So the old hot water heater went out, and at 15 years old I prefer to replace it. The costs from some of the bigger plumbing companies seem really high (40 gallon, gas, in attic)….all around $3,500 for removal, new heater and installation.

Several smaller, local companies are quoting around $1,800 for the same heater and come highly recommended from friends.

Am I missing something big here? Seems like the smaller, local businesses are the right choice.

Go with the smaller companies. The big guys prices are absurd.

Also make sure the quotes are apples to apples. Big companies include any code upgrades?

That makes sense. The big guys didn't mention any upgrades being needed. When I asked about the price they immediately gave me their payment plan terms and talked about their strong reputation (which I get).

This smaller place has been in business for at least 10 years and I know three people who use them regularly which is a plus.

Sweep4-2 said:

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That makes sense. The big guys didn't mention any upgrades being needed. When I asked about the price they immediately gave me their payment plan terms and talked about their strong reputation (which I get).

This smaller place has been in business for at least 10 years and I know three people who use them regularly which is a plus.

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If you're in the Houston area, I used these guys a couple years ago based off some TexAgs recommendations and they were great.

https://proplumbertx.com/price-list/

I installed my own. Heater was $850 through a distributor. Took me and a friend about an hour to swap out, but mine was in the garage with easy access. Attic would have been a different story

CypressAg09 said:

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Sweep4-2 said:

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That makes sense. The big guys didn't mention any upgrades being needed. When I asked about the price they immediately gave me their payment plan terms and talked about their strong reputation (which I get).

This smaller place has been in business for at least 10 years and I know three people who use them regularly which is a plus.

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If you're in the Houston area, I used these guys a couple years ago based off some TexAgs recommendations and they were great.

https://proplumbertx.com/price-list/

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Same - highly recommend

Also used proplumbeertx for two 50 gallon in the attic and was pleased. They've gone up noticably in price but everything has.