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Replies (26)
- TWB
- Contributions:1813
1. What does cost have to do with venting?
2. Depending on the state you are in the code may have changed for how the WH must be installed. We just had one replaced and the state of CA now requires that the emergency line vent to an area "not normally occupied by humans or pets" so the scalding water doesn't kill anyone. Our plumber just ran the hose under the house. When we contacted Home Depot about this they said they were going to have to run new venting through the wall to the outside. Our plumber said that's what they do to run up the installation.
3. For the heat vent he used the existing line out the top and replaced part of the hood that had rusted out and put in a heavy duty strap with reinforced anchors to satisfy the updated earthquake requirements.
Other than that, piece of cake.
We've been using this guy for a couple of years now and he's always done a great job for us at a reasonable price.
- mina36
- Contributions:3478
Nobody has mentioned code issues so far.. it's just been the venting.
- WoodyWW
- Contributions:126
theplumbers are telling me that if I go with a less costly model, like from Lowe's, that I will have to rip out all the venting in the wall and do over.
Are these plumbers that want to sell you another State WH? It's hard to tell from your post, but maybe you want to buy a WH from Lowes, & have them install it? A lot of big expensive plumbing companies won't want to do that.
I'd suggest getting estimates from more plumbers, & trying to find a smaller 1-2 man plumber team that are reasonable. And/or getting an estimate from Lowes to install. I can't see any reason why you'd have to change all the venting for a conventional WH........I'm pretty sure that All the brands have about the same configurations......
- mina36
- Contributions:3478
I want to buy a less expensive WH, like from Lowe's. And the plumbers both are service providers for State, locally. So yeah, they have a stake in this.
- Kaye Norenberg
- Contributions:824
mina,
If you are staying in the house for a while you may want to consider a "tankless" or on demand water heater. We had two in our last house an it reduced our gas bill by $50 the first month after install.
- bsrice
- Contributions:20
I agree with "adios az" a Tankless Water Heater would be an excellent investment.
- mina36
- Contributions:3478
I have considered those, but the upfront costs are prohibitive for me.
- wetdawgs
- Contributions:26853
Get an independent plumber's assessment, not someone whose pocket is linked to State!
- WoodyWW
- Contributions:126
What kind of prices/quotes/different brand WH's are you getting/considering? And of course many big plumbing outfits are going to disparage anything other than what they do, & sell. It doesn't even make sense that a different brand conventional WH would need totally different venting than a State.
You need to get estimates from as many plumbers as you have time for--Try servicemagic for one thing. And compare different brand WH's at lowe's or HD or Sears. It's not rocket science, but it can take time & research effort.....
- mina36
- Contributions:3478
The 2 plumbers who sell State are quoting me 1k - 1200. That is way too much for a WH for a one bathroom house !
- Mike_oxafloppin
- Contributions:2851
- mina36
- Contributions:3478
Oh wow!!! LOL.
- Matthew McCollum, "Forest Hills Homes"
- Contributions:184
It is typically between $800-1,500 for a Water Heater. It depends on the venting situation and the Gallon capacity.. You can call a Heating Contractor he may be cheaper?
- Matthew McCollum, "Forest Hills Homes"
- Contributions:184
Bradford White is made in Michigan and I think they are great WH too. Check them out.
- mina36
- Contributions:3478
I got a quote for a Rheem, $850 installed. He is the first one not to charge me $200 just to take my WH up and down the attic stairs.
- Matthew McCollum, "Forest Hills Homes"
- Contributions:184
Mina, I would get it done. Sounds like an honest contractor.. Sorry to hear about your Prince Zipper Malfuntion. He seemes like a real bum anyway to do that. The cut cords are very funny however. If you have any other questions with your house, just let me know. My first post on Zillow weren't much different than yours, however I was attacked by you and not some Realtor. Sorry, I will be nice to you. Please return the favor?
- mina36
- Contributions:3478
Yes, we can be nice to each other! I really didn't attack you at first, though I am sorry that it came across that way to you. <Not sure what you mean by the cut cords? I don't remember that.>
Anyway, this plumber is nice. He actually donated 15 minutes of his time to do a visual inspection of all my plumbing. I didn't expect him to do that, he just offered it. So I feel confident that draining me of every last penny isn't his primary goal.
Anyway, this plumber is nice. He actually donated 15 minutes of his time to do a visual inspection of all my plumbing. I didn't expect him to do that, he just offered it. So I feel confident that draining me of every last penny isn't his primary goal.
- Matthew McCollum, "Forest Hills Homes"
- Contributions:184
Good luck with the water heater. It sounds like you have a good plumber and he seems to care about his work. Oh the appliance cords cut, maybe that was someone else's reply to your post?
- smithsan
- Contributions:2
Electric units are typically installed by plumbers and they typically offer water heater services and repairs. With either unit, it is essential to know the maintenance basics to keep everything running smoothly and to avoid costly, unnecessary repairs.
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smithsan
- smithsan
- Contributions:2
[content removed by moderator for being self promotional]
- Brian Gwaltney, "Metro Maintenance"
- Contributions:315
no spam bro
- mina36
- Contributions:3478
Ohhhhhhh I know you didn't just spam on MY THREAD!!!!!
- SoccerShepard
- Contributions:211
If it is the same BTU value, than it shouldn't be a problem. Your vent is most likely 3 to 5 inches in diameter. Thou the prior install, could have been done with single wall pipe, where it called for B vent. Then it would need to be brought up to code. But even then a Lowes heater would be fine. There warranty isn't as long. Good Luck
- Toan Nguyen, "Toan Nguyen"
- Contributions:140
You should be enjoying that water heater by now without worry about who to believe. In your case the manufacturer comments are most correct. If your natural gas burning water heater is being replaced by a similar product then there is no need to install new venting. You may need to lengthen the existing vent in which case there is no need for replacement of any venting within the walls.
The venting system of your heating unit will only be replaced if you decide to install a tank-less type water heating system.
The venting system of your heating unit will only be replaced if you decide to install a tank-less type water heating system.
- Bob Sisson, "Inspectionsbybob"
- Contributions:11
I most locations replacing a GAS water heater requires some form of Permit, even if it is a "Postcard Permit" and that may have something to do with it...
As for which to get...how long are you going to be there? A lowes/Home Depot unit may only have a 5 year warranty, a state may have a 10+ year warranty.
Choose your model based on how long you are PLANNING to be in your home, and then go with a Licensed reputable plumber, and call more than one as many others have said. The Flue replacement may be due to damage or code... but a good plumber should be willing to explain specifically what is needed and why.
As for which to get...how long are you going to be there? A lowes/Home Depot unit may only have a 5 year warranty, a state may have a 10+ year warranty.
Choose your model based on how long you are PLANNING to be in your home, and then go with a Licensed reputable plumber, and call more than one as many others have said. The Flue replacement may be due to damage or code... but a good plumber should be willing to explain specifically what is needed and why.
- Greigo
- Contributions:9
Kaye - you got it right. The tankless water heater is wonderful. It was expensive to install, but we put it on a credit card. It saved us almost $150 per month! Really! We used that money to pay down the credit card and we had it completely paid for in under a year. The other GREAT thing is that we can take nice long showers and never run out of hot water. It is wonderful.
Water Heater
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