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Do I Need a Plumber to Install a Water Heater?

Like most home projects, homeowners can hire a general handyman to install a water heater or install it themselves if they’re more hands-on. But, also like many home projects, hiring a professional is going to be the safest and most effective way to get a water heater installed in your home.

A new water heater installation is always going to be easier than a water heater replacement as long as the plumbing is in place correctly to support the unit. However, any water heater is a big, heavy component that requires careful handling and patient installation. Plumbers install water heaters every day, which makes them better equipped to install them than your average homeowner, handyman, or general contractor. They simply have more experience than someone who only installs them occasionally. This experience works in your favor because the installation will likely be quicker (which is important if you’re paying someone an hourly rate to put in the unit) and more finished product more reliable. When you consider that a water tank is heating large volumes of water and holding them under pressure, safety is really important. Don’t risk damage during installation by entrusting an unexperienced or under-experienced person to install yours.

Water heaters are not incredibly complex, but they can be tricky to install depending on why you’re replacing them. Keep in mind, replacing a water heater is always going to be more difficult than installing a new water heater in a new home you’re building because to do so you need to get rid of the old water heater. Removing a failing water heater can be messy or dangerous if it’s leaking, cracked, or not draining properly. But hiring a licensed plumber eases those concerns by guaranteeing that an insured, highly-capable, career-professional will take care of everything safely to protect your home and your family.

Then, once it’s been taken out, there’s the challenge of disposing of it, which needs to be done in accordance with local regulations. Typically, disposing of a broken water heater carries a fee as well to your state or local authority to cover compliance costs. Typically, a local plumber will also cover the disposal fee for the old water heater by pricing it into their service fee as well, so you don’t need to worry about multiple charges.

When it comes to installing a new water heater, a professional plumber will also ensure that the new unit being put in is the right fit for your home and your family’s needs. They’ll be able to make a recommendation on what you should put in because they’ll know which models are the most popular and the best value. Additionally, an experienced plumber will understand your plumbing better than anyone else, which means that if your home has any unique issues or quirks, they will be understand how to work with them. 

Additional resources:
Cost of a Water Heater Replacement
Broken Thermocouple on a Water Heater
Can a Broken Water Heater Value be Replaced?
Leaking Water Heater Tank
How Much labor is Needed to Install a New Water Heater?
Can a Plumber Install a Water Heater?
Fixing Backdraft Problems
Replacing Your Water Heater
Who can Repair a Water Heater?
Can a Handyman do a Water Heater Installation?