Replacing a water heater - cost and recs?

10YearsTogether

Fun times!  Our water heater needs to be replaced.  I have no idea how much this costs but my estimate in my head is $3k to $5k.  Really awful but hey I need to shower every now and then, right?

Any recs?  Any ideas of cost?

Thanks!

lujain

We are closing on our first home on Monday, and the seller just replaced the water heater for us.  I don't know how much he actually spent, but the inspector estimated it would be about $1000.  I believe our water heater is 50 gallons (we have a condo), so a bigger one would probably be more expensive.  I think they go up to 80 gallons.

ssinca

my dad just replaced the one we had in our CA condo - he (generously) paid for it so I don't know how much it was, but told me he put a smaller one in because it was much cheaper.  I highly doubt you'd need the bigger one, especially since it's just the two of you and M travels often.

fun times being a homeowner.

happywife123

We bought a 50 gallon (we own a condo and it's just the 2 of us) and I want to say we bought it for around $400.00 on sale at Home Depot.  My father in law installed it for us so I don't know how much the installation cost. 

5dogs

You can replace your household water heater with a standard WH for less than $1000 installed. If you're OK with $3-5k you could do a tankless water heater, we've seen them between $1700-$4000 after rebates and additional discounts installed.

CupcakeGirl08

We spent about $600 for ours at Home Depot when we rented my Mom's house (2500 sq ft).  My Husband put it in and said it was relatively easy.  So I would say for a plumber to do it your probably looking at 1k.

agnesackneback

I don't remember exactly, but I think our Noritz tankless water heater was 2k - 3k.  It does take a few seconds for the hot water to reach the front of the house.  We never run out of hot water.  It has a digital control that we put in our master closet.  I love it.

10YearsTogether

Thanks ladies - I really appreciate the recs and feedback.  We'll be doing our research this weekend!