Costco sells water heaters, including gas, electric, and tankless models. However, they are typically not sold off the shelf in-store. Instead, Costco offers a home improvement program where you purchase the unit and schedule professional installation through an authorized local contractor.
The most reliable water heater brands generally include A.O. Smith, Rheem, and Bradford White for traditional tanks, and Navien or Rinnai for tankless models. These brands consistently rank highest among plumbers and consumer reviews for durability, parts availability, and long-term performance.
Average Water Heater Installation Cost
Mid-range installations, which may involve larger tanks or higher-efficiency models, typically cost $1,500 to $2,500. High-end installations, such as tankless systems or jobs that require major electrical, gas, or venting upgrades, can reach $3,000 to $4,000 or more.
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 new 40-gallon water heater costs between $𝟒𝟎𝟎 and $𝟐,𝟎𝟎𝟎 for the unit alone, depending on the fuel type, brand, and efficiency. When factoring in professional installation, the total typically ranges from $𝟖𝟎𝟎 to $𝟑,𝟎𝟎𝟎.
Based on the manufacturer's suggested service life, the average life expectancy of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.
Professional installation costs to replace a water heater
The more hours of electrical, carpentry and plumbing work that are required for your installation (for example, installing new electric, water or gas lines or drywall), the higher your total water heater replacement cost.
Yes, Costco sells water heaters in the U.S. through Costco.com. They do not typically stock these units on the physical warehouse floor.
The average lifespan of a 50-gallon gas water heater is 8 to 12 years. With diligent maintenance and favorable water conditions, some units can stretch to 15 years, while units in areas with very hard water may fail sooner.
The Home Depot offers traditional water heater tanks and modern tankless units, both powered by either gas or electricity. Depending on your selection, the average cost for standard tank installation is generally between $1,600 to $2,400. Tankless installation can range from $2,400 to $5,400.
Tank to Tank Installation: On average, replacing a gas or electric water tank with a similar model takes two to three hours. It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater.
A 50-gallon water heater is generally considered the "sweet spot" and is perfectly sufficient for a family of four, provided your household follows a few common-sense habits:
A standard tank water heater should generally be replaced every 8 to 12 years, while tankless models typically last 15 to 20 years. You should consider upgrading if your tank is over 10 years old, or if you notice rust, leaks, or frequent breakdowns.
There isn't a single "number 1" model, as the ideal water heater depends on your home's setup, but top-rated brands dominating the market include Rheem (best overall tank/tankless) and A.O. Smith (best for durability and commercial-grade units).
Bradford White water heaters are widely regarded as some of the most durable on the market. They come with an array of well-thought-out features that enable them to stand up to all kinds of wear and tear that results from regular use. Overall, they have a longer service life than Rheem water heaters.
Beginning in 2023, the expanded version of 25C, now called the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022), will provide up to $2,000 in tax credits for qualified high efficiency water heaters as well as credits for electrical upgrades.
The cost for installing a 50-gallon water heater ranges from $800 to $2,500. This includes the heater itself and installation fees. Prices can vary based on the brand and efficiency of the unit.
Excessive Water Pressure: High pressure stresses your system and shortens its lifespan. A pressure-reducing valve can help. Undersized System: A unit that's too small for your household's demand works harder and wears out faster. Proper sizing during installation is critical.
A 10-minute shower typically uses 50 gallons of water if you are using an older, inefficient showerhead (rated around 5 Gallons Per Minute - GPM). With a standard modern showerhead (2.5 GPM), it would take a 20-minute shower to reach 50 gallons.
Costco's direct warehouse rival is Sam's Club (owned by Walmart). However, its biggest overall retail competitor by market share and revenue is Walmart. Other major competitors include BJ's Wholesale Club and e-commerce giant Amazon.
Yes, a 40-gallon water heater is generally sufficient for a family of 3. It will comfortably provide enough hot water for daily showers, washing dishes, and normal laundry loads, provided you use hot water conservatively and do not run multiple major appliances simultaneously.
What is the brand behind Kirkland bottled water? The manufacturer behind your rafts of Kirkland Signature bottled water is none other than Niagara Bottling. It's a family-owned business headquartered in Diamond Bar, California, which is just east of Los Angeles.
Water leaks are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you'll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures. However, this isn't always a sign that your tank is what's leaking.
In plumbing, the "135-degree rule" is a code standard that dictates how much a horizontal drain pipe can bend or change direction. It limits the total cumulative angle of pipe fittings before a system requires an access point (cleanout) or must be vented, ensuring proper flow and preventing chronic clogs.
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.