,000 BTU, 12 year warranty.

An area contractor then charged an additional $400.00 to remove the old leaking unit, replace the water supply lines and a gas line.

He did return and repair a small water supply leak a day after the installation.

I am satisfied with the work. Does his fee sound reasonable ?
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Amount: $600.00 Swap Water Heater
Posted by: joejohnson in Fullerton, CA.Purchased: March, 2010
Capacity: 40 GallonsBrand: Bradford White
Installer: Payless Water Heaters
Stupid Whirlpool wouldn\'t stay lit and after 4 years of dealing with it (and Whirlpool on the phone), even though it was still in warranty, I decided to swap it out. The quote over the phone was $798, but when the tech came out, he said $600, so I went with it. And I am on the 3rd floor. Included all permits, haul away of the old one, etc.
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Amount: $1,000.00 Replace water heater
Posted by: GrumpyHouseOwner in Brea, CA.Purchased: March, 2010
Capacity: 40 GallonsBrand: Bradford-White
Installer: BestChoiceWater Heaters
Old water heater started leaking. Called a few places and Payless Water Heaters (mentioned above) gave the lowest quote at $798 + $59 for installing a drip pan -$50 internet coupon. The guy showed up on time, but started telling me that he needed to replace a couple of valves and connect the copper pipe to the top instead of side, and all of the sudden price got to $1150 ($350 more than on the phone). I ended up sending him away (even though he came back into the house to bargain another $100 down). Then I called the next guy on the list and he said he'd do it for $1000 all included, which he did. I know it's still too much, I don't think the heater costs them anywhere near $400, but it's done. Oh, at the end he suggested that I might want to change the water pressure regulator. I asked them how much that is, he said $280, out of which the regulator is $200. I told them I will buy one and change it myself. They said they are only sold to contractors, and you can't buy them directly. I checked online after they left, they run $40-$100, and of course you CAN buy them. Will do that next week.
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Amount: $1,294.00 An expensive lemon
Posted by: AncientTerp in Shepherdstown, WV.Purchased: October, 2007
Capacity: 50 galBrand: Maytag
Installer: Parrish Services
This is in reference to a Maytag Series 12 PC, model HRE21250PC. It failed within a year of installation but pressing the 'reset' button restored hot water. After a service life of 27 months, the unit failed because the high voltage wiring overheated and burned out, together with the high limit. Insulation was melted. Replaced the hi limit w/ECO and two heating elements. These repairs provided limited hot water so the programmable thermostat was replaced. That didn't help so a new temperature sensor was obtained only to find the heater jacket and insulation has to be removed to install the sensor. It was recommended to junk the heater and buy a new one. Neither Maytag nor Parrish Services were helpful.
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Amount: $850.00 Water Heat Replacement
Posted by: a user in Maywood, NJ.Purchased: March, 2010
Capacity: 40Brand: Rheem
Installer: Lo Piccolo Plumbing
After my basement flooded with 8 inches of water thanks to the last Nor'easter my old hot water heater was junk.

A new Rheem was installed 12 hours after I placed the phone call.
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Amount: $825.00 Replacing Water Heater
Posted by: a user in Chicago, IL.Purchased: April, 2010
Capacity: 40Brand: ao Smith
Installer: anderson
I paid 825, tech showed me the inside of my unit which is older than 25 years (Montg. Ward Brand)lots of moisture and rust. It stopped working last night and now getting replaced. Did I pay to much? they wanted 950-1000.
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Amount: $1,050.00 replacing natural gas hot water heater
Posted by: mikeym in copiague, NY.Purchased: 2010
Capacity: 50 gallonsBrand: AO Smith Short Boy
Installer: Friend
pilot light went out after the first flooded basement two weeks ago. got it lit and all was fine until we had another freek storm. pilot light would not re-light.

friend of a friend purchased AO Smith 50 gallon short boy, installed it higher up on the basement floor (on cement blocks) and hauled away the old one. gave him $1050 cash - seems about the going rate for Long Island jobs
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Amount: $1,644.00 replaced a water heater
Posted by: a user in Tucson, AZ.Purchased: April, 2010
Capacity: 40Brand: Bradford White
Installer: ARS Rescue Rooter
This was my first experice to replace a water heater. I have contracted a 10 years warranty for the replacement would be $1,644. This morning early, I thought I should check the warranty online. I found the warranty length with the model and the serial number was only 6 years. The heater was installed; I didn't pay the bill yet and was told the replacement with 6 years warranty would be charged about $1,000. I can do something with the cheating contract.
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Amount: $600.00 DIY Replaced Water Heater
Posted by: BrianNotSaying in Allen, TX.Purchased: April, 2010
Capacity: 50 Gallon 12yrBrand: Kenmore Elite
Installer: Myself
Replaced two 50 gallon water heaters with a single 50 gallon. Didn\'t need two heaters, so cut and capped the supply lines that ran to the second heater location. Sears had best price compared to Lowes and Home Depot for high end 12 year 50 gallon model ($60 cheaper). Self cleaning and has piezo igniter so no more matches. Will drop off old heaters at Transfer Station in Plano. State requires a permit to change out water heaters but didn\'t bother, this plumbing job is a no brainer. Had to sweat new pipe to reconnect overflow pressure valve which is easy if you have a simple kit and watch a few youtube videos. Pipe Dope used for threads on gas line. Thread Sealer used for threads on supply lines.
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Amount: $700.00 choose a heater
Posted by: vandam in NYC, NY.Purchased: June, 2010
Capacity: 50 gallonsBrand: any
which is better A.O.smith or kenmore.
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Amount: $1,438.00 Go with Lowes or HomeDepot
Posted by: Axxul in Mesa, AZ.Purchased: May, 2010
Capacity: 50Brand: Bradford White
Installer: One Call Plumbing Services
Our 10 year old Rheem heater started leaking from the bottom so it was time to replace it, unfortunately this happened during a busy Tuesday morning and since both hubby and I work there was not much time to do much comparison shopping.
One Call Plumbing Services came to our rescue within 2 hours, no complaints about the service, they had to replace the supply line that goes from the heater to the house because the faucet was so corroded it couldn't even be turned off and they also replaced a brass line. Got Br.White Model M45036FBN which I understand is a great model after reading some reviews from experts online, it's energy star rated. I found that this model heater costs from 427 to 570 online so I think the installation charges are on the high side, I would recommend going with a place like home depot or Lowes, we know this now..if we had done that we could've saved 400 bucks or so. If you do go w/Lowes or Home Depot though..stay away from Whirlpools..too many bad reviews on that brand.
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Amount: $1,175.00 Water Heater
Posted by: charles hunner in los angeles, CA.Purchased: May, 2010
Capacity: 50 galBrand: rheem
Installer: MJR PLUMBING
on may 13 2010 it was 5:30 when i get of work and open my garage and see water steaming off the floor damaged alot of my stuff . so i called my a co-worker that just replaced his water heater to a noritz tankless water heater so i asked him if he had the phone number to his plumber so i called mjr plumbing and send a guy with in the hour . he came and saw the water heater and gave me options he told me to do it tonight it will be 1,200 if i wanted to wait till the morning it would be $925 he replaced it in 2 hours and istalled a new shut off valve,gas shut off with new hose,new metal stand ,and new flex hot and cold.the plumber new what he was doing he had quick response and broke down the labor and material cost and gave me a discount i gave them coffee and waited until the water heater heated up and toke the old water heater at no cost the first time i paid was 1,600 with another uniform plumbing company and not do half what mjr plumbing did and it was durring the day not at night.
I also had fun the plumbers showed me their fully stock utility van it was cool it looks like they fit more stuff then me in my garage and im a tool man .Very nice guys .
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Amount: $1,300.00 Water Heater Replacement
Posted by: Ripped off in Reno! in Reno, NV.Purchased: May, 2010
Capacity: 75Brand: Branford White
Installer: Plumbing Man Plumbing
We have home warranty insurance and they covered the water heater ($900), but this company charged just under $1,300 to install it!! Here are the parts including labor: $382 for an expansion tank, $221 for earthquake straps!! $203 for copper supply lines (he only used about 4 feet for the relief valve, reused the existing inlet / outlet lines) Safety catch pan $221 (costs about $30 at home depot.) Disposal fee old tank $100, City of Reno Permit $100... and just to make sure the screwing I got was complete a $60 deductible to top it off! Needless to say what a major rip-off. I broke down the install parts to cost about $200 at most.($80 expansion tank, $40 earthquake straps, $30 catch pan, $50 pipe) So that's $1,100 in labor, it took him about 5 hours (I even helped him for about 30min removing the old tank before his helper arrived!) so $220 an hour!! WOW I'm in the wrong business, avoid Plumberman Plumbing in Reno/Sparks!!
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Amount: $1,400.00 Water Heater Replacement
Posted by: Just Outside Raleigh in Wake Forest, NC.Purchased: May, 2010
Capacity: 50Brand: Rheem
Installer: Lester's Plumbing
The tank on the original water heater (Rheem, direct vent, gas) was leaking. Since it was 16 years old, I thought staying with Rheem would be a good idea.

The plumbers came out the same day and installed it. Since I was going with the same model and such I figured it would be a quick swap. It took about 3.5 hours for the two guys (and I also took their advise and added the expansion tank). Looking on the internet I saw the cheapest I could get the water heater for was just over $900 so I basically paid $500 for installation plus the expansion tank.

Looking at the other posts I think I did average. I can live with that.
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Amount: $700.00 Johnwood 50Gallon Tank
Posted by: r_kaba@hotmail.com in Vancouver,BC CANADA, Other.Purchased: June, 2010
Capacity: 50GallonBrand: Johnwood GSW
Installer: night time Plumber
My hot water tank had rust stains all around it, dripping from top till mid way, at the bottom of the pan i could see a bead of rust globs around it,
I knew the tank had less then a month left,
after 1 Month of not doing anything about it, the thermostat wire that connects from the thermostat to the element caught fire inside and melted the wire.(because the tank was leaking and water touched the element/thermostat wires)
Smelled like burnt electrical wire yet the hot water tanked still worked,(strange but deadly!)
after shutting the electricity off and discovering the mini fire inside,
we were saved from a major fire.
if you see rust stains on the outside of your tank take that as a stearn warning replace your tank,
Your wife will appreciate it.
Mine did!
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Amount: $760.00 Gas Water Heater Replacement
Posted by: Thomas Rosenberg in Oakwood, OH.Purchased: June, 2010
Capacity: 50 gallonBrand: Rheem Pro
Installer: Sutton Plumbing, Inc.
I had water on the basement floor. Mr. Sutton came in the afternoon and told me I need a new water heater and recommended the Rheem Professional 50 gallon with 8 year warranty and he can install it next morning. I accepted his reccommendation. It was installed and works fine.
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Amount: $2,800.00 Hot water heater
Posted by: KristenH in Bethesda, MD.Purchased: June, 2010
Capacity: 40 gallonBrand: state
Installer: Michael & Son
Yikes. We just spent almost $3k on a replacement hot water heater. We were told our GE model was terrible and was about to fall apart (it was flooding the basement). We feel like complete IDIOTS for paying so much but we had not time to price shop.
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Amount: $490.00 Water heater
Posted by: Ann G. in St. Louis, MO.Purchased: June, 2010
Capacity: 40 gal.Brand: Bradford White
Installer: Retired plumber
Wow - I'm amazed at the crazy prices & feeling good that we've got an honest, hometown guy that handled our heater. He bought the unit from a wholesale plumbing co. for $325, $15 for 2 unions & $150 for labor/service call & hauled away old. Counting my blessings as we've had a lot of other household expenses lately (broken water pipe in basement, all new fascia/soffits, etc.)...
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Amount: $800.00 Replace Water heater
Posted by: private@email.com in Alhambra, CA.Purchased: April, 2007
Capacity: 50Brand: ?
Installer: Handyman
Water-heater is outside in cabinet, but rain caused flooding of cabinet and damage to floor and walls. I decided to upgrade to a 50 gallon tank while the repair was done.
Job included removing tank, replacing cabinet drywall, boards, door, repairing roof and rain guard, hooking up new water heater and painting. It has been 4 years now, I have no issues
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Amount: $750.00 Replace Gas Water Heater
Posted by: ruascott in Indianapolis, IN.Purchased: June, 2010
Capacity: Brand: Bradford White
2 guys removed my old water heater, installed a drain pan, and then installed a new 40gal Bradford White. Took them just about 1.5 hrs total. They hauled my old heater away.
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Amount: $0.00 For "Whiners Post"
Posted by: allen30577 in Atlanta, GA.Purchased: July, 2010
Installer: City Wide Plumbing
All the time I see the same old thing, You folks are called over the shoulder customers, How would like someone to follow you to work and scrutinize and question everything your doing? I know the mechanic working on your car wouldn't like it or maybe even your Doctor performing an operation, would you suggest to him to shop around for cheaper parts? Plumbing is a skilled trade, not everyone wants to do it. Try crawling on your knee's and elbows through a crawlspace in a basement filled with spiders,snakes, nails poking through the floor, abandoned wells etc, then get to lay in mud and water to fix a busted pipe for someone who no matter what the cost, is gonna feel you charged them too much....You people kill me..The success in the DIYers is very low and they usually end up destoying crucial parts that have to be replaced and driving the cost up even more. How much is peace of mind worth? It's haveing not to worry if your son-in-law or uncle left a leaking gas pipe or loose electrical fitting that's gonna burn your house down while you sleep...
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Amount: $900.00 INSTALLATION ONLY
Posted by: oso liday in Joliet, IL.Purchased: June, 2010
Capacity: 40-gallonBrand: Bradford White
Installer: Mr. Rooter of Will County
Shop around! Shop around! Shop around! This installer took EXACTLY 1.5 hours to complete basic install - in and out! Do the math! My medical doctor only charges approximately the equivalent of $200/hr for routine office visit and as plumbing goes... my water heater install was ROUTINE! Don't get gouged by MR. ROOTER OF WILL COUNTY like I did. Check with the Better Business Bureau - this contractor has a long and negative history with the BBB. You have been warned!
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Amount: $1,201.37 SEARS: Water heater replacement fees
Posted by: Giselle in West Hills, CA.Purchased: July, 2010
Capacity: 50 gal.Brand: Kenmore
Installer: SEARS
Sears added $175.00 to the installation fee just to replace the gas hose, because the old one was not yellow. Online, a new yellow gas line costs around $20.00 The only additional labor, to replace the old line with the new was detaching the old hose from the gas valve and then attaching the new hose, which took only a few minutes.
I feel that this is taking advantage of clients who are already commited to getting their water heater replaced and then springing this fee on them. I think this is a prime example of unfair business practices.
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Amount: $30.00 Dont worry about the cry babies
Posted by: a user in long beach, CA.Purchased: July, 2010
Capacity: anyBrand: any
Installer: Master plumber
I am a master plumber and have been in the business for 30 years. Dont worry about the customers who complain about prices...it is a losing battle you will never win. Only service those customers willing to pay a minimum of 100 dls/hr. The work of a plumber maintains or increases the value of the customers biggest investment ( there home )and they will never be able to tell you where they got a better return on their dollar...all they will ever say is that, "plumbers are rip offs". The plumber who puts up with the BS is the fool...not the customer who complains and gets him to work for less than he deserves. Stand up for your yourself and your profession and dont let the homeowner tell you what you are worth or you will end up broke w/blown out kness and a bad back !!!!!
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Amount: $30.00 Cheap plumbers
Posted by: a user in long beach, CA.Purchased: July, 2010
Capacity: save a pennyBrand: lose a dollar
Installer: Master plumber
One important thing we should all remember when doing work as a plumber or as a customer hiring a plumber....PLUMBERS WHO WORK CHEAP ARE CHEAP BECAUSE THEY "NEED" TO BE NOT BECAUSE THEY "WANT" TO BE. BEWARE of any person who claims to be a skilled professional that is cheap !!!!! What makes anyone think the person who provides the best skill/service/material will be the cheapest ???
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