Learn all the factors that influence the cost to install a heat pump water heater at your home.
Thomas M.
Very well. Have already used them again to fix hot water heater
Service OlympiansWho Can Install a Water Heater In Your Home?
You should call a water heater installation expert for this task
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Need Help With a Project? Connect With a Pro
Installing a water heater involves fuel connections, plumbing hookups, and local code requirements, so your new unit supports safe operation from day one.
Expect to pay $900 to $1,800 for professional water heater installation, with costs reaching several thousand dollars for specialized tankless or solar models.
Plumbers also install water heaters, and your installer should follow local building codes and permit rules for a safe, compliant setup.
Hiring a local water heater installation professional provides peace of mind with proper fuel hookups and safe plumbing connections, helping reduce leak and fire risks.
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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?
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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.
Water heater services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
5.0★ avg. • 7 total reviews
- Mike Z.
As usual with ECO, tech Jordan was outstanding, very professional, very knowledgeable, and very thorough with repairs made to tankless water heaters. Very highly recommend ECO!!!
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians - Michael S.
Did a great job replacing the ice maker and water regulator on my refrigerator. He was quick and thorough, very friendly and professional. If I needed a heart transplant I'd want him to do it!!!
- Maria C.
We had a gutter blockage that was causing water to sheet down the side of the house and ultimately it started to come in at a window (need mortar people next). Called around 7:30am, and he responded by 8am. He was able to come out the same morning and do a look over and clean out. He also...
- Brad S.
Scott checked our large crawl space for mold and water infiltration and recommended a viable solution. The crew was efficient and they cleaned up well after the job. The job was expensive but I am confident that I won't have to deal with the problem again. Highly recommend.
AdvantaClean of Dublin - Ann S.
They were the most through inspecting the water system in my house. Even going the extra mile to get the water professionally tested for contamination.
Hague Water Conditioning, Inc. - Service Olympians
- Mike B.
The Paul Davis team was very professional and went the extra mile to take care of my water damage. The work was very high quality and done in a timely manner. I would highly recommend their services.
Paul Davis Restoration - Gene S.
Honesty is hard to find in business today. GBR met me today at a 3 story building regarding my being told that I needed to tuckpoint the brick because of water leaks. The owners took the time to evaluate the situation and advised me that I did not need their service at all. They pointed me...
GBR Masonry Inc - Stewart W.
They unclogged the drain and sent me a bill for more than 4 times what I paid before. I called the Water Works to ask why the bill was so high and that they should have gotten my authorization before assuming they could make expensive decisions like that on my behalf and for their benefit....
The Waterworks - Jean P.
We had two outdoor fixtures swapped for motion sensing fixtures and a GFCI outlet added to the outside of the garage for the bird bath heater. <br /> He arrived at the agreed upon time and I was surprised and impressed at how quickly everything was completed. <br /> I would definitely...
Powers Electric LLC
The homeowners guide to water heater services
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