Why there must be a license required for any water heater installation or repair? To understand this question, you need to look beyond the simple fact that it’s a water heater and thinks about the idea that water heaters are dangerous. A water heater can cause burns, electrical fires and even explosions in extreme circumstances. Without proper inspection and a license, it’s easy to miss something, and thus, people can be injured or even killed. This is a relatively inexpensive way to make sure your water heater installation is safe.
Installation Cost
You might be thinking: Where do I get this installation cost estimate? The best way to find this information is through professionals. The professionals will not only give you a cost estimate for installing the tank but will also include installation costs, parts and labour costs. They will also give you a list of parts and a breakdown of the work so you can get an idea of what’s included. Also, they will be able to tell you what your new water heater installation cost will be.
Some plumbers will also be able to give you the estimated time it will take to complete the job. They will be able to tell you how long you’ll have to prepare for the plumbing changes. This includes making sure your new water heater installation meets all applicable codes and safety requirements. Installation should be completed by a licensed plumber who has experience in the type of tank you want to be installed. An electric water heater installation shouldn’t take longer than three hours or so, but it could vary depending on the type of tank you have and the plumbing that’s involved.
Electric Water Heater
If you decide to get an electric water heater installation, make sure you choose a licensed plumber. There are many types of water heaters and some heat exchangers will be required by code in your area. Don’t assume that since something is certified by the Energy Star label that it is safe to install by yourself. There’s no guarantee that heat exchangers with ESD in their name will be safe, even if the rating is high.
Make sure you tell your installation professional what kind of water you’re using. If you’re using tankless water heaters, you’ll need a different tank than regular household water heaters use. You may also need a tankless water heater installation because of increased water usage, such as during camping trips and other similar situations. Tankless water heaters do not require the use of a water storage tank, so you won’t need to keep an ample supply on hand. If your home runs on electricity, you may also need a separate power supply, so your plumber can take care of the electrical hookup details.
Labour Costs
The final cost item to deal with during water heater installation is labour costs. Most companies who offer installation charge additional labour costs to do the job right. This includes doing the electrical connections, testing and checking the water heater’s temperature, caulking, sealing, and more. While the actual dollar value of your installation probably won’t change much, having your labour costs covered will help you feel better about the final bill. Some installation companies offer payment plans, which will help you to budget the cost out more easily.
If you have existing gas or electric water heaters in your home, you may be able to transfer your gas or electric service to the new system. If you own a gas line, however, you will still need a new gas tank and transfer valve. The conversion will affect your monthly utility bill and will also require a licensed plumber to hook up the new gas or electric line. With either type of service, you can expect your new water heater to pay for itself in energy efficiency savings soon after installation.
Don’t forget to include the amount of time it will take for your water heater to start working when you are preparing for installation. The longer it takes the water heater to heat your home, the more it will cost you to run your appliances and generate excess hot water. Be sure that you choose a relief valve with the longest anticipated turn-around time so you don’t become overburdened with the constant replacement of your hot water tank.
