Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Hot Water Heater Replacement
Hot Water Heater Replacement guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Hot Water Heater Replacement? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Hot Water Heater Replacement work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Hot Water Heater Replacement work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Hot Water Heater Replacement labor cost? What are the important Hot Water Heater Replacement quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Hot Water Heater Replacement - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fair price for Hot Water Heater Replacement? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Hot Water Heater Replacement expect to pay between $191.70 to $292.88 for each water heater. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
Is a permit needed for Hot Water Heater Replacement work? | Design approval and/or permits from your local building authority are usually required for Hot Water Heater Replacement. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Hot Water Heater Replacement work begins. |
Is it worth using a professional to perform Hot Water Heater Replacement work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the hot water heater may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
Is Hot Water Heater Replacement something that I can do myself? | This is not a project recommended for the do it yourselfer. A successful Hot Water Heater Replacement requires the work of skilled trade contractors as well as special materials, tools, fabrication and installation techniques. Do it yourself mistakes may be expensive to remedy and will likely reduce the marketability and value of your home. |
How many days are typically required to complete the Hot Water Heater Replacement work? | This work can be completed in 1 to 2 days. |
Hot Water Heater Replacement - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Hot Water Heater Replacement. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Hot Water Heater Replacement work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- All materials, connectors and fasteners used for the Hot Water Heater Replacement will be mechanically and electrochemically (non-corroding) compatible with the Hot Water Heater Replacement
- A detailed water heater layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- Horizontal and vertical edges of adjacent hot water heater will be aligned to within 1/16 inch
- Installed hot water heater will be level to within 1/64 inch in any 2 foot direction
- The hot water heater will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
- All work must meet or exceed local code requirements
- The installed hot water heater will operate at no less than 95% of manufacturers rated capacity
- The water heater, its connections and fittings will be verified 100% leak-free under all operating conditions
- The hot water heater will be securely anchored to structural framing
Hot Water Heater Replacement - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Hot Water Heater Replacement. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the hot water heater work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Obtain a permit for Hot Water Heater Replacement from local building authority; post permit on the jobsite as required
- Review material choices for Hot Water Heater Replacement with the homeowner before work begins - consider toxic exposure, allergic risks and environmental factors; purchase construction materials only after approval
- Select, specify and order hot water heater; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of hot water heater; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Remove existing hot water heater (optional)
- Install hot water heater using rust and corrosion proof hardware that complies with local code requirements, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Attach hot water heater to water supply using connectors rated for appropriate temperature, pressure and flow rate
- Connect hot water heater to exhaust venting system in manner that is compliant with all local building codes
- Connect hot water heater to gas line using approved connection fittings in manner compliant with all local building codes
- Collect and neatly organize in a single binder all product installation and maintenance documentation, receipts, and any rebate information
- Schedule and supervise Hot Water Heater Replacement permit inspection
- Correct any permit issues; schedule and confirm final permit inspection signoff