Home maintenance? (hot water heater)

[purplepenguin7]

I don’t know if this is the right place to ask this question but hopefully someone has an opinion!

Our hot water heater is on its last legs and probably needs to be replaced. Our gas/electric company does replacements for what I’ve heard is a decent price. Does anyone know the differences (pros/cons) of doing it through the gas company versus a local plumber?

We’ll probably get a few quotes, assuming it holds out a few more days but if they are indeed less expensive are there any downsides?

[gummybear]

Well that's convenient! We have replaced 9!!! water heaters and have always gone with plumbers - our utility company does not offer such a service. I would IMAGINE (and again I have no experience with this particular service) they are just subbing it out and probably have some deal with a parts provider to supply the actual unit. I don't think there is any glaring downside, but I'd want details about what brand they are using (some are better than others), what kind of warranty goes along with the service and installation, and how the warranty and troubleshooting goes if a problem arises (like, do you need to go through the utility company who will then sub it out, which would be annoying).

Sometimes you can get good deals - PECO has a marketplace and often has items for cheaper than you can find anywhere (like smart thermostats, air purifiers etc.) but it's not coupled with any sort of service. The products themselves are top notch though.

[livinitup]

Make sure you own it and it’s not some weird leasing agreement. I got a quote like that the last time we replaced the hot water heater from one of the companies.

It may make sense for other households and that’s fine. It did not for us.

[tacokick]

We bought it from the electric company but the choices were limited. But they came out super quick and how do I know what makes a good water heater anyway? I was fine with limited choices

[purplepenguin7]

They use the brand A.O. Smith, which seems to be a decent brand from my very quick research. They do have payment plans available but it doesn’t seem like a lease type situation. I will definitely ask about that if we get a quote from them though!

[whattheheck]

Is there a warranty or service contract available with either the electric company or plumber and if so how do they compare?

[loira]

We used a plumbing business that specializes in hot water heaters. Also conveniently owned by a fellow who lives in our building and therefore has a vested interest in making sure installation was done properly.

[mrsukyankee]

I would get a quote from them as well as other people. Ask around to see what others have done and if they have suggestions. And check out reviews of the items the quotes suggest.