Am I allowed to replace my water heater myself?

[ryoungs]

I have the skills, tools and ability to do any job that needs doing on my own property, but I don't know what I am allowed to do in The Villages. Apparently, in The Villages a contractor is required for almost every job other than the most basic. Is that right? I do realize contractors must make a living and that property values need protection, but that is not part of my question. I am just asking where the line is between what a skilled person can do himself, and what he is not permitted to do? Is there somewhere I can turn to for this information?

[retiredguy123]

Yes. As a homeowner, you can replace almost anything in your house that you want. But, if it is a gas heater, you may want to check with the gas company. There are also some larger projects where you may need a county building permit. The problem can occur when you hire a contractor who is not licensed to do the project, like unlicensed plumbers and electricians. In that case, you may be held liable or uninsured if something goes wrong. However, as a homeowner, you don't need a license to do plumbing, electrical, and most other work.

[npwalters]

yes

[Keefelane66]

YES I have done it for myself and neighbor

[retiredguy123]

OP, if your water heater doesn't have an expansion tank above it, I would suggest adding one. Some older houses in The Villages do not have them because they were built before the code required it. Also, some plumbers will not add the expansion tank when they replace a water heater.

[melpetezrinski]

I have the skills, tools and ability to do any job that needs doing on my own property, but I don't know what I am allowed to do in The Villages. Apparently, in The Villages a contractor is required for almost every job other than the most basic. Is that right? I do realize contractors must make a living and that property values need protection, but that is not part of my question. I am just asking where the line is between what a skilled person can do himself, and what he is not permitted to do? Is there somewhere I can turn to for this information?

You also might want to check with TECO, if it's gas, to see if their rebate would still apply. That would help with your cost/benefit analysis. I just had a Rheem gas water heater (xg40t06ec36u1) replaced for $950 but received a $350 rebate from TECO. So, $600 net cost to have a new 40 gallon water heater with expansion tank installed by a licensed and insured professional.

[Altavia]

Permit not required for "Water heater change outs if same type and same location"

When is a Building Permit Required? | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/1257/When-is-a-Building-Permit-Required)

[Nucky]

I don't know where you live OP but I have a friend in the Historic District that is trying to sell his home and it would have been done already except there was no PERMIT pulled for the Hot Water Heater or The Roof.

It's either do the correct thing now or have a Fire Drill like they are going thru trying to sell the house now. Just call the Town you live in and ask.

[Skunky1]

Do you need a permit to change out a water heater

[davbrindle]

You can get a permit yourself if you want it to be legal. Go to County office, as the homeowner you can do it, with the permit an inspection will follow up and you’ll be good to go.

[B-flat]

You also might want to check with TECO, if it's gas, to see if their rebate would still apply. That would help with your cost/benefit analysis. I just had a Rheem gas water heater (xg40t06ec36u1) replaced for $950 but received a $350 rebate from TECO. So, $600 net cost to have a new 40 gallon water heater with expansion tank installed by a licensed and insured professional.

Ditto here with TECO offering a rebate.

[Altavia]

You can get a permit yourself if you want it to be legal. Go to County office, as the homeowner you can do it, with the permit an inspection will follow up and you’ll be good to go.

Permit not required for "Water heater change outs if same type and same location"

When is a Building Permit Required? | Sumter County, FL - Official Website

[dhdallas]

Only if you say, "Mother, may I...?"

[retiredguy123]

Permit not required for "Water heater change outs if same type and same location"

When is a Building Permit Required? | Sumter County, FL - Official Website
All Villagers don't live in Sumter County.

[ryoungs]

You also might want to check with TECO, if it's gas, to see if their rebate would still apply. That would help with your cost/benefit analysis. I just had a Rheem gas water heater (xg40t06ec36u1) replaced for $950 but received a $350 rebate from TECO. So, $600 net cost to have a new 40 gallon water heater with expansion tank installed by a licensed and insured professional.

Thanks melpetezrinski-- The quote I got for a new 50 gallon water heater plus expansion unit was $1900. I thought that was quite excessive. Nothing was said about Teco rebates. Personally, I don't see why I need a 50 gallon water heater anyway; I think a 40 gallon one would do quite well. Is there any way to send me the name of the contractor you used without breaking the rules here at Talk of the Villages? I will try to send you a private message through a Talk of the Villages app, but I am not at all sure how that works. There are so many smart-aleck people trolling this site, trying to show how superior they are to mere mortals, that I hesitate to put my email address on here. Perhaps another user can tell me how to communicate with you privately.

[nancyre]

Always check your county permit requirements.

[ryoungs]

Question: several call me OP when answering my thread. That doesn't bother me, but I don't know what it means. Could someone please tell me? Thanks.

[Andyb]

Your house, your choice. Still a free country if we can keep it. Replacement does not require any permits or permission. Good luck!

[retiredguy123]

Thanks melpetezrinski-- The quote I got for a new 50 gallon water heater plus expansion unit was $1900. I thought that was quite excessive. Nothing was said about Teco rebates. Personally, I don't see why I need a 50 gallon water heater anyway; I think a 40 gallon one would do quite well. Is there any way to send me the name of the contractor you used without breaking the rules here at Talk of the Villages? I will try to send you a private message through a Talk of the Villages app, but I am not at all sure how that works. There are so many smart-aleck people trolling this site, trying to show how superior they are to mere mortals, that I hesitate to put my email address on here. Perhaps another user can tell me how to communicate with you privately.
Just click on the poster's name on an original post (underlined), and it will give you the option to send a private message.

[mkjelenbaas]

I have the skills, tools and ability to do any job that needs doing on my own property, but I don't know what I am allowed to do in The Villages. Apparently, in The Villages a contractor is required for almost every job other than the most basic. Is that right? I do realize contractors must make a living and that property values need protection, but that is not part of my question. I am just asking where the line is between what a skilled person can do himself, and what he is not permitted to do? Is there somewhere I can turn to for this information?
Why not just call where permits are issued instead of getting info that may not help you - plus save time on this site?

[Bay Kid]

You also might want to check with TECO, if it's gas, to see if their rebate would still apply. That would help with your cost/benefit analysis. I just had a Rheem gas water heater (xg40t06ec36u1) replaced for $950 but received a $350 rebate from TECO. So, $600 net cost to have a new 40 gallon water heater with expansion tank installed by a licensed and insured professional.

They have a list of rebates on their website.

[retiredguy123]

Thanks melpetezrinski-- The quote I got for a new 50 gallon water heater plus expansion unit was $1900. I thought that was quite excessive. Nothing was said about Teco rebates. Personally, I don't see why I need a 50 gallon water heater anyway; I think a 40 gallon one would do quite well. Is there any way to send me the name of the contractor you used without breaking the rules here at Talk of the Villages? I will try to send you a private message through a Talk of the Villages app, but I am not at all sure how that works. There are so many smart-aleck people trolling this site, trying to show how superior they are to mere mortals, that I hesitate to put my email address on here. Perhaps another user can tell me how to communicate with you privately.
$1,900? You can buy 40-50 gallon water heaters at Home Depot for about $500 to $700.

[JanetMM]

Question: several call me OP when answering my thread. That doesn't bother me, but I don't know what it means. Could someone please tell me? Thanks.

OP could mean Old Person. But it doesn’t. I have decided, based on context clues, that it means Original Poster.

[Johnsocat]

Rounds, to private message someone, click on their name...

[DaleDivine]

OP could mean Old Person. But it doesn’t. I have decided, based on context clues, that it means Original Poster.

You have decided correctly...
:clap2::clap2:

[DaleDivine]

I have the skills, tools and ability to do any job that needs doing on my own property, but I don't know what I am allowed to do in The Villages. Apparently, in The Villages a contractor is required for almost every job other than the most basic. Is that right? I do realize contractors must make a living and that property values need protection, but that is not part of my question. I am just asking where the line is between what a skilled person can do himself, and what he is not permitted to do? Is there somewhere I can turn to for this information?

Go for it.
:coolsmiley::coolsmiley:

[rogerk]

Simple answer is talk to your county buding department for what they require and talk to Architecture Review Committee for exterior changes. Call the district office 352.753.4508 and the will give you the numbers or connect. Of course you can also look in your Villages phone book, the first 40 or 50 pages.

[jparsoneau@aol.com]

I don't know where you live OP but I have a friend in the Historic District that is trying to sell his home and it would have been done already except there was no PERMIT pulled for the Hot Water Heater or The Roof.

It's either do the correct thing now or have a Fire Drill like they are going thru trying to sell the house now. Just call the Town you live in and ask.

Wasn’t able to figure out how to send you a personal message LOL. But I am interested in hearing about your friends house for sale. As I’m looking for 1. if you want to give him my message. My email is jparsoneau@aol.com
Thank you Mike

[DEETAMAC]

Just had mine replaced 4 days ago. Same day service. CPM Plumbing, Wildwood. 40 gallon heater, new expansion tank, up & running.....$1025.00. Try them for an estimate.

[OhioBuckeye]

Yea, I changed a capacitor in my heat pump or air conditioner to save $100.+. But you’re right if a barn yard maintenance man does his own work they might end up hiring a expensive maintenance repairman. I agree with what you said!

[cbmerl]

Question: several call me OP when answering my thread. That doesn't bother me, but I don't know what it means. Could someone please tell me? Thanks.

'OP' means Original Poster

[kayak]

I replaced my water heater a few years back and I did not pull a permit for the job. A couple of years later I listed the house for sale through the Properties of The villages. My agent pulled all the permits and told me it looks like you still have the original water heater. I gave her the date of install and she updated her records and that was good enough for the property listing.

The only problem I had with the do-it-yourself water heater replacement was the disposal of the old water heater. The trash wouldn't take it. Bulk pickup would not take it. I was told that the contractor who changed the water heater was supposed to take it. Of course there was no contractor I did it myself. I ended up getting someone to come pick it up for scrap metal.

Do it yourself - not a problem.
No permit- not a problem.
Disposal of old water heater - small problem but I worked it out.

[midiwiz]

I have the skills, tools and ability to do any job that needs doing on my own property, but I don't know what I am allowed to do in The Villages. Apparently, in The Villages a contractor is required for almost every job other than the most basic. Is that right? I do realize contractors must make a living and that property values need protection, but that is not part of my question. I am just asking where the line is between what a skilled person can do himself, and what he is not permitted to do? Is there somewhere I can turn to for this information?

I've never seen that anywhere here. I do see a lot of people getting contractors to do the most simple of jobs. I do all of it myself here. it's your house and using contractors doesn't protect property values in any way ever.

[MartinSE]

Question: several call me OP when answering my thread. That doesn't bother me, but I don't know what it means. Could someone please tell me? Thanks.

OP means original post

[jpvillager]

Had my 40 gal gas replaced by a plumber about 4 years ago. I bought it at Lowes. I called TECO. To qualify for the rebate it has to be installed by a professional. I think the plumber turned in the request for the rebate for me.

[melpetezrinski]

Thanks melpetezrinski-- The quote I got for a new 50 gallon water heater plus expansion unit was $1900. I thought that was quite excessive. Nothing was said about Teco rebates. Personally, I don't see why I need a 50 gallon water heater anyway; I think a 40 gallon one would do quite well. Is there any way to send me the name of the contractor you used without breaking the rules here at Talk of the Villages? I will try to send you a private message through a Talk of the Villages app, but I am not at all sure how that works. There are so many smart-aleck people trolling this site, trying to show how superior they are to mere mortals, that I hesitate to put my email address on here. Perhaps another user can tell me how to communicate with you privately.


Roger Pearce. He can be reached at 352-572-8954 or at pearceinstall@gmail.com

[ogme480]

If I understand you correctly…you know what you’re doing….you own it…you maintain it…go for it!

[Bay Kid]

Is tankless gas hot water worth the money when replacing the gas hot water tank? The rebate is higher.

[Aqtlow]

Thanks melpetezrinski-- The quote I got for a new 50 gallon water heater plus expansion unit was $1900. I thought that was quite excessive. Nothing was said about Teco rebates. Personally, I don't see why I need a 50 gallon water heater anyway; I think a 40 gallon one would do quite well. Is there any way to send me the name of the contractor you used without breaking the rules here at Talk of the Villages? I will try to send you a private message through a Talk of the Villages app, but I am not at all sure how that works. There are so many smart-aleck people trolling this site, trying to show how superior they are to mere mortals, that I hesitate to put my email address on here. Perhaps another user can tell me how to communicate with you privately.
Water heaters and septic tank systems are based on the number of bedrooms. Not bathrooms or people living there at the time.
The permit is for your protection that ALL safety devices and code practices are followed.
That being said you as a home owner can
Pull a permit If you live there and it’s your primary residence.
That’s according to the two states that I have had experience with.
That being said TV would require a permit for farting so they could make money on it. Lol :)

[ryoungs]

Roger Pearce. He can be reached at 352-572-8954 or at pearceinstall@gmail.com

Thanks melpetezrinski. I will give him a call.

[Bogie Shooter]

Water heaters and septic tank systems are based on the number of bedrooms. Not bathrooms or people living there at the time.
The permit is for your protection that ALL safety devices and code practices are followed.
That being said you as a home owner can
Pull a permit If you live there and it’s your primary residence.
That’s according to the two states that I have had experience with.
That being said TV would require a permit for farting so they could make money on it. Lol :)

What permits does TV charge a fee?

[WelchNH]

Yes. As a homeowner, you can replace almost anything in your house that you want. But, if it is a gas heater, you may want to check with the gas company. There are also some larger projects where you may need a county building permit. The problem can occur when you hire a contractor who is not licensed to do the project, like unlicensed plumbers and electricians. In that case, you may be held liable or uninsured if something goes wrong. However, as a homeowner, you don't need a license to do plumbing, electrical, and most other work.

In NH, where I'm from, a homeowner could perform certain building and repair tasks- I've added circuit breakers, replaced electric hot water heaters, etc. But I don't believe you are allowed to do that in Florida. A professional license (plumbing, electrical, gas ) is required. Check with your county's building codes dept.- they'll know. Of course, you can do anything without much fear of getting cited for a violation- but in the event of any malfunction requiring an insurance inspection- or selling your house subject to a "satisfactory" home inspection, you might run into problems. Low probability, but not zero.

[keepsake]

I am in the market for an 80 gallon (or close to it) electric water heater. Please reach out if you or know of where there is a used one.

[retiredguy123]

In NH, where I'm from, a homeowner could perform certain building and repair tasks- I've added circuit breakers, replaced electric hot water heaters, etc. But I don't believe you are allowed to do that in Florida. A professional license (plumbing, electrical, gas ) is required. Check with your county's building codes dept.- they'll know. Of course, you can do anything without much fear of getting cited for a violation- but in the event of any malfunction requiring an insurance inspection- or selling your house subject to a "satisfactory" home inspection, you might run into problems. Low probability, but not zero.
Interesting. I cannot find a Florida law that specifically prohibits a homeowner from doing work in their own house. For projects that require a permit, I think the Florida Statute Chapter 489 applies. That statute allow homeowners to apply for a permit and do projects up to $75,000 without a license. To get a permit, they may be required to sign a disclosure statement. Here is part of that disclosure statement from the statute:

"1. I understand that state law requires construction to be done by a licensed contractor and have applied for an owner-builder permit under an exemption from the law. The exemption specifies that I, as the owner of the property listed, may act as my own contractor with certain restrictions even though I do not have a license."

[4pocketz]

But I’m pretty sure you do NEED a permit from the powers that be, in the Villages!

[Bogie Shooter]

But I’m pretty sure you do NEED a permit from the powers that be, in the Villages!

What do you base this statement on?

[photo1902]

What do you base this statement on?

Agreed. So many misinformed posters. It’s shocking.

[Heytubes]

Just close the garage door to keep Mrs. Kravits from reporting you.