I bought my house two years ago and discovered that the electric water heater is from the 80s. While it still works, sometimes I wish the water was hotter. Recently, I got a quote for replacing it with a gas water heater, which came to $8,000 plus permits and disposal. I understand there's additional work for venting and gas lines, but does that price make sense? Also, does the gas heater really have to be right next to the drain? My basement is unfinished, and the drain is about six feet away.
5 Answers
Wow, $8K seems excessive! I recently replaced my old gas heater for $1,600, but I understand that swapping electric to gas is more complex due to added work. The average cost can vary significantly depending on local rates and labor, but maybe you could try asking for a breakdown of their costs?
That price sounds way too high for the work involved. A gas water heater shouldn't cost more than $1,000. It seems like you might be paying for unnecessary labor hours. Definitely look into getting a few more quotes and see if you can do some of the work yourself or at least prepare the space for the installer.
It's a good idea to get a few more quotes from different contractors. Gas installations typically cost more than electric ones. It's not just a simple swap since you might need to run new gas lines and possibly upgrade your existing setup too. I recommend considering a gas tankless if you're up for a bit more maintenance; they can be quite efficient.
I've had a gas water heater for years, and mine is also a good distance from the drain. It’s totally fine as long as it's installed correctly. Don't let them convince you it has to be right next to the drain; a good installer will find a reasonable solution without that extra expense.
Have you looked into energy rebates for heat pump water heaters? They can be a good alternative, especially if you already have gas utilities. Just keep in mind that heat pumps generally provide lower BTUs compared to gas or electric heaters, so they might take longer to heat the water, especially if you frequently use a lot of hot water.
That's true! Plus, a heat pump would likely need a larger tank to keep up during heavy use, otherwise, you might be waiting around for it to heat up again.
$1,600? That's amazing! I always thought plumbing jobs were more costly. Don't forget to factor in the time it takes; my buddy and I swapped our old unit for the new one ourselves, and it was much easier than I expected.