[New Englander]

I'm thinking about replacing my 12-year-old water heater. If anyone has done this recently, what plumbing outfit did you use, and what was the total cost? Thanks

[retiredguy123]

Mike Scott Plumbing will do it for about $900. I recommend this company. Whoever you hire, make sure their quote includes a new expansion tank.

[Topspinmo]

So, what’s wrong with it?

[villagetinker]

I agree with the previous estimate, there was a local plumber advertising for around that cost. Youn are wise to look into replacement, ours lasted 12 years, then I noticed the leak at the top of the unit.

[rjm1cc]

Check with your local utility to see if they have a deal

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

So, what’s wrong with it?

It's on borrowed time.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Mike Scott Plumbing will do it for about $900. I recommend this company. Whoever you hire, make sure their quote includes a new expansion tank.

Just make sure whichever hot water tank you buy that it has a warrenty of 12 years. I believe most of these companies are installing 6 year warranty tanks. Nothing wrong with that but it may not last as long.

I would recommend:
1) Rheem
Gladiator 40 Gal. Medium 12-Year 5500-Watt Double Element Smart Electric Water Heater w/ Leak Detection and Auto Shutoff - $649 at Home Depot
2) A.O. Smith Signature 500 40-Gallons Short 12-year Warranty 5500-watt Double Element Grid Capable Smart Electric Water Heater with Leak Detection and Automatic Shut-off -$849 at Lowes

Both these heaters have leak detection AND water shutoff and can be installed by Mike Scott or any other HVAC contractor, you just need to ask.

But if you want cheap and a replacement for what you probably have, almost all HVAC companies have their standard hot water heater replacement for under $1,000.

[New Englander]

One company wanted $1,455, and Mike Scott wanted $910. Mike Scott is coming tomorrow, and there is no extra charge for weekend work.
Thanks to all who answered my post

[Topspinmo]

I wish my house had electric water heater, they are easy to replace. I’m almost tempted next time (if I’m still able) to have electrician run 220V dedicated line so I can install electric water heater.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by New Englander

One company wanted $1,455, and Mike Scott wanted $910. Mike Scott is coming tomorrow, and there is no extra charge for weekend work.
Thanks to all who answered my post

So, you have to compare the equipment they are installing and what they are changing during the installation process.

For example, is one company giving you a "builder grade" 6 year tank vs an upgraded tank? Is one company just changing the tank and not the connecting hoses and the expansion tank? You have to look at all this vs just using the price as a decision point.

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by jrref

So, you have to compare the equipment they are installing and what they are changing during the installation process.

For example, is one company giving you a "builder grade" 6 year tank vs an upgraded tank? Is one company just changing the tank and not the connecting hoses and the expansion tank? You have to look at all this vs just using the price as a decision point.

I understand what you're saying. The not chosen Co. uses "State" Hot Water Tanks. Mike Scott uses Rheem. Rheem is what Mike Scott used on my original install and it's 12 years old now. In my Villa section two water heaters have failed recently. I think it is money well spent.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by New Englander

I understand what you're saying. The not chosen Co. uses "State" Hot Water Tanks. Mike Scott uses Rheem. Rheem is what Mike Scott used on my original install and it's 12 years old now. In my Villa section two water heaters have failed recently. I think it is money well spent.

OP, I can almost guarantee you that Mike Scott will be installing a Rheem water heater with a 6-year warranty, and they will be installing a new expansion tank. You can upgrade to the 12-year warranty and pay more, but I wouldn't. My Rheem has a 6-year warranty, and it is still working fine after 10 years. By the way, the warranty will only cover the parts, which will most likely be less than half of the labor cost to replace the water heater.

[MX rider]

Be sure to shop around. We used Torri Plumbing in Wildwood and did it for less than $800. We had a few estimates over $1500. It's a 90 minute job for a good plumber.

[thevillages2013]

To whom it may concern, STAY AWAY from Frank Gay!

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by jrref

Just make sure whichever hot water tank you buy that it has a warrenty of 12 years. I believe most of these companies are installing 6 year warranty tanks. Nothing wrong with that but it may not last as long.

I would recommend:
1) Rheem
Gladiator 40 Gal. Medium 12-Year 5500-Watt Double Element Smart Electric Water Heater w/ Leak Detection and Auto Shutoff - $649 at Home Depot
2) A.O. Smith Signature 500 40-Gallons Short 12-year Warranty 5500-watt Double Element Grid Capable Smart Electric Water Heater with Leak Detection and Automatic Shut-off -$849 at Lowes

Both these heaters have leak detection AND water shutoff and can be installed by Mike Scott or any other HVAC contractor, you just need to ask.

But if you want cheap and a replacement for what you probably have, almost all HVAC companies have their standard hot water heater replacement for under $1,000.

With all due respect, I don't understand your reasoning. You can buy a Rheem water heater with a 6-year warranty for a retail price of $449 or a Rheem water heater with a 12-year warranty for $649. The labor to install it is not covered by the warranty. What is wrong with a 6-year warranty for an item that costs less than $500? My car cost $35K and it only had a 3-year warranty. Also, if your 12-year warranty water heater fails at 10 years, how long is it going to take to contact Rheem and enforce the warranty to save $249, while you are out of hot water? If your 6-year warranty water heater fails at 10 years, a plumber will replace it the same day. To me, it is a no brainer that the water heater with a 6-year warranty is a better deal.