So the recent freeze has caused both the water heaters in my attic to start leaking. Leaking bad. I was quoted a pretty hefty amount for replacing them and I am trying to figure out if the plumbing company is just trying to stiff me for a few extra bucks. Some of the items that I don't completely understand and would appreciate some insight on would be the permits . The plumber said that each new water heater would require a permit and that it would cost $100 per permit. I think that is absolutely insane. Another thing that is annoying is something he called the "haul away" fee. He is trying to charge me $100 per unit to basically throw away the old busted up unit. Any insights on this would be appreciated.
Damn, that sucks. Do you think you should go tankless this time to avoid this in the future? I've helped a friend install a NG water heater and it isn't hard at all. Granted it wasn't in an attic.
Try to get a couple free quotes from different companies for certain. Range of knowledge and quality of company (rip-off artists) is bewildering.
I really should. Although I have read reviews saying that the return on Investment on tankless heaters isn't really there and that they also end up dying after a decade. The current heater was built in 1999 so I'd say the old school water heater did well for 14 years..
Is it gas? I don't think electric requires a permit, but it should be easy to find out by calling the city. Both times I've replaced my electric water heater I've hauled it to the closest hardware store and left it outside by the dumpster. it was gone the same day both times- people take it apart and recycle it for scrap. \ Also, there's probably a hardware store in town that specializes in water heater replacement who will quote a package deal including installation and hauling away over the phone. How much are they quoting?
I called the city, they said for both heaters it should be less $38 for the permit. Stupid plumber trying to squeeze that extra dollar.
If it's electric you should be able to do it yourself. There are plenty of youtube videos on how to do it.
Funny thing - Seeing Walt replace the water heater is what made me decide to try to replace mine by myself when it dies. So yes, I think of Breaking Bad every time I think about my water heater.
Haul-away fee is legitimate, if maybe a little high. It's not that easy to cart around a water heater, and costs money to throw it in the landfill. But, you shouldn't have to pay for haul away; you can dispose of it yourself. Even so, I think $100 per is probably too high. Water heaters are going to be exciting territory soon, though. 1. You can rent your water heater instead of buying it. No capital outlay, just a couple bucks a month. 2. They're going to start doing demand response water heaters, where a DR company will pay you a little money for the privelege of reducing your volume of hot water when the electric grid is maxed out. You still have hot water, just less of it, and likely only in really hot summer days when ERCOT is on the verge of blackouts -- when you don't need a lot of hot water anyway. 3. Smart water heaters with a learning algorithm like the Nest Smart Thermostat must be coming. It'll know when you're likely to use hot water and start adjusting how much hot water is available depending on your usage patterns and whether you're home or away. After HVAC, the water heater is the next biggest energy hog in the house, so that's where smart will go next. So don't get a boring old water heater. Get a fancy cutting edge one! You just might have to wait a couple more years, but no more than that.
Interesting. Never heard of it before. The potential money/space savings from a summer heated attic doesn't seem to be worth it.
I replaced my 30 Gallon *GAS* water heater in my Attic 3 years ago in Houston Summer.. All I can say is DAMN don't do in during the summer.. It was 120+ in my attic when I did the change.. But seriously it's not that tough? And what is this permit you guys are talking about? I live in Sugarland in a sorta upscale neighborhood ($200-1.5mil) and all you have to do with old household items is put them in the front yard during heavy garbage day. Sofas,Dishwasher,Water Heaters,Dining Room Sets, etc can all be placed in the front during "Heavy" trash day???
Yeah, my water heater is in the attic, as well. Pissed me off when I saw that. Just got it replaced a year ago after being in service for about 8 or 9 years with a Bradford Smith. The plumber brought everything up to current code (added things like an expansion tank) and took care of the permit for me. Of course, the whole shebang cost me around $800-$900, I think.
I believe the plumber has to go to the City to get the permits. That's probably worth $62 to him to drive there, wait in line, and get the permit ... he's a plumber. They get paid.
