Is this insane or have I lost my mind?

We have a water heater that is 3.5 years old. It has a small leak in the bottom that will likely grow over time

It's covered under the manufacturer's warranty. All I need is for them to get the new one and install it.

The quote from the company that installed the original was $1,000.

Yeah good idea. I was going to call some other plumbers but a handyman might be a better idea.

Attic or garage? Both are DIY-capable... but the attic is significantly more cumbersome.

Garage. It does have an expansion tank.

I'm pretty handy around the house/garage but I typically shy away from plumbing.

I recently paid $1,100 and that included the new water heater and disposal of the old, but I know the plumber and he's a small one or two man operation so I got a good price.

You are paying for the labor more than likely.

Everything related to home repairs and home improvement is insanely expensive these days.

Don't forget homeowner's insurance…. Blegh…

That sounds high. I think I paid $400 for a warranty replacement 2 years ago. It was your typical Rheem 40gal gas heater. Does the warranty require you to go through the original installer? If not, I'd get another quote or two.

MyNameIsJeff said:

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That sounds high. I think I paid $400 for a warranty replacement 2 years ago. It was your typical Rheem 40gal gas heater. Does the warranty require you to go through the original installer? If not, I'd get another quote or two.

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I don't believe so but I'm going to check on that. The installer made it seem I could get one myself. Some of their justification was "dealing with Rheem" as if paying them to deal with warranty claims for products they sell is the customer's responsibility.

I paid less than $1000 last year and that included the heater itself.

Gas heater ?


I just priced a 50 gas today and with all hoses and fittings it was right at $800 for materials

If it's in the garage, the hardest part of the project is getting rid of the old unit.

If you have the time, basic tools and skills, it's an easy job.

Maybe watch a few "How To" videos on youtube.

I replaced ours (gas unit, in garage) a few years ago.

Shut off the water and power source to the old unit. Drain the water out of it, disconnect all the fittings, haul it out to the curb or the back of your truck for disposal.

Installation is the reverse.

Honestly, it's a pretty simple project.

Or, get on FB or NextDoor and find you a handyman...oops.. handy person in your area.

What he said ^. Go for it.

Thanks.

I'm watching some videos around the expansion tank. It makes it a little more complicated than a regular install but maybe I can do it.