| How Much Does Replacing a Water Heater Cost? |
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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.
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| 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.
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| Shopping for replacing a water heater: | |
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Article updated November 2006 |
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Recent Posts |
| Amount: $0.00 |
Some quotes we got...
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| Posted by: fixer upper+homeowner in San Jose, CA. | Purchased: January, 2008 |
| Capacity: 40 gallon | Brand: 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
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| Posted by: a user in Redondo Beach, CO. | Purchased: February, 2008 |
| Capacity: 50 gallon | Brand: 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
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| Posted by: Boo bear in Bonita, CA. | Purchased: February, 2008 |
| Capacity: 50 Gallons | Brand: 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
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| Posted by: a user in kennesaw, GA. | Purchased: May, 2008 |
| Capacity: 50 | Brand: 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
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| Posted by: a user in Virginia Beach, VA. | Purchased: May, 2008 |
| Capacity: 50 gal | Brand: 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
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| Posted by: Beware of Lowes in Minnesota in West Saint Paul, MN. | Purchased: July, 2008 |
| Capacity: 40 gallons | Brand: 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
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| Posted by: chris h. clark in indianapolis, IN. | Purchased: 2008 |
| Capacity: 40gal gas/50 electric | Brand: 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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