I need a new water heater.. but this is too much?

Question

My water heater has a leak right behind the thermostat/gas valve. Also there was some rust coming thru the water a few months ago, so I think it's time for a new one.

Apparently, I have a gas water heater with direct vent. I'm being told by home depot that it'll cost $800 for the water heater with $400 installation, etc. I don't even see this water heater in their system! What are my options? I think they might be trying to take me for a ride. If I'm gonna pay this much, I'd rather go with something new and economical like a tankless water heater. Any suggestions? Advice about this quote?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I was in your exact same situation two years ago. I went with the Home Depot option. The water heater performs fine, but I do have regrets.



Installation

My first regret was trusting Home Depot. You are 100% right to suspect the $400 installation cost. Every house is different, but in mine it took the guy a little over 30min to install. So on an hourly rate basis, that's pretty pricey. If you have a drain nearby, you can move the old tank out when it's empy, which is easy to do if you have a dolly. The new one is of course empty, so it's not too hard to move. There are a couple "nice to know" things such as putting in wedges to ensure the new heater doesn't move on a sloped floor... So it might be good to get someone with experience if you've not installed one before. But check out a handyman. Get one with references, and also check him out on BBB.org. Bet you can cut the installation price significantly over what Home Depot charges.



Water Heater

Second point is on the water heater it's self. I got the Home Depot top of the line, and didn't research it much myself. Big mistake. The energy utilization sticker indicated it was a mid-grade efficiency model. I had thought for top price, I'd get a top model. Bad assumption.

I also priced a tankless hot water heater. Thing about those is that there are few brands, they take regular maintenance, and they are expensive to repair since not as many plumbers are trained to work on them.

I also priced a solar water heater. Ridiculously expensive.

The traditional tank system is relatively cheap, and the technology is very well known and reliable.



So in summary, research the water heater yourself, get one you are happy with. Then get an experienced neighbor or handyman to price the install for you. Compare that to what Home Depot is telling you before you decide.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

I need a new water heater.. but this is too much?

My water heater has a leak right behind the thermostat/gas valve. Also there was some rust coming thru the water a few months ago, so I think it's time for a new one.



Apparently, I have a gas water heater with direct vent. I'm being told by home depot that it'll cost $800 for the...

Answer 4

Home Depot Hot Water Heater

Answer 5

Call some local plumbers. I wouldn't have Home Depot install anything. Yes $1,2000 is too much. Since you already have a direct vent the venting is already there and doesn't need to be replaced. That is one of the major costs of a direct vent water heater. You also didn't say how big a water heater you have/need

Answer 6

to replace an old direct vent water heater with a new one of same size is a very simple job... and takes about as much time to replace as a normal water heater does... 45 min to 1hr start to finish



the price of 1200 is extremely high for a replacement tank.... on average most 50 gallon direct vent water heater replacements can be completed for around $750-800 complete with removal of old tank



talk to plumbers as well as heating pro's in your area tell them what you have, and that you need a price on a new one



and yes, once your tank starts leaking its time to replace it, average life of a water heater that hasnt been drained annually is 10-12 years... one that has been maintained regularly... 15-18 years

Answer 7

There is probably a high limit shut off that is failing. Call a local plumbing supply and talk with someone there about it. I'm not talking about the local Home Depot. Look in the yellow pages and find the place where all the plumbers go to buy materials. They will talk with you and have the knowledge and books to tell you which part has failed. I'm glad your pop off is working. Of course it's best to get a pro out to work on it.

Answer 8

yep! that's way too much.why do you need a direct vent? are you sure that's what the vent is? where is the electric panel because? it might be feasible to replace it with an electric water heater. and discontinue the venting altogether. that alone will save you $600.00

$400.00 for this kind of installation is about right. and $200.00 for the tank

Answer 9

Go through the phone book and ask several installers. They'll give a price over the phone. Five years ago mine was $680 installed by a guy working for himself including the city gas permit. So lets say it costs $880 now for where I live. The biggest thing is the gas permit if your house burns down you don't have insurance.

Answer 10

I paid 250 12 years ago for a gas heater and installed it myself

Go to HD or Lowes and they sell flexible stainless steel connection hoses. Get the fittings you need, you might have to cut your copper pipes, they sell fittings you can bolt onto pipes.

If it is electric, then it is so easy to do yourself.

Gas is a little harder to hook up the gas pipes, but you can do it, if you really want.

buy a book that shows you how.

Answer 11

Try your gas company. Sometimes they have promotions and they will know of any tax credits that may be available. Them try some plumbers for an estimate on various systems. You should be able to do it yourself as the plumbing and gas is already there. You will need a bit of muscle to help you.

Answer 12

http://www.google.com/search?q=gas+water+heater+with+direct+vent&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1



if you go tankless, the installation costs will double the price... but it will pay for itself in a couple years...and there's a tax credit for getting one!...... my son got the tankless and can't be happier....



the cost is about right according to what they're showing on Google.... but the installation seems high.... you already have the piping , right?... so what's gonna cost so much?... ask!!....

Answer 13

Before you buy a tankless open the front cover and look at the inards.It'll scare the crap outaya.When there workin there great but all I"ll say is if it has boobs or movin parts it'll give ya problems.

Answer 14

Call at least 3 local plumbing co and ask for estimates. Here's more:http://www.joetheplumbernet.com/JTP_how_find1.html