When it comes to essential home appliances, the water heater often gets overlooked. Tucked away in a basement, garage, or attic, it’s easy to forget—until it fails. Suddenly, no baths, showers, or clean dishes. In the worst-case scenario, you might even face a flooded home with water pouring from your ceiling (yes, we’ve seen it). This can lead to extensive cleanup, insurance claims, water damage, and the potential for mold.
In these moments, many people quickly search "plumber near me" and might end up with a guy working out of his pickup truck who advertises "We Do It All." Unfortunately, such providers may not always be licensed, insured, or qualified, and may not even be a legitimate business. At MasterCraft Plumbing, we want our customers to have peace of mind knowing that they're getting top-notch, reliable service. But why is the cost of water heater repair & installation sometimes higher than expected? Let’s break it down.
The Cost Breakdown of Water Heater Repair & Installation
Materials
As of August 2024, the cost for all materials—water heater, pipe, fittings, expansion tank, etc.—is around $1,000. This is the price we pay before picking it up and transporting it to your home. It’s important to note that this price is wholesale from a plumbing distribution supplier, which differs from big box stores.
Labor
Installing a tank-type heater can take up to four hours. We bill at $250 per hour, making the total cost approximately $2,000.
Why $250 Per Hour?
You might think $250 an hour is steep, so let’s delve into what that covers:
Plumber's Wage: The average plumber’s wage ranges from $35 to $45 per hour.
Office Staff: We also have office staff to manage phone calls, billing, licenses, insurance compliance, OSHA safety standards, and more.
Service Van: A new service van costs nearly $80,000.
Insurance: Insurance (including workers’ comp, liability, and vehicle) can reach up to $7,000 annually per vehicle.
Fuel: The cost of fuel is significant; it’s not unusual to have a $4,000 fuel bill at the end of the month.
Why Professional Service Matters
As a business, we aim to make a profit—that’s how we stay in business and continue to provide our services to the customers who keep us open. But our primary goal on a water heater replacement is to ensure you have hot water every time, without leaks, and with the confidence that the work was done by a licensed and insured company with a full warranty. That peace of mind is invaluable and is the result that you as a customer should demand, not only for plumbing but for all your home service needs.
Conclusion
Understanding the costs involved in water heater installation can help you appreciate the value of professional, reliable service. At MasterCraft Plumbing, we’re committed to providing top-quality service and ensuring your home’s plumbing is in the best hands.
For more insights and to schedule a service, contact us today!
Comments