Water heaters are workhorses in our homes. In fact, they usually do the job so well that most people rarely even think about them. We just know that when we turn on the faucet, hot water comes out. It’s only when your water heater stops working that you realize it’s one of the most important appliances in your home. If you need a new water heater installed,you want it done right away so you can get back to showering, washing dishes, and giving your kids a bath—but how much does a plumber charge to install a water heater?
Why the Type of Water Heater Matters
Unfortunately, you can’t simply call up a plumber or search on Google and find a definitive answer for how much it costs to install a water heater. That’s because they come indifferent sizes and models. Even if you were to purchase the water heater yourself and only hire a plumber to do the installation, the amount of time needed can vary greatly, which impacts the cost of installation. A tankless water heater has a higher installation cost than a standard water heater.
Before deciding on a tankless model, you should also keep in mind that tankless systems require more maintenance, so you may just be seeing us more often at your home if you choose this option. Tankless water heaters also take longer to produce hot water,although once they do, they supply a continuous flow. Standard water heaters with tanks can cost less than half as much to install as a tankless system. The trade-off when choosing a tank water heater is that they’re less energy efficient than tankless models, although the cost savings may be negligible when weighed with the higher installation and maintenance costs. Water heaters can be powered by natural gas,electricity, propane, and even solar energy. These variables can also impact the amount of time a plumber needs to install your new water heater.
Labor Costs
Labor is charged by the hour; if two plumbers are sent out to work on your water heater installation, you’ll have to pay two hourly rates—but since they’ll finish in half the time, it evens out in the end! If your water heater is in a location that is difficult to access, this will add to the amount of time needed, as it will make removing your old water heater and installing the new one more difficult. If, on the other hand, you’re having a water heater installed in new construction, the labor costs will be less because there won’t be an existing water heater to remove.
Other Factors
Sometimes the existing pipes that attach to your water heater are damaged or not compatible with your new heater. If this is the case, you’ll need to purchase new piping and pay for the cost to have that installed. This isn’t usually expensive, but it’s still something you’ll want to be aware of. In some municipalities, you will need to have a permit in order to replace a water heater. The cost of this will have to be factored in as well.
Get an Estimate for Water Heater Installation
If you need a new water heater installed at your home or business, contact Marines Plumbing Service today at (703) 215-9076 to schedule service or request a quote.