$250 to install a water heater...........??????????

[charlz]

One thing I was thinking of, a permit might be required in your county/city/whatever. Now that earthquake strapping and thermal expansion tanks are or getting to be mandatory everywhere they want a permit so they can inspect for them.

 

[mbohuntr]

Yup, I know several people that have the attitude..." I don't need to learn stuff, I'll just call the guy." I have offered to teach them while I help them install it for free, but they are more interested in dancing w/ the stars, playstation etc. I have little sympathy for people like that.

We were too poor to call the guy, and learned in the school of hard knocks. The only things I hire out are either too big for one person, like a pole barn (I'm getting old...) or usually require specialized tools and training, like newer trucks and cars. The extra time and frustration it takes me to learn the newest technology makes it impractical to do tune ups and such.
My last oil change had borrowed tools, hot 5W-20 running down my arm and floor, and an hour of clean-up after some genious engineer tilted the oil filter 30 degrees and placed it above a crossover channel.
I figure I saved $10, and with the time and mess, lost about $40.

 

[Bird]

In years past, I helped a neighbor replace his water heater, later I had to replace one of my own, and still later, replaced one for my daughter, but I've reached an age at which I'd pay the $250 labor before I'd change mine myself.

Sure it's expensive, but that plumber has to have a truck, a lot of tools, maybe liability insurance, and you're paying for his time on the job as well as the time coming and going. And if he's licensed, he had to have some training and other expenses. So I don't think $250 is unreasonable.

 

[mbohuntr]

In years past, I helped a neighbor replace his water heater, later I had to replace one of my own, and still later, replaced one for my daughter, but I've reached an age at which I'd pay the $250 labor before I'd change mine myself.

Sure it's expensive, but that plumber has to have a truck, a lot of tools, maybe liability insurance, and you're paying for his time on the job as well as the time coming and going. And if he's licensed, he had to have some training and other expenses. So I don't think $250 is unreasonable.

I'm getting to that point from age, but not there yet. I'd rather hire a couple of young boys and teach them while they install mine.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I replaced my electric hot water heater in about a half hour after it was drained. Simple job when you have a screw on flex hose for connection and no soldering required. Unscrew hot and cold water lines, unhook 3 electric wires, roll out the old one, roll in the new, reinstall the flex lines and electrical connections, turn on the water and flip the breaker. DONE. It took longer to drain the tank than to replace it. I left it draining while I went to Lowes & bought a new water heater. I did unhook all the flex hose connections before leaving in case I broke something, I could pick up replacement parts while out. A gas hot water heater would be no more difficult, just have to soap test the gas connection after it was hooked up.
NO way would I pay a plumber to do a simple job like that.

On the 19 year old signing a contract, I think I would have told the plumber, well contract or not, I am not paying and you can try to collect from my 19 year old unemployed son if you continue to work. He is not the home owner so you may have a hard time collecting but I will thank you for your free water heater installation OR you can accept a $100 house call charge and be on your crooked way.

 

[Deerherd]

One thing I was thinking of, a permit might be required in your county/city/whatever. Now that earthquake strapping and thermal expansion tanks are or getting to be mandatory everywhere they want a permit so they can inspect for them.

Great point. I replaced my water heater and set the old unit next to the curb to be picked up. Next DAY I had a notice from city wanting to see it was installed by licensed plumber! I had to pay a permit fee, the plumber and a surcharge. I have since left the city but if it ever happens again, I'm putting it out in front of someone else's house or hauling to the recycling place myself.

 

[doxford jim]

Great point. I replaced my water heater and set the old unit next to the curb to be picked up. Next DAY I had a notice from city wanting to see it was installed by licensed plumber! I had to pay a permit fee, the plumber and a surcharge. I have since left the city but if it ever happens again, I'm putting it out in front of someone else's house or hauling to the recycling place myself.

That is what being honest gets you these days. No wonder people avoid going to the city council for anything unless they absolutely have to.

 

[Looking4new]

Great point. I replaced my water heater and set the old unit next to the curb to be picked up. Next DAY I had a notice from city wanting to see it was installed by licensed plumber! I had to pay a permit fee, the plumber and a surcharge. I have since left the city but if it ever happens again, I'm putting it out in front of someone else's house or hauling to the recycling place myself.

When I replace my hot water heaters (I have two) I take the old one to the dump myself, there are no questions asked.

 

[downslope]

...And at nineteen years old, I knew how to replace a water tank.

And when not to sign a contract, too!

 

[MossRoad]

why'dja have to replace the tubing 2 or 3 times?

Yeah, I was wondering that myself...

I've never had to replace my flex tubing.
I just swapped out our gas water heater about two months ago. I did it myself.... but the old one is still in the basement. Them things go down stairs a lot easier than they go up stairs! :laughing: