Water Heater Installation

The cost of installing a hot water heater can vary quite a bit, depending on a few key factors. First, the type of water heater you choose makes a difference. Tankless heaters can be more expensive than traditional tank types. Second, your location matters because labor costs vary across the country. On the whole, you might expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $2,000 for the entire job—meaning both the heater itself and the professional installation. But if you need that extra work done (say, special plumbing or electrical changes), the price could go up. So definitely get a few quotes from different installers before you commit to any one deal.

Installation of a water heater is best left to a professional—usually a plumber. The reason is simple: Plumbers have the skills and knowledge to do the job right and safely. They understand all the necessary pipes and connections that a water heater requires to function well. They also know enough about the local building codes that they can ensure everything they do meets legal requirements. And while there is a cost associated with hiring a plumber, it is a cost that helps avoid future problems and keeps a homeowner safe.

It costs a lot to have a water heater replaced, and the reason is not just that plumbers generally charge a lot. It's that the work involved is more complicated than you'd think. For one thing, it's not always clear what type of water heater should be used in a given situation, and making the right choice can involve figuring out some plumbing system details and checking gas or electric lines that are to be used. Then there's the removal of the old water heater, which is not a straightforward task. It must be done carefully and safely, as well as in a way that, for the most part, keeps the old plumbing system intact (because the new one will have to connect to it somehow). Installing the new heater is also not all that simple, and it requires some specific tools that most homeowners don't have. It makes sense, then, that the charges could exceed what most people would think is reasonable.

Home Depot's installation cost for a water heater can vary depending on several factors like the type of water heater, your location, and any extra services you may require. On average, it could set you back anywhere from several hundred to over a thousand bucks. It’s smart to scope out the most precise and up-to-date pricing with your local Home Depot for your neck of the woods.

The expense of a water heater installation can stem from several facets. First, there's the direct cost of the unit, and water heaters themselves can be pricey. Then there's labor. It's not a DIY job, by any means, and the pros who do this sort of work have to be part plumber, part electrician, and all-around handy. Add to that the potential need to dispose of the old unit, and there really isn't much way to slice this and say it doesn't cost a hefty penny.

Typically, a plumber takes between 2 and 4 hours to install a hot water heater. This, of course, can vary based on a number of factors, such as the kind of water heater being put in and whether there are any pre-existing problems with the plumbing. If the old heater has to be taken out first, that can also add to the time.

Installing a water heater might cost from around 800 to 1,500 dollars, depending on where you live and what kind of water heater you need. Lowe's can charge different prices for installation, too, so it's always a good idea to call your local Lowe's store and get an exact quote to see if this might work for your budget.

Insurance for homeowners typically assists in covering unexpected and sudden damages to your water heater, such as a pipe bursting and causing water damage in your house. But it usually does not cover the cost of replacing a water heater that is old or failing and is just doing what old, worn-out appliances do: not function. It's good to check with your insurance provider to understand what kind of plumbing problems are covered and if your plumbing is even insurable.

Certainly, a plumber can carry out the installation of a water heater that you have already purchased. When it comes to this kind of work, safety and correctness are paramount, and that is why it is best to hire a certified plumber for the task—doing so assures that the installation will be both safe and 'up to code.' Moreover, certified plumbers have the know-how and the experience to connect all the pipes and perform any other necessary 'plumbing magic.' Before they begin, however, it is a good idea to have a chat about specifics and any requirements that came with the water heater.

When selecting between water heater brands Rheem and AO Smith, both have their own strengths. Rheem excels at making energy-efficient models, which can save homeowners a good bit of change. They offer a range of options to consumers, like tankless models, which can be placed almost anywhere, and hybrids, which use both electricity and gas. And they seem to have a sound reputation for making models that don't produce much noise. Conversely, AO Smith makes a series of water heaters that are known for their reliability and durability. They offer a decent array of models like gas and electric options, and their warranties seem to be pretty strong. So, what's the takeaway from all of this? If you're looking for a water heater that can save some serious energy and dollars and that runs fairly quiet, Rheem is your best bet. If you're aiming more for long-lasting durability and reliability, probably the AO Smith models are the way to go.