[JRcorvette]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by kbrkr

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]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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]

Originally Posted by Mrprez

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]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by darrellwbryant

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.