Can I install my own WATER HEATER ?

[Will.S]

We live in The Villages. Within the next year I need to replace my traditional electric hot water heater (in the garage) according to my home insurance... I have installed a few of these myself as a home owner in other states. What are the rules here in The Villages. Can I go to Lowes/Home Depot & get what I need and install it myself and call it good ?

-OR-

Do I need a PERMIT & then an INSPECTION.

Thanks for your input.

[Velvet]

Well, my friend did for my parents and he was a history and English major… lol.

[jrref]

We live in The Villages. Within the next year I need to replace my traditional electric hot water heater (in the garage) according to my home insurance... I have installed a few of these myself as a home owner in other states. What are the rules here in The Villages. Can I go to Lowes/Home Depot & get what I need and install it myself and call it good ?

-OR-

Do I need a PERMIT & then an INSPECTION.

Thanks for your input.

I know when I have my HVAC system replaced the company I used did get a permit and subsequent inspection.

[tophcfa]

We live in The Villages. Within the next year I need to replace my traditional electric hot water heater (in the garage) according to my home insurance... I have installed a few of these myself as a home owner in other states. What are the rules here in The Villages. Can I go to Lowes/Home Depot & get what I need and install it myself and call it good ?

-OR-

Do I need a PERMIT & then an INSPECTION.

Thanks for your input.

If it’s being required by your insurance company, then I would ask your insurance agent if a receipt from Lowel’s/Home Depot and a picture of the newly installed unit would be sufficient? If so, go ahead and do it yourself.

[Velvet]

My husband did the same for our house at Mallory. No problems in all the years we owned our home. Never even thought of inspection.

I have to tell you about what happened to my furnace up north. We bought a Trane gas furnace and it worked well for several years. But because we were coming to TV for longer and longer periods, we had it inspected. The furnace passed! We happily drove to TV. It was the only year the furnace failed, 2 months after inspection. I never had it inspected again (superstition?) I am not usually. Husband fixed the furnace - he has never seen the inside of one but he figured it out, changed the motherboard I videoed the wiring as he took it apart. It has been absolutely reliable for many years now. Although he regularly wondered, “Did I do it right?” Appearantly these things are really not rocket science.

[Will.S]

Great idea..

If it’s being required by your insurance company, then I would ask your insurance agent if a receipt from Lowel’s/Home Depot and a picture of the newly installed unit would be sufficient? If so, go ahead and do it yourself.

[Velvet]

I have house insurance both in TV and up north and neither has ever asked about HVAC system, roof yes! So it depends on how your policy is written.

[Will.S]

Unit cost from Lowes is $459 plus fittings etc and I do it myself. Lowes "independent installer" quoted me a total cost of $1650 for the exact Lowes unit installed. Just sounds excessive.

[Bassdeer]

Do it yourself and tell no one, especially on this site.:pepper2:

[Will.S]

Not sure why insurance companies care how old a water unit is. Not like it's covered under my policy. As mentioned, Roofs ? I get it but water heater & HVAC ?

[bagboy]

Unit cost from Lowes is $459 plus fittings etc and I do it myself. Lowes "independent installer" quoted me a total cost of $1650 for the exact Lowes unit installed. Just sounds excessive.

If you decide not to mess with it yourself, Mike Scott Plumbing will install a new one including labor for $910.00. This price was less than a year ago.

[Velvet]

If you decide not to mess with it yourself, Mike Scott Plumbing will install a new one including labor for $910.00. This price was less than a year ago.

Wasn’t Mike Scott bought out by Frank Gay? Am I wrong? yikes!

[ton80]

Wasn’t Mike Scott bought out by Frank Gay? Am I wrong? yikes!

Yes you are wrong

[jrref]

Not sure why insurance companies care how old a water unit is. Not like it's covered under my policy. As mentioned, Roofs ? I get it but water heater & HVAC ?

The water heater isn't covered but water damage that the unit may create is.

[kbrkr]

Where in the code does it specify you need a permit and an inspection?

[Tvflguy]

If you decide not to mess with it yourself, Mike Scott Plumbing will install a new one including labor for $910.00. This price was less than a year ago.

Agree. We had ours replaced by Scott Plumbing earlier this year. $910. EZ PZ Great pro install of everything, and they haul the old one away.
Now NO WORRIES for the next 10 years+. That is IF I make it that long....

[Velvet]

I checked and it is Scott’s Plumbing now. Thank God! Yes, you can use Scott’s Plumbing, in my opinion, if you chose not to do it yourself.

[npwalters]

I'm not 100% sure but I'm pretty sure no permit is required if you are replacing an existing water heater with a similar item. I am 100% sure no one will know or care if you don't put it here or Facebook.

[jrref]

I'm not 100% sure but I'm pretty sure no permit is required if you are replacing an existing water heater with a similar item. I am 100% sure no one will know or care if you don't put it here or Facebook.

Deleted

[Will.S]

That very well would be worth it. Thanks.

If you decide not to mess with it yourself, Mike Scott Plumbing will install a new one including labor for $910.00. This price was less than a year ago.

[manaboutown]

From AI:

"Yes, in Florida, you generally need a permit to replace a water heater. The Florida Building Code mandates permits for plumbing work, including water heater replacements, to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. "

Likely a post installation inspection is required, too.

Items NOT requiring a permit. When is a Building Permit Required? | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/1257/When-is-a-Building-Permit-Required)

[Velvet]

Pretty soon you’ll need a permit to use the rest room… at the rate we are going.

[Mrprez]

Last item on that list of changes that don’t require a permit is a water heater if same kind and location.

[npwalters]

Like the post above says taken from "Items NOT requiring a permit. When is a Building Permit Required? | Sumter County, FL - Official Website" "Water Heater - change out if same type and same location"

[jrref]

From AI:

"Yes, in Florida, you generally need a permit to replace a water heater. The Florida Building Code mandates permits for plumbing work, including water heater replacements, to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. "

Likely a post installation inspection is required, too.

Items NOT requiring a permit. When is a Building Permit Required? | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/1257/When-is-a-Building-Permit-Required)

Wow, I stand corrected. I guess go at it and change your hot water heater.

[gorillarick]

Yes you can do it yourself. I've done it twice since I've lived here.

The worst part is taking the old one down from the pedestal and putting the new one on.
I remember doing it myself when I was younger. Have they gotten heavier ?

[Babbs1957]

I believe Sumter and Marion counties are okay with it, but Lake requires it so they can get the money. They require a permit for everything. This county sucks.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I just did my parents' house electric hot water heater, 50 gall, remove old, install new, in Massachusetts.

New tank/heater, plus permit required for plumbing, plus inspection, installation labor and disposal of old hot water heater,
$3,000 was the lowest quote, bundled all together.

FL is very cheap with labor. . . cost of living difference. .

[tophcfa]

From AI:

"Yes, in Florida, you generally need a permit to replace a water heater.
Screw that, they should make people get a permit for using AI

[retiredguy123]

Personally, I would pay Mike Scott Plumbing $910 to install a new water heater. But if you do it yourself, make sure you install an expansion tank and a drain pan. These are required by code and they are a good idea. Note that Mike Scott Plumbing was NOT bought out by Frank Gay.

[defrey12]

Unit cost from Lowes is $459 plus fittings etc and I do it myself. Lowes "independent installer" quoted me a total cost of $1650 for the exact Lowes unit installed. Just sounds excessive.

It is...

[Sparky99]

Do it yourself. Completely drain the old one. Residual water is heavy and messy. Electric water heater especially in the garage is easy to replace. A second person would be helpful to remove and replace the units.

[retiredguy123]

Do it yourself. Completely drain the old one. Residual water is heavy and messy. Electric water heater especially in the garage is easy to replace. A second person would be helpful to remove and replace the units.
Before buying a new water heater, open the drain valve on the old one and make sure the water will drain out. If not, you will be removing a very heavy water heater.

[ZPaul]

Not common, but if you have a heat pump based hot water heater, a licensed person must drain the refrigerant or add it to a new one. Pretty much forces you to get the whole job done by a professional.

[RoseyRed]

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[RoseyRed]

I just did my parents' house electric hot water heater, 50 gall, remove old, install new,

New tank/heater, plus permit required for plumbing, plus inspection, installation labor and disposal of old hot water heater,
$3,000 was the lowest quote, bundled all together.
3K seems expensive to me!

[retiredguy123]

I just did my parents' house electric hot water heater, 50 gall, remove old, install new,

New tank/heater, plus permit required for plumbing, plus inspection, installation labor and disposal of old hot water heater,
$3,000 was the lowest quote, bundled all together.
Wow. Mike Scott Plumbing will do all of those things for $910, based on a 40 gallon tank. To upgrade to a 50 gallon, it would still be less than $1000.

[JoelJohnson]

I got a YoLink water detection system. I have sensors under the sinks, toilets, fridge, dishwater, and the hot water heater. I also installed an automatic water shut off so that when the system detects a water leak, it shuts the water off to the whole house. Everything, except the water shut off, can be installed by yourself. Even then the water shut is simple plumbing. Go to YoSmart.com to see how it works. I am not associated with them and get no money from them. Just a very satisfied customer.

[kayak]

10 years ago I replaced my water heater. The biggest challenge was the disposal of the old one. Bulk trash pickup would not take it. They said the contractor is supposed to dispose of the old one I told them it was DIY. Anyway I had to find a scrap metal person to come and get it.
A few years later when it was time to sell that house the agent pulled the permits and there was no permit for the water heater therefore the conclusion was it was an original water heater. I told her the date of the water heater installation and she updated her information on the listing. It ended up being no problem at all that it was a DIY without a permit.

[jimkerr]

We live in The Villages. Within the next year I need to replace my traditional electric hot water heater (in the garage) according to my home insurance... I have installed a few of these myself as a home owner in other states. What are the rules here in The Villages. Can I go to Lowes/Home Depot & get what I need and install it myself and call it good ?

-OR-

Do I need a PERMIT & then an INSPECTION.

Thanks for your input.

You can install whatever you want inside your home.

[A'ls Custom Wood]

you dont need a permit if replacing it

[biker1]

That is apparently no longer an issue. Bulk pickup took my old water heater from a DIY replacement about 2 years ago for the normal $10.

10 years ago I replaced my water heater. The biggest challenge was the disposal of the old one. Bulk trash pickup would not take it. They said the contractor is supposed to dispose of the old one I told them it was DIY. Anyway I had to find a scrap metal person to come and get it.
A few years later when it was time to sell that house the agent pulled the permits and there was no permit for the water heater therefore the conclusion was it was an original water heater. I told her the date of the water heater installation and she updated her information on the listing. It ended up being no problem at all that it was a DIY without a permit.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I just did my parents' house electric hot water heater, 50 gall, remove old, install new, in Massachusetts.
$3,000 was the lowest quote, bundled all together.
FL is very cheap with labor. . . cost of living and labor force supply difference. .

just an example of how cheap FL labor can be, as the cost of living and supply of labor is completely different, plumbers in MA are much scarcer. . The copper is no longer sweated together, all plumbing connections are now compression fit. much safer, and much easier. .

[Dan M]

Just had Mike Scott plumbing replace my 10 year old electric water heater with their base 6 year warranty tank- it’s the same tank I had- for the quoted price of $910. Three guys came in two trucks and replaced the tank in about an hour. They were great- efficient and all worked together. Got a new expansion tank and pop off valve included in price. No permit needed. They took old tank away too. I recommend them highly.

[ron32162]

no inspection or permit needed as long as its your house and you are doing the work

[JRcorvette]

We live in The Villages. Within the next year I need to replace my traditional electric hot water heater (in the garage) according to my home insurance... I have installed a few of these myself as a home owner in other states. What are the rules here in The Villages. Can I go to Lowes/Home Depot & get what I need and install it myself and call it good ?

-OR-

Do I need a PERMIT & then an INSPECTION.

Thanks for your input.

How would your insurance company even know. I have never heard of anything like that and I have been in the insurance business for 36 years. If you know what you are doing then just buy one and install it.

[Bhighley]

Get a new insurance policy

[retiredguy123]

Where in the code does it specify you need a permit and an inspection?
The building code doesn't require a permit to replace a water heater, but the county does. My research indicated that a permit is required by all three counties in The Villages: Sumter, Lake, and Marion. However, the permit can be obtained after the work has been performed. So, if your water heater fails on a weekend, you can replace it immediately, and then apply for the permit. I assume that is how reputable licensed plumbers comply with the law. And, you still need a permit if you do the installation yourself.

[Mrprez]

The building code doesn't require a permit to replace a water heater, but the county does. My research indicated that a permit is required by all three counties in The Villages: Sumter, Lake, and Marion. However, the permit can be obtained after the work has been performed. So, if your water heater fails on a weekend, you can replace it immediately, and then apply for the permit. I assume that is how reputable licensed plumbers comply with the law. And, you still need a permit if you do the installation yourself.

No, you don’t. If you replace a water heater with the same type in the same place no permit is required in Sumter County.

[retiredguy123]

No, you don’t. If you replace a water heater with the same type in the same place no permit is required.
That is true for Sumter County, but I don't think it applies to Lake and Marion counties. From AI:

"Yes, a permit is required for a water heater replacement in Florida, with the exception of a few specific locations like Sumter County where a "change out" of the same type and location may be exempt."

[Mrprez]

That is true for Sumter County, but I don't think it applies to Lake and Marion counties. From AI:

"Yes, a permit is required for a water heater replacement in Florida, with the exception of a few specific locations like Sumter County where a "change out" of the same type and location may be exempt."

Clarified.

[Danube]

Unit cost from Lowes is $459 plus fittings etc and I do it myself. Lowes "independent installer" quoted me a total cost of $1650 for the exact Lowes unit installed. Just sounds excessive.

Similar experience. I bought a Lowe's electric WH and the only Lowe's "independent installer" that contacted me wanted about $1,000 to install it.

I found someone else to do the work for $300. It took 2.5 hours and $50 materials.

[darrellwbryant]

Don’t Use Mike Scott. Frank Gay bought Mike Scott and uses His name because of the bad press in THV.

[darrellwbryant]

Don’t use Mike Scott. Frank Gay bought Mike Scott and uses his name because of bad press in THV.

[ton80]

Don’t Use Mike Scott. Frank Gay bought Mike Scott and uses His name because of the bad press in THV.

Mike Scott Plumbing is owned by the Scott Family. Frank Gay bought Kiley and Sons Plumbing.

Frank Gay was bought by Alpine Investors and now operates under Apex Service Partners. In turn Apex is partnering with other HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical service providers so the problems are probably spreading.

Make sure you know who you are dealing with.

[jrref]

The price for a new basic hot water tank is about $900 installed. For that price why would you do it yourself unless money is tight or you have nothing to do? Especially if you have gas. Most every year Lowes has close-outs on electric hot water tanks where you can get one for as low as $200. If you are doing it yourself, forget about paying anyone, you probably have many neighbors willing to help you install it. As far as the heatpump systems, they look really good and I like the idea that you can cool your garage with them but these systems have a sealed refrigeration system like your HVAC system and I'm not sure how long they will last. I do know you need to make sure the coils stay clean and it's almost imposible to get at the anode rod so either way, if you can't change the anode rod, the tank will have a limited life. You do save on energy with them but it's not worth it since we only pay a couple hundred dollars to heat water every year.

[bagboy]

Trying to associate an established, honorable company with an established, dishonorable company should be libelous.

[MrFlorida]

You can do it yourself. Get it inspected afterwards.

[Marathon Man]

Don’t use Mike Scott. Frank Gay bought Mike Scott and uses his name because of bad press in THV.

Three posts. All saying the same thing. Just to be disagreed with by others. Interesting.

[JMintzer]

Don’t use Mike Scott. Frank Gay bought Mike Scott and uses his name because of bad press in THV.

I'd delete this false information...