When it's time to replace a water heater, a licensed plumber is the best person to call. Whether a homeowner needs a simple replacement or wants to switch from a tank to a tankless water heater, a plumber will know exactly what tools and skills are required to install a new water heater.
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.
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.
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.
Answer: A professional plumber is typically needed to replace water heater.
This is because the process of installing a new water heater can be quite complex and often requires the use of special tools and equipment. Additionally, the cost of labor for this type of project can be quite high.
If it's a gas water heater, call a plumber. If it's an electric water heater, call either to troubleshoot or repair, but call a plumber to replace.
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.
The Home Depot partners with local, licensed and insured professionals to help homeowners choose the right water heater for their home. If you live within 30 miles of a Home Depot store and call us before noon at 1-800-HOME-DEPOT, our team offers same-day installation.
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 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.
Once you decide to (or are forced to) replace your current water heater, there are a few decisions you need to make to get the process started. If there are no issues or complications, a licensed plumber should be able to complete the process in 2-3 hours.
Naturally, tanks that heat more gallons of water typically have a higher price point, so the larger the tank size, the more you can expect to pay. For example, the average 40-gallon water heater installation cost runs between $1,000 and $2,500, while its 80-gallon counterpart runs between $2,650 and $3,910.
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.
Water Heaters May Be Covered as Personal Property
In some rare cases, the water heater itself may be covered as personal property. This means that it can be replaced or repaired if a loss occurs due to a peril that's covered by your insurance policy, such as: A fire in your home. Hurricanes or tornadoes.
In certain circumstances, like if you have a leak or need to repair or replace your water heater, you must turn off the water before doing so, else you risk a flood.
If you are finding that problems and repairs are becoming more and more frequent, this is a sign it is time for a replacement. As far as water heater installation, you should always call a plumber for assistance with this job.
The average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $700 to $1,800 for an electric unit or $1,000 to $3,100+ for a gas unit, including labor. A 50-gallon water heater costs $500 to $2,100 for the unit alone, depending on the fuel type, energy efficiency, features, and brand.
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.
It's important to note that standard homeowners insurance policies typically only cover damage to the structure of your home and personal property. They do not include replacement cost coverage for the heater itself.
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.
But for the most part, you should call a licensed plumber for all hot water heater problems. Now, let's look at some specific problems that might require another professional.
In general, licensed plumbers can fix water heaters.
The first call you should make when you notice problems with your water heater is a licensed plumber. These professionals are trained in a wide range of aspects related to water heaters, from wiring to piping, heating elements, anode rods, and gas lines.