Yes, Home Depot offers comprehensive water heater replacement services. They sell a wide variety of units and partner with local, licensed, and insured professionals to handle the entire project from start to finish.
Note: The Home Depot offers same-day installation at no extra charge. The price of a traditional water heater depends largely on its size, as a bigger unit will typically cost more.
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.
Buying a water heater from Home Depot is great if you want to save money on the unit itself and need it quickly. However, the installation quality can be hit-or-miss because they use third-party local contractors, making the process highly dependent on who they send to your home.
The "7-minute rule" at Home Depot refers to the attendance grace period, which dictates that you can clock in up to 7 minutes after your scheduled start time without being marked tardy. If you clock in at the 8-minute mark or later, you will receive an attendance occurrence (or half-point penalty).
Choosing between Lowe’s and Home Depot largely depends on your preferred brand, installation speed, and budget. Both major home improvement retailers sell reliable consumer-grade water heaters, but they feature distinct flagship brands and offer slightly different installation perks.
Home Depot lists its average total cost for tank water heater installation as $1,950 and tankless water heater installation as $4,300.
The lifespan of a water heater depends on the type of unit you have. Traditional tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years, while tankless models can last 15 to 20+ years. Lifespan is heavily influenced by your water quality, frequency of maintenance, and installation quality.
Stores like Home Depot and Lowe's often include removal when delivering a replacement unit. This is the most convenient option, especially if the old unit is still in place and connected.
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: Traditional tank water heaters usually last 8–12 years, while tankless units often last 15–20+ years. Q: Should I replace my water heater if it's over 10 years old? A: Often yes. Even if it still works, the risk of leaks and sudden failure increases significantly after 10 years.
Permits are required on most water heater replacements and pricing varies by state, city and municipality. Our installers can review the permit process and cost with you.
Watch for pooling water, rust on the tank or fittings, rumbling noises, or lukewarm water. If your unit is over 10 years old and showing these symptoms, it is likely failing.
If the project is as simple as replacing an old water heater with a new one, a handyman can likely do it with no trouble. However, converting a gas water heater to an electric one or putting in specific wiring and framing for the water heater will likely require the skill set of a licensed professional.
If the cost of repairs exceeds 50% of the cost of buying a new water heater, replacement is likely the smarter decision, especially if your water heater is older. Older or less efficient models may result in higher utility bills. Upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient unit can save you money over time.
When searching for the most reliable water heater, professional plumbers consistently recommend A.O. Smith, Bradford White, and Rheem. For long-term tank durability and a "set-it-and-forget-it" experience, A.O. Smith and Bradford White are top choices. If you prioritize high-tech smart features and energy efficiency, Rheem is a market leader.
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.
Water Heater Lifespan
If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years.
A 50-gallon water heater replacement typically costs between $600 and $1,650 for complete installation.
Drawbacks of Tankless Water Heaters
As discussed above, the biggest downside of owning a tankless water heater is its higher cost. The initial installation and unit costs are more expensive than a traditional storage-tank water heater.
The Home Depot offers a 10% discount primarily to active-duty service members, veterans, and their registered spouses.
The best water heater depends on your preferred fuel source and style. Industry professionals consistently recommend A.O. Smith, Rheem, and Bradford White.
The "best" water heater depends on your household size, budget, and energy source. However, Heat Pump (Hybrid) water heaters are generally considered the best all-around for energy efficiency, while Tankless Gas heaters are best for instant, continuous hot water.