It is legal for you to install a water heater yourself or to use an unlicensed plumber to install it. However, it's not a good idea. First of all, you will still need to pull a permit and have the installation inspected no matter who does the work.
It's possible to install a new water heater on your own, and it may save you some money. But the experts recommend you call a plumber to ensure it's done correctly. Sam Becker is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in and on CNBC, Fortune, USA Today, Business Insider, and more.
In California law, you have to get a permit from the correct office before you begin. As part of the permitting process, you'll also need to schedule an inspection to approve the work after it finishes. Most homeowners find it easier to let someone else handle these tasks for them.
Even the most fearless DIYers should not attempt to install a water heater. Installing a water heater requires plumbing, electrical, and carpentry skills. You'll also need a permit, an inspection from your municipality, and an understanding of state and local building codes.
If you want to install or move a water heater weighing 55 and 70 kilograms, you cannot do it alone and must hire someone to help maintain safety. It's always best to install water heaters from a licensed and experienced plumbing company to guarantee that the job is done correctly and safely.
Licensed plumbers have the training and experience to properly install hot water heaters of all types. This includes electric and gas, tank and tankless, heat pump and geothermal. The job sometimes requires skills in addition to plumbing.
In summary, hot water cylinder installation should only be undertaken by a qualified and experienced plumber to avoid risk to the property and its occupants. A qualified plumber will have the skills, experience and permits to guarantee the installation is safe and compliant.
The Home Depot strongly recommends that you use an experienced, licensed plumber to install your new water heater, because they will know the required codes to complete a safe and compliant installation.
In addition, installation performed by unlicensed individuals may also void any warranty on the product.
The short answer is that plumbers typically service water heaters, whether it's gas or electric. An electrician may also be able to fix an electric hot water heater, assuming the problem is electrical.
The labor cost to install a water heater through Home Depot ranges between $50 and $150 per hour. On average, you will spend between $100 and $450 because the installation usually takes two to three hours.
The price depends on whether you want an electric or gas water heater. The basic installation fee at Lowe's is around $320. But, before the contractor can set up the heater, they'll need to come to your home to check the conditions and determine the best location for it. This inspection will cost you an additional $34.
In general, plumbers cost $45 to $200 per hour, while electricians cost $50 to $100 per hour. Expect the following average price ranges for labor alone: Replacing a tank-style water heater: $150–$450. Replacing a tankless water heater: $600–$1,850.
In short: Yes, you can install a water heater on your own. There are, however, a lot of things to take into consideration. For one, you need to know what you're doing, and you need to have the proper paperwork or permits to do it.
Newer models require specialized tools and training to install, and the associated labor costs can add up quickly, making the total cost of the water heater higher than you expected.
Although the water tank itself can be a D.I.Y. installation, there are important decisions to be made beforehand, such as where to position and direct the overflow pipe. You'll need a licensed plumber to connect the pipework and to install a backflow device to prevent rainwater escaping into the public water system.
It is legal for you to install a water heater yourself or to use an unlicensed plumber to install it. However, it's not a good idea. First of all, you will still need to pull a permit and have the installation inspected no matter who does the work.
Perhaps the most important reason to have a professional install your water heater is the safety risk involved. Failing to install the unit properly can cause a huge explosion that could damage property and result in severe injuries.
Whether or not homeowners insurance covers water heater leaks depends on the specific circumstances of the leak and the terms of your policy. In general, if the leak is sudden and accidental, and not caused by your negligence, your policy will likely cover the cost of repairs.
A licensed plumber should be called to install your new water heater. This can be a difficult and dangerous job for the untrained individual, so it is always a safer bet to call a professionally trained and licensed plumber to complete the job quickly and correctly.
The cost to replace a 40-gallon water heater is $600 to $1,600 for an electric unit or $900 to $3,000+ for a gas unit, including installation labor. A 40-gallon water heater costs $400 to $2,000 for the unit alone, depending on the brand, features, energy efficiency, and fuel type.
While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
Do I need to be qualified to fit an unvented cylinder? The simple and correct answer is YES. Use a qualifed and certificated engineer. As covered in a previous article, unvented and indeed vented cylinders can turn in to explosive devices, when not installed correctly and safety devices fail.
A new electric water heater will cost approximately $2000-$3000 to install and get set up for daily use. A new gas continuous flow system costs the same, at about $2500-$3500. But because you'll need a registered gas fitter and plumber, the installation can come at a higher cost.
Whether it's boiling only, boiling and chilled (or ambient), a 3 in 1 type of kitchen tap or even with a sparkling water feature, if you're a reasonably competent DIY type of person, it needn't be too daunting. All appliances of this nature come with very good and in-depth installation instructions.