After buying a new water heater from a plumbing company, it is installed by a licensed plumber. He or she performs all work necessary to place your new system into
Plumbers are experts in the installation and maintenance of gas hot water systems as they are knowledgeable about gas connections and venting requirements. For a gas tankless water heater and an electric water heater, both a plumber and an electrician can perform the installation.
It may seem the obvious call would be to a plumber, but your local HVAC service provider can also handle your water heater service issues.
Answer: A professional plumber is typically needed to replace water heater.
While electricians may be involved if the hot water heater requires electrical connections (especially for electric water heaters), the primary installation responsibility falls to the plumber. If you're dealing with a gas water heater, a plumber would also handle the gas line connections.
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.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for electricians will likely increase by about seven percent between 2021 and 2031. Meanwhile, plumber jobs have a projected growth rate of only two percent within that same decade. Verdict: Electrician.
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.
But you're hesitant to pick up the phone because you're not sure who to call: a plumber, electrician, or HVAC tech. So, what's the answer? Well, it depends on the issue. But for the most part, you should call a licensed plumber for all hot water heater problems.
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.
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. Maybe you're wondering if you can DIY the solution or if you need to call a water heater pro.
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.
Whether you have a gas, electric, in-direct, or even solar-powered water heater, HVAC technicians are skilled in diagnosing and repairing these systems. HVAC professionals are trained in both electrical and plumbing systems, so they can troubleshoot complex issues that involve wiring or power sources.
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.
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.
In most cases, a lack of hot water is caused by problems with the water heater, a burst pipe, or an electrical issue. In some cases, your utility company is to blame. In any case, cold water coming from the hot water tap is a plumbing emergency that should be fixed ASAP to restore your home's hot water.
As far as water heater installation, you should always call a plumber for assistance with this job.
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.
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.
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.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2020, the median income for electricians was $56,900, while the median income for plumbers was nearly identical at $56,330. Pay fluctuates according to many circumstances, as it does with most employment.
Two of the trades generally considered to be the most difficult to learn are electricians and plumbers.