6 Reasons To Get Professional Water Heater Installation

According to Forbes, the average water heater installation can cost anywhere from $500 - $3000, depending on the size and type of water heater. To save money, some homeowners will attempt to install a water heater themselves. DIY water heater installation usually isn’t a good idea, though. Here are 6 reasons to get professional water heater installation instead of installing a water heater yourself.

6 Reasons to Get Professional Water Heater Installation

#1. Water Heater Expertise

Professional water heater technicians go into jobs with professional training and extensive experience working with water heaters, especially compared to a DIY installer. 

The technician can use their expertise to advise you on the best course  of action regarding your water heater. For example, they can guide you on whether you should repair or replace an old water heater. If you decide to replace the water heater with a new one, the technician can help you pick a water heater that suits your needs and manage expectations regarding the installation, especially in the case of a tankless upgrade or upgrade to a heat pump water heater (HPWH). 

Depending on the municipality, you may need a certificate or license in order to secure the proper permits related to installing a water heater, especially if the job requires work on the gas line, electrical wiring, or ventilation. A professional water heater technician will have the proper permits associated with the work, or they can tell you who needs to complete the work.

A small water heater won’t produce enough hot water to satisfy the demand. A large water heater will cost more than necessary in utility costs every month. Homeowners need the right-sized water heater to get the best results. However, it can be difficult to properly size a water heater, especially without the proper knowledge. 

A tank-type water heater holds hot water in a storage tank. A 40 - 60 gallon tank generally supports a small household of 1 - 2 people. A 75 - 100 gallon tank generally supports a household of 3 - 4 people.

A tankless water heater produces water on-demand at a water flow spread among the open fixtures measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The GPM a unit can produce depends on the temperature rise and usage inside of the home. A single shower may only require a 3 GPM water heater, but for whole home use, consider a water heater that produces 6 GPM - 9 GPM. 

Learn more about sizing your water heater in our blog! 

#3. Safety Hazards

#4. Keep Warranty Valid

New water heaters come with a warranty. The warranty covers authorized repairs within the duration of the warranty. In order to make use of the warranty, you will need to get professional installation and register the warranty with the manufacturer.

Without proper installation, a warranty claim will likely get declined, especially if the technician determines that the damage occurred as a result of poor installation. 

If you have any questions about what circumstances can call for the warranty to get denied, talk to the manufacturer before you buy the water heater. 

#5. Repair/Replacement Costs

DIY installation goes wrong more often than not. When the water heater needs to be brought up to code or to repair damage caused by improper installation, the owner will need to pay for those repairs. 

Unfortunately, the attempt to save money may end up costing more money instead. 💸💸💸

#6. Removal and Disposal of Old Unit

Water heaters weigh a lot, even when the water is completely drained from the unit. The heavy weight makes the item especially difficult to move. 

Furthermore, standard waste disposal won’t take large water heaters. Water heaters need to be disposed of at the proper facilities. 

Water heaters should be recycled since they consist of metal, which can be recycled. Some recycling centers will come to pick up a water heater from a residence. However, the center may require homeowners to drop off the water heater themselves, depending on the area. Most homeowners don’t have the space in their vehicle, let alone the time, to drop off the water heater at the recycling center. 

A water heater service company will have the knowledge and resources to properly dispose of an old water heater before it becomes a problem for the homeowner.

Water Heater Installation Costs

Since water heater installation cost varies so greatly based on the type of water heater, size of the water heater, and brand, it can be helpful to know average costs associated with the installation of different types of water heaters. Please note: these are not U.S. Water Heating Solutions' prices for installs, rather national averages collected by Forbes' averages by state or region may differ.

• Gas storage tank - $400 - $800
• Electric storage tank - $800 - $1500
• Gas tankless - $900 - $1500 
• Electric tankless - $150 - $1000 
• Hybrid heat pump - $1200 - $3500
• Solar - $2000 - $3000 

Now that you know the average costs associated with water heater installation, you will be able to budget the project more effectively. 

There are a couple of ways you can save on water heater installation. For starters, shop around to go with the service provider that offers the best value. You can also save money by choosing a water heater that is compatible with your current plumbing setup. 

U.S. Water Heating Solutions

At U.S. Water Heating Solutions, we offer water heater installation in over 20 states across the Midwest and South. We install gas water heaters, electric water heaters, tankless water heaters, heat pumps, and boilers.

Contact us at 833-879-4776 or request a quote online.