When it’s time to replace your water heater, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is where to purchase the new unit – from a big box home improvement store or through a professional plumbing company. This choice will impact everything from the upfront cost to the installation process. In this article, we’ll break down the key pros and cons of buying a new water heater from a box store versus hiring a professional plumber to handle the entire replacement. Identifying the right option for your needs and budget will ensure you end up with hot water when you need it.

Box Store vs Plumber for Water Heater Replacement

Pros of Buying a Water Heater from a Box Store

Purchasing a new water heater from a large home improvement retailer like Home Depot or Lowe’s offers a few potential advantages:

Lower Upfront Cost

One of the biggest appeals of buying from a box store is that you’ll likely pay less upfront. Mass retailers can buy water heaters in bulk from manufacturers at discounted rates and pass those savings on to consumers. You can often find a basic model for a few hundred dollars less than buying through a plumber. This lower cost is attractive if you’re working with a tight budget.

Convenience of One-Stop Shopping

When you purchase the water heater itself from a home improvement store, you can also pick up any related supplies (like pipes, valves, insulation, etc.) in one convenient trip. Box stores keep large inventories across multiple brands on hand. Skipping multiple trips to various plumbing supply warehouses can save considerable time and hassle.

Wider Selection of Brands and Models

Speaking of inventory, big box retailers offer a wider selection of water heater brands and models to choose from. You can comparison shop different types like tankless, hybrid, gas-fired, and electric units. If you’ve done your homework and know exactly what you want, a box store likely has it in stock or can quickly order it. Boutique plumbing companies may only carry one or two brands.

Purchasing a new water heater from a home improvement mega-store has some clear benefits in cost, convenience, and selection. However, there are also a few potential downsides to weigh.

Cons of Buying a Water Heater from a Box Store

While big box stores offer perks like lower prices and one-stop shopping, buying a water heater from them also comes with a few drawbacks:

Lack of Professional Installation

One of the biggest downsides of a DIY box store purchase is that you’ll be responsible for installing the new unit yourself. Proper installation of a water heater requires expertise that most homeowners lack. If not done correctly, you may end up with leaks, faulty gas or exhaust venting, or other serious issues down the road. Unless you’re very handy, DIY installation is risky.

No Customized Recommendations

Box store employees usually have general product knowledge. But they likely won’t help customize recommendations based on your family’s hot water usage, home layout, etc. A qualified plumber can assess your specific needs and make the ideal water heater recommendation. They have experience with what works best in different home scenarios. Box store staff can’t provide that tailored guidance.

After-Purchase Support Issues

While big box retailers have extended return policies, you’re unlikely to get much personalized after-purchase help or service. Their staff is overstretched and under-trained for providing technical support. If you run into any problems with your DIY installation or new water heater, you’ll largely be on your own figuring it out. Lack of support can be frustrating and costly.

Now that we’ve examined the key upsides and downsides of purchasing a replacement water heater from a home improvement mega-store, let’s look at the pros of hiring a professional plumber instead.

Pros of Hiring a Plumber for a Water Heater Replacement

While buying through a box store has some advantages, working with a licensed plumber on your water heater replacement offers benefits like:

Professional Installation and Service

Avoiding the risks and hassles of DIY installation is a major perk of hiring a pro. Reputable plumbers have extensive training and experience replacing water heaters properly. They can handle the entire process from inspection to permits to installation safely in compliance with local codes. Peace of mind with expert work is a big plus.

Expert Recommendations

Qualified plumbers also provide informed recommendations about the optimal water heater for your home’s specific needs. They’ll consider factors like square footage, bathrooms, output temperature, and efficiency ratings. Their insights result in the best long-term solution for reliable hot water. DIYers lack this expertise.

Ongoing Maintenance and Support

Professional plumbers offer continued maintenance and service for the life of your water heater. They can perform periodic inspections and tune-ups to maximize efficiency and lifespan. If any repairs are ever needed, you already have a trusted expert to call rather than starting from scratch. Ongoing support provides long-term value.

Hiring a plumbing pro to handle your replacement provides reassurance thanks to their expertise. Of course, this high-quality service does come at a higher upfront cost. But you may find it worth the investment in the long run.

Now that we’ve weighed both options – box store versus plumber – for purchasing and installing a new water heater, let’s recap the key trade-offs. Buying from a home improvement retailer provides upfront cost savings and convenience but lacks professional guidance and service. Hiring a plumber costs more initially but comes with customized recommendations, expert installation, and ongoing support.

Assessing your DIY skills, budget, and specific needs will help determine the better choice for your situation. But regardless of where you get the new unit, planning ahead and replacing your water heater before any emergency issues arise is always wise. Enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ll have reliable hot water flowing in your home for years to come.

Key Factors to Consider

When deciding where to purchase your new water heater – box store or plumber – there are a few additional key factors to keep in mind:

Installation Requirements

Depending on your current setup, installing a new unit may require adjustments like:

• Pipe modifications
• Electrical or gas line work
• Venting configuration
• Condensate drain installation
• Leak pan fitting
• Unit elevation and seismic restraints

Professionals are trained to handle these details. DIYers often struggle. Consider your ability before assuming a simple swap-out.

Permitting and Inspections

Most areas require permits and inspections when replacing a water heater. Plumbers automatically handle this process. If you DIY, you’ll have to research requirements, pull permits, and schedule your own inspections. This can be a major headache.

Budgeting Total Costs

Upfront purchase price isn’t the only cost. Factor in potential expenses like:

• Delivery fees
• Installation parts/tools
• Permit fees
• Disposal of old unit

A seemingly cheaper box store unit can end up costing much more than just its sticker price.

Energy Efficiency Rebates

Many utility companies offer rebates for buying a high efficiency model. But you may need a professional evaluation and certification to qualify for these rebates. DIY installs often won’t cut it. Factor in potential incentives when cost comparing.

Home Warranty Impacts

Will replacing the unit yourself void your home warranty coverage? If so, any issues down the road could get expensive. Protect your policy by using a pro.

Clearly cost isn’t the only deciding factor. Carefully weighing installation needs, paperwork, total expenses, rebates, and warranty impacts will lead to the best decision. Don’t let upfront price alone determine your choice.

Brand and Model Considerations

Home improvement stores promote different water heater brands than plumbing companies. Models fall into two broad categories:

Contractor/Commercial Models

Professional plumbers often supply higher grade contractor or commercial units designed for frequent use and longevity. Brands like Bradford White, Rheem ProLine, and A.O. Smith ProMax (featured at box stores) offer better warranties and lifespans.

Consumer Models

Box retailers primarily stock lower-priced consumer-grade models targeting DIYers. Brands like Rheem, GE, Whirlpool, and Kenmore provide basic heating functionality at lower costs. However, they may not last as long with regular use.

Commercial models cost more but are often a better long-term investment if you can afford the bump in price. Discuss options with a plumber to make the best brand and model decision for your home and family. Don’t limit yourself to what a box store stocks on its shelves.

Installation and Replacement Process

Replacing a water heater involves careful planning. Professional plumbers are trained in the detailed process:

System Evaluation

They’ll thoroughly inspect your current setup including water lines, gas/exhaust venting, electrical connections, condensate drains, leak pans, and seismic bracing. This evaluation identifies any needed repairs prior to swapping in the new unit. DIYers often miss important assessment steps.

Removal of Old System

Professionals have expertise in safely draining, disconnecting, and extracting old systems without spilling or damaging surrounding areas. They dispose of the outdated heater properly. DIY removal can easily create water damage if not done carefully.

New Unit Placement

The new system must be correctly situated, elevated, and secured. Plumbers ensure perfect placement to avoid settling, movement, or noise. Proper positioning maximizes efficiency.

Installation and Connections

Expert installation guarantees all pipe, gas, electrical, venting, and condensate connections are air-tight and leak-free. DIY attempts often result in faulty seals and dripping. Professionals never leave connections loose or subpar.

Startup and Testing

Qualified plumbers startup pilot lights safely, check for leaks/issues throughout, and ensure optimal functionality before finishing the job. No steps get overlooked or hurried. You receive a fully-tested and ready-to-go unit.

When performed correctly by trained experts, the entire replacement process results in a smoothly integrated, efficient system tailored specifically to your home’s needs and layout. Attempting this complicated process without experience puts your plumbing, home, and safety at risk.

Ongoing Maintenance Needs

A properly functioning water heater requires regular maintenance. Licensed professionals offer:

System Flushing – Annual flushing removes sediment and minerals from the tank and lines. This maximizes performance and longevity.

Leak Checks – Annual inspections locate any weak seals, drips, or small leaks before major issues develop. Tiny problems get addressed promptly.

Rodding/Draining – To prevent buildups, plumbers clear the relief valve and drain annually. This maintenance keeps everything flowing smoothly.

Anode Inspections – Anode rods attract corrosion away from the tank’s interior. Plumbers examine these rods yearly and replace them as needed to optimize tank life.

Venting/Connections Review – Gas and exhaust venting must be cleared of debris/obstructions to prevent dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide. Pros ensure your vents remain unblocked.

Temperature Calibration – For safety and efficiency, water temperature gets adjusted to 120°F – 125°F yearly. A pro calibrates with precision.

Pipe Examination – Plumbers check attached pipes and valves for the smallest drips or cracks annually to prevent leaks from worsening over time.

By handling all maintenance needs promptly, plumbers keep your water heater running safely and efficiently for its full lifespan. DIY neglect of maintenance often shortens a unit’s viability.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Even a professionally installed, top-quality water heater can eventually encounter problems. Licensed plumbers have the experience, skills, and resources to properly diagnose and fix any issues that may arise:

Troubleshooting – They can pinpoint the exact cause of common problems like leaks, loud noise, no hot water, rusty water, irregular heating, etc. DIY troubleshooting involves lots of guesswork.

Repairs – From faulty thermocouples and dip tubes to sediment buildup and drainage blockages, plumbers have repair solutions ready for any malfunction. DIY repairs often compound or mask issues.

Parts Replacement – Plumbers maintain full inventories of replacement parts and components for quick repairs. DIYers struggle tracking down specific manufacturer parts.

Warranty Support – Professional installs uphold warranties. Plumbers coordinate any needed manufacturer warranty claims or support. DIY installs void certain warranty coverage.

Emergency Service – Plumbing companies offer 24/7 emergency repair service for nights, weekends, and holidays. DIYers have no urgent support.

shells out considerably more for repairs. The right pro provides reliable service and support from installation through the entire lifespan of your water heater.

Questions to Ask Before Deciding

Before choosing between big box or plumber, ask yourself:

• Do I fully understand my local permitting, codes, and regulations?
• Can I transport a bulky unit and dispose of my old one properly?
• Do I know the differences between venting types and installation needs?
• Can I adjust lines, valves, electrical, gas fittings, condensate drains myself?
• Do I know how to confirm ideal operation and check for leaks?
• Can I perform maintenance like flushing, anode replacement, and venting cleaning?
• Do I have time to handle issues that may come up outside work hours?

If you lack confidence in any areas, a plumbing professional is likely the smarter choice over a DIY box store approach.

Warning Signs It’s Time for a New Unit

Don’t wait until you have no hot water to replace your aging or faulty water heater. Look for these common warning signs:

• Rust accumulation
• Strange noises like rumbling or banging
• Higher utility bills from inefficient operation
• Not heating water adequately
• Drips or damp areas around the unit
• Relief valve opening repeatedly
• Sediment/debris from faucets/ showerheads
• Foul odor from the hot water

Addressing any early red flags promptly, before serious failure occurs, minimizes disruption and avoids potential water damage.

How Long Do Water Heaters Typically Last?

With proper installation and maintenance, today’s water heaters last 8-12 years on average. Tankless units have greater longevity around 15-20 years. Factors impacting lifespan include:

• Build quality
• Usage frequency and demand
• Water quality and sediment
• Regular maintenance
• Original installer’s expertise

Purchasing a higher-end commercial model from a qualified plumber and maintaining it routinely increases the likelihood of achieving the maximum lifespan. Cheaper units with DIY installation often require replacement sooner.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

A new efficient model saves money on utilities. Look for:

• High EF (Energy Factor) rating
• Well-insulated tank
• Minimal standby heat loss
• Hybrid heat pump capabilities

Rebates often offset higher prices for energy efficient upgrades. A plumber helps select the optimal energy-saving unit for your home and secure any available rebates.

Is it Worth Trying to Repair vs Replace?

Minor repairs like anode/dip tube replacement may temporarily extend an aging unit’s viability. But attempting repairs on units over 8-10 years old is rarely worthwhile long-term.

Upgrading to a new highly efficient system from a plumber yields maximum savings, reliability, and warranty protection. The costs of repairing an outdated heater often approach replacement cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does installing it myself void the warranty?

Most manufacturer warranties require professional installation to remain valid. DIY installs often void a new unit’s warranty coverage.

What capacity/gallons should I buy?

Capacity depends on family size, peak usage times, and flow requirements. A plumber can recommend the ideal capacity after assessing your home’s specific demands.

How difficult is DIY installation truly?

Installation involves draining, disconnecting, lifting, properly venting, re-piping, leak-checking, and disposal. These complex steps require expertise the average DIYer lacks.

Are tankless units better?

Tankless heaters provide hot water endlessly but have higher upfront costs. Traditional tank units are more affordable but hold limited capacity. Pros weigh the trade-offs to fit your budget.

Should I stick with the same fuel type?

You can switch fuel types, but it involves extensive modifications. In most cases, replacing with the same fuel type (gas vs electric) simplifies installation. Consult an expert.

Conclusion

Replacing your water heater is a complex, high-stakes home project with long-term consequences. Carefully weigh the benefits of DIY box store purchase and installation against hiring professional plumbing expertise. Factors like upfront cost, warranty impacts, safety risks, and eventual reliability should drive your decision. While initially more expensive, investing in professional guidance and workmanship can provide reassurance and value for years to come. Your family’s comfort and satisfaction depends on hot water being available whenever needed. Making the right choice between big box store or plumber helps ensure you’ll have an efficient, problem-free water heater supplying all your hot water needs for years and years.