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.
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.
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.
You Need to Apply for a Permit and Comply With Building Codes. Most municipalities require permits for water heater installations. Doing this without a permit is risky because you could be fined if caught—especially when you go to sell your home in the future.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 can cost $100 to $1,000 to fix a leak. Flushing and cleaning the tank is a common service that can cost $75 to $250, while flushing/descaling a tankless water heater can run up to $300. But a tune-up, which can also prevent major repairs, goes from $100 to $500.
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.
Water Heater Quality
The units available at a retail store or online typically are not the same as those sold through a local plumber. Low retail prices are often possible due to lower product quality and the use of less durable components.
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're looking for a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective water heater, Rheemhas the edge over A.O. Smith. With superior energy efficiency, longer warranties, and better overall performance, Rheem units are designed to meet the needs of modern homeowners.
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.
Warranty Concerns: Many water heater manufacturers require professional installation to maintain the warranty. DIY installation may void the warranty. Safety Risks: Gas water heaters can pose safety risks if not installed correctly. This includes gas leaks and carbon monoxide exposure.
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.
If you need to replace your water heater, there's no need to call a plumber. Let us replace and install your new water heater. Our Independent Service PROviders can help you with both tankless and traditional water heater tanks, including gas water heaters, electric water heaters and tankless gas water heaters.
If you aren't comfortable doing it yourself, geeting Lowe's/HD to do the install should be fine. A simple swap isn't something where I'd worry about hiring your own plumber to do the job. If you were switching an electric water heater for gas (or vice-versa), I'd probably hire your own plumber.
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.
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.