If tripping a breaker most likely that an element has gone bad. If tank is ok this should be a $50 fix for a dyi if you are ok with doing it.

 

If it's old, replace it anyway.
Very easy job, unless its stuffed in a small obscure hole under the house or something.

 

They changed something about water heater installation in Charlotte a while back. I don't know if it is statewide or not but it will cost you $1200+ to have a water heater purchased and installed here now! I know, I just had to get one a few months ago.

 

Thanks all!


This is what they're running into. They are told that by code they need an expansion tank installed, which adds $400. The quote they got is $500 for heater, $400 expansion tank, and then $700 labor/other. There was also originally $300 on there for pressure valve, but they are on a well and don't need that, so have eliminated it from estimate.

When I go there this weekend I'm going to get the model info and see if we can get an element for it.

It is in their crawl space, but I was under there last weekend and it's not awful. They were told there is not a current model made with the same dimensions, so it's less of a "plug and play" thing, so i probably couldn't do it myself - need some pipe work. but I'll look into it.

Still interested if anyone has a plumber referral.

 

an electric water heater is extremely easy to diy install

 

I can tell you that most plumbers will charge about the same. It has to do with the new codes. No plumber will install without the expansion tank. And a lot of what a plumber charges is for his liability.

The only way to save money is to install it yourself without adding the new code items. I live in Stokesdale. If you want to come put a water heater in for your parents pm me and I will come give you a hand. Typically takes about 30 min.

Turn off the breaker, drain the unit, disconnect the water lines and the electric, pull the old unit out and then reverse your steps.

Just make sure the new unit is full of water before turning the breaker back on.

 

Lowe's tacks in 23%. So any other contractor will be at least 23% lower.
I'm in Forsyth county. No effing expansion tank here. And it was a new installed heater. Electric is easy DIY. Gas gets a little tricky.


Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

and there you have it .....

 

Im sending you a number by PM for a guy that I think highly of that lives in stokesdale.

 

Thanks to all for the advice and offers to help! Brian - I forwarded my folks that guys number. Also, their neighbor has offered to do it for them, stating the same things you guys have here - that it's not a bad install job. Thanks again! Richard

 

I just want to thank Brian N - his plumber reference installed the water heater for my parents today and saved them $900 over the estimate from the Lowes sourced plumber. Thanks Brian!

 

In Raleigh I get $900-$1000 to install an electric water heater. It ain't just about how easy it is, but how do to it correctly. I have seen so many folks who did the DIY mess that screwed up the expansion tank or plumbed the T&P in such a way to create a dangerous situation.
A tradesman has to make a living and when you cheapen his knowledge and effort you are on your own.

Tripping the breaker is not a sign of a bad element. There is a reset on the top element that will trip before the breaker. If an element goes bad you will know because you run out of hot water too quick. When the element goes bad, it looses continuity and that has no impact on the breaker. Remember what I said about folks not knowing what they are talking about?

 

Understood but the cost of knowledge shouldn't require surgery after obtaining it.Earning a living is one thing but getting a pay raise and bonus at same time isn't fair.

 

the plumber that charges $700 to install heater and expansion tank must be name Jessie James

 

or J Dillinger