New Water Heater

[Claudia]

I was told by the plumbing contractor that I invited to give me a quote for a new WH, gas, that there is NO DIFFERENCE in the actual unit between a

6/10/lifetime warranted WH, just that the additional cost would cover their long-term exposure. While it would make sense - I find it hard to believe that is the only difference.

Also the price for the changeout is $1600, which seems excessive to me. This particular contractor also engages in a practice that I find objectionable, list pricing and then discounting. And continually saying that they are so much more honest than other plumbers.

So while I have no intention of using them, is this USUAL practice to not delineate the make/model of the intended product to be installed, and such a huge changeout fee.

I am not physically capable of doing the changeout, which is the only reason that I am talking to a contractor at. Is there a way to buy the water heater (and is there any other than the Bradford White Defender) have it drop shipped and then have it installed. The unit is in my garage and with a new unit (which I will maintain), I am not very concerned about valve failure or water in the area after everything gets off the floor - which should be within a month - YEAH! __________________________ Totus Tuus Claudia Satori

[Red Neckerson]

Have at least 2 other companies give you quotes (not estimates!) on changing out the heater and then go from there.....

[Joseph Meehan]

I think I would also pass on this guy. BTW, I have also heard that there is little or no difference in the different "life" models, I suspect there is some truth and some non-truth to this claim.

Generally you can buy the heater and have it delivered and arrange for installation from the place where you buy it or arrange for your local plumber to put it in. However I would pick the plumber discuss your needs and possible choices and let them supply the heater. I would not be concerned about the brake down of cost between heater and installation. You are paying the total so do you really care if the plumber makes his money on the sale of the heater to you or his labor charge to you when the result is the same total.

I suggest letting him supply the unit because often he can buy it for less than you can so in the end you can end up with a better deal. If you have a good plumber, he will not try to sell you junk. The trick is to find a good plumber. Ask around to see if any of your friends or neighbors have a recommendation for a good plumber. (BTW the price seems high to me, but the price will be higher than you may be expecting for any gas heater as new safety requirements have raised the cost in recent years.)

[IHateSpam]

I am in the market on buying water heater in Canada, and this is what I know:

Installed regular water heater 50 Gal, cheapest cost about 550$ Canadian. That is about 400$US. Heater price was about 440$ and 100$ labour. That is the best quote I got so far.

At Home Depot they sell GE water heaters:

The one with 6 years limited waranty cost about 450$ + 150$ installation. The one with 12 years waranty costs about 700$ + 150$ installation. As you can see from GE page, model have some differences, not just waranty price.

Now if you will go with PowerVented, price will be about 1100-1300$ Canadian. If you have tankless water heater, price will be again different.

I am not sure about the brand you mentioned (Bradford White Defender), but quick search on the internet shows that they offer them installed somewhere in US at price below 600$:

Regards

[wayne]

the big box stores offer water heaters and installs they pretty much charge a flat price for the install unless you have an odd location. if you post where you live it is possible some poster may be able to make recommendations

Wayne

[Travis Jordan]

/snip/

For Rheem / Ruud water heaters (and maybe others) this is a true statement. You are buying an extended warranty - the product itself is the same.

[Claudia]

I am in Thousand Oaks, CA, Ventura County if that makes a difference. Someone here tell me you have a plumber that you love and whose name and number you are willing to share - PLEASE __________________________ Totus Tuus Claudia Satori

[George E. Cawthon]

You're kidding? $1600? A completely new installation of a Bradford White 50 gallon gas heater was $400 3 years ago (not the high efficiency one because I don't want to hear the induction fan). Anyway, I bought an electric unit previously and was told the same thing, looked at all the specs, and I couldn't find any difference except for the heating coils and the cost difference was only $20 for the pair.

Why are you going through a contractor? That just doubles your cost. A top line 50 gallon water heater is a maximum of $500, takes a maximum of $50 additional parts, requires less than an hour to install, and costs less than $50 for disposal of the old tank in many places. I thought HD charge for installing a water heater was rediculous and it was less than $200.