A decent 50 gallon heater itself is only $500-$700 at a big box store. A bit less from a plumbing supplier.
Then figure in a hour or two of labor, at somewhere between $100-$200/hour.
Even factoring in a further profit markup and a "shit happens" surcharge for something trickier like a basement/attic location, where are they getting the extra grand from?
I just purchased a top of the line 50 gallon for $900 and the local plumber picked it up at the supply house and installed it for $400. Hauled the old tank away for no charge. Mine was gas, electric should be less.
Posts: 1044 | Location: Central Ohio | Registered: January 05, 2018
Originally posted by Genorogers: I just purchased a top of the line 50 gallon for $900 and the local plumber picked it up at the supply house and installed it for $400. Hauled the old tank away for no charge. Mine was gas, electric should be less.
That's very close to my own story.
God bless America.
Posts: 14290 | Location: Virginia | Registered: July 15, 2007
If you are trying to do it as cheaply as possible and are able, I'd recommend buying your own heater, moving it into the location and then hire a plumber just to do the swap and hookup. Dispose of the old one yourself too.
Posts: 2578 | Location: WI | Registered: December 29, 2012
Originally posted by RogueJSK: Yeah, that's about double what it'd run you here.
A decent 50 gallon heater itself is only $500-$700 at a big box store. A bit less from a plumbing supplier.
Then figure in a hour or two of labor, at somewhere between $100-$200/hour.
Even factoring in a further profit markup and a "shit happens" surcharge for something trickier like a basement/attic location, where are they getting the extra grand from?
There are a lot of variables here the OP has not given any detail on:
Is this a big box store water heater? Or is it some high-end heat pump model?
Does putting in the new heater require extensive re-plumbing? Is it hard to get out? Rewiring?
Haul away costs have also gone through the roof.
Posts: 35347 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: November 12, 2007
If it is 20 years old it would may require that the plumbing, overfow, venting be brought up to code, or that is what happened to me. Not just a quick swap-out.
I used to replace my own water heaters when I was starting out on my first house with new family etc., and bought the cheapest units I could find at the local big box store. And I regretted all of them, they all crapped out very fast, quit working, etc. I don't know how cheap water heater technology has gone since then, but I'd be wary of no-name-brand cheap ass water heaters. But if I had to get one, it would certainly work, just how long is the question assuming a competent installation, though I can't say I was very qualified back then, and I'm still not qualified for must plumbing and electrical work for sure.
Lover of the US Constitution Wile E. Coyote School of DIY Disaster
Posts: 9197 | Location: Nowhere the constitution is not honored | Registered: February 01, 2008
ORC, does seem a bit high, and I’d likely go about replacing it myself or with the help of a friend a bit more knowing than me. If d think your area would be a bit less since it’s not a “bit city”, but maybe I’m wrong there.
If you’re not concerned with it going at any minute then shop around a bit. If it’s a worry just turn the water off to it when you leave the house to avoid a catastrophe until you can find a better price.
Seems everything is so damn expensive these days.
10 years to retirement! Just waiting!
Posts: 6906 | Location: Georgia | Registered: August 10, 2009
