Hot Water Heater Pricing - yay or nay?

[Anonymous]

I’ve seen posts where people seem to pay incredibly high prices for a hot water heater replacement. $2700 for a same/same replacement. Yes, I get not every situation is the same but it’s not that complicated and wanted to poll the audience on this business idea…

BLUF: You will pay no more than 2k for a same/similar hot water heater replacement, likely no more than 1500.

What does this mean? Based on your existing model Number I source the same replacement whether the same Brand or different and from either big box or wholesaler. Fittings and expansion tank included. Permits additional but NTE 200 if I pull them and I am there for the inspection.

Makes replacement 1-for-1. Same gallons/height/fittings or close. This isn’t hard to do considering most hwh are made by one of two factories.

Business will be licensed, bonded, and insured.

Feedback…

[Anonymous]

My heater is 10 years old. No problems. When should I replace?

[Anonymous]

In complete thoughts, please.

[Anonymous]

I had 12yo gas water heater replaced by my go to licensed plumber. It was a 50gal unit that was sourced from supply house. My cost all in was $2100. You’ll say that’s high but IMO that is market or slightly less.

Are you a licensed plumber? It matters to me and I wouldn’t be swayed by a couple hundred bucks tbh.

And what’s a “hot water heater”? 😉

[Anonymous]

Op here.

You replace it when you want. Whether before it fails, during, or after. Your choice.

Did you flush it regularly? Replace anode rod regularly? Clean gas drip leg regularly?

I don’t really care. If you’re calling me you want a replacement for whatever reason, most likely proactively.

I’m not looking for a repair business model either. At that price point for a service call you’re half way to a new one.

[Anonymous]

I don’t get your post. Are you a plumber? Years ago sears was the best and most affordable. Last tank replacement I had Lowe’s or Home Depot, I forget, drop one off as I wanted a 75 gallon and found a plumber to install. It was cheaper but still a ripoff.

[Anonymous]

I had an electric water heater installed by a plumber last month after the old one failed. $1800 for a 50-gallon.

[Anonymous]

I let our licensed plumber replace our GAS hot water heater. Every time. Usually around 10 years. I now try for a graceful replacement before failure. They source it, haul it in, haul old one out and take it away. $2100 50 gal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My heater is 10 years old. No problems. When should I replace?

That is the life expectancy 10 to 15 years but if you are lucky could last 20 then one day it will flood.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t trust someone that calls it a hot water heater to work on/replace mine.

[Anonymous]

Yay,
But start it as a side hustle and then grow it to full time.
My handyman told me he can replace a gas water heater but I hired a licensed plumber.
So price alone might not be enough.