Should You Install A Tankless Water Heater Yourself Or Hire A Professional?

You probably don't spend much time thinking about your water heater. Even though it's a vital part of your home plumbing system, it's easy to take for granted until something goes wrong. When you start noticing the telltale signs you need to replace your water heater, though, you may consider upgrading to a unit that can accommodate your family's needs — which may mean making the switch to a tankless water heater. Tankless models heat water on demand, so everyone can enjoy their hot showers without fear of the water running cold — as long as you're not running multiple appliances that require hot water simultaneously.

If you've settled on a tankless option, you might be tempted to handle the installation yourself to eliminate labor costs. However, the process probably isn't as easy as you think. Despite the small size of the unit itself, a tankless water heater often requires major changes to the power source, whether gas or electric. The installation process is potentially dangerous and could cause safety risks — both during the installation and in the future — if it's not handled correctly.

Relying on a professional plumber to install a tankless water heater will obviously be more expensive due to the cost of labor. However, you're paying for the expertise of a professional with the proper training and credentials to handle all parts of the process. For most homeowners, a professional installation is the safest option and minimizes the risk of potential problems down the road.

Some DIY plumbing projects, like unclogging a sink drain or replacing a leaky toilet flapper, are relatively easy; installing a water heater is a great deal more complex. Homeowners often consider DIY water heater installation to save money on labor, which is indeed expensive — the cost of labor to install a tankless water heater is about the same as the appliance itself. On average, you'll spend between $600 and $2,600 for the water heater and another $600 to $2,500 on labor.

Cutting your costs in half sounds tempting, but there are many things you need to consider before installing your own water heater. Switching from a conventional tank water heater to a tankless unit almost always requires gas line or electrical work to accommodate the new system, as tankless heaters have different power requirements than tank-based ones. Changes to the exhaust system might also be necessary, and you might need to install a whole-house water filter to keep your new tankless heater from getting clogged with minerals.

To complete all of this work, you need advanced DIY skills. If you're inexperienced, handling electrical or gas line work yourself can be extremely dangerous. Mistakes could lead to gas leaks, carbon monoxide buildup, fires, and water damage from leaks. You'll also need to check local building codes and permit requirements and follow them to the letter. Installing the water heater yourself may also void the warranty on the appliance, and any insurance claims filed as a result of problems with the installation are likely to be denied.

Professional plumbing companies install tankless water heaters regularly, so they understand how to do the job correctly and safely. They're better equipped to deal with unexpected problems encountered during installation, and they are trained to follow standard processes and local building codes. When you hire a local company, they'll be intimately familiar with local regulations and the permitting process, which can vary significantly based on location.

Hiring someone to handle the installation will save you a lot of time, and can even save you money in some ways. An experienced plumbing company will get the job done more quickly than even the most seasoned DIY enthusiast. Professional plumbers also have the tools they need for the job, so you won't be buying new tools that you may never need again.

Another perk of using a professional plumber is the support you'll receive if the installation doesn't go as planned. Many plumbing companies offer satisfaction guarantees, meaning that the company will work to resolve any issues until you're happy with the outcome. Some guarantees come with a money-back offer, promising a full or partial refund if the company can't resolve the issue. Plumbing companies might also offer warranties on the work they do on top of any warranties that come with the water heater — all protections that could save you cash and a lot of headaches if you experience problems with your new water heater down the road.