Who Can Install a Water Heater In Your Home?

If you’re a confident DIYer, there are plenty of jobs around the house you can do yourself. However, installing a water heater shouldn’t be one of them. So, who can install a water heater at your home? Hiring a water heater installation professional is the best choice, although licensed plumbers can also do the work safely.

Benefits of Hiring a Water Heater Installation Professional

Local water heater installation pros can recommend the best unit for your situation, remove the existing unit, connect the new one safely, and maintain the manufacturer’s warranty.

Water heaters can run on either natural gas or electricity, so you need a pro with experience connecting the proper fuel source. They should also know how to create a safe hookup to your plumbing system.

If you’re unsure whether you want a tankless appliance or a traditional design with a tank, the water heater installation company can advise you.

Some water heater manufacturers require you to hire a certified professional for the installation to ensure it’s done correctly. Without a certified pro doing the work, the manufacturer might void your warranty. This professional will be sure to follow all local water heater installation code requirements, too.

Can I Hire a Plumber for Installing a Water Heater?

You can also hire a local plumber to install your water heater. Nearly all plumbers have the licenses, certifications, and skills to do this kind of work. 

Compared to a company that specializes in water heater installations, a plumber may not have the same level of experience with water heaters exclusively. However, plumbers will do a great job with your water heater installation the majority of the time.

How Do Water Heater Installation Experts Install Water Heaters?

When you hire a local water heater company to install this appliance, the professional will follow several steps.

• If you live in an area that requires permits to install a new water heater, the professional should obtain these for you.

• A company that specializes in water heater installations can recommend the perfect size and design of appliance for your household’s needs.

• The professional can deliver the appliance for you, as many of these companies stock and sell water heaters.

• The pros should carry the new unit to the installation location for you.

• If you have an existing water heater in place, the professional will disconnect and remove it.

• The professional hooks the new unit to the proper fuel source (either electric or gas).

• The pro will connect the appliance to your plumbing system.

• Before leaving, the professional will test the water heater for proper operation.

How Much Does Installing a Water Heater Cost?

The cost of replacing or installing a water heater with the help of a professional ranges from $900 to $1,800 for the appliance and labor. However, depending on the design of the appliance, some installations can cost several thousand dollars or more.

• Tank-style: A tank-style water heater can cost $600 to $2,500 with larger capacity tanks costing more.

• Tankless: A tankless water heater costs between $1,400 and $3,900. Electric units cost less than natural gas or solar models.

• Heat pump: The cost to install a heat pump water heater or hybrid model ranges from $1,200 to $3,500.

• Solar: Solar water heater installation cost runs between $1,800 and $5,700. Units with larger capacity tanks cost more to install.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

As mentioned earlier, DIY water heater installation is not recommended. An incorrect installation could lead to a fire, explosion, water leak, or carbon monoxide exposure. Plus, depending on your local regulations, a licensed professional may be the only legal option for this job.

Doing a DIY job could also violate local building codes. Your local municipality likely will not issue the necessary permits to someone who is not a licensed installer.

Some units require the installation of a vent pipe that must follow local regulations. This will be tough for a homeowner to do. 

Connecting the appliance to your plumbing system also requires the expertise of a professional. An error in the plumbing could lead to pipe leaks or damage to the plumbing system. 

Labor costs for installing a water heater range from $150 to $450, but you’re paying for personal safety, proper installation, and peace of mind.