Home Depot hot water heaters include efficient and reputable brands such as Rheem, Sure Comfort, and Richmond.

They also connect customers to carefully vetted and licensed independent local contractors for installation.

How Depot’s solid reputation and broad price range make it stand out from the competition.

How Much Does A Home Depot Water Heater Cost?

The average cost of installing a Home Depot water heater depends on many factors.

These include the type and size of the water heater, the efficiency level, special unit features, the work required, the cost of permits and local inspections, location, and more.

Home Depot offers both residential and commercial water heaters.

Home Depot’s residential water heating units cost between $379 and $5,450.

Their commercial water heaters are more expensive, with prices ranging from $6,000 to $18,400.

Generally, units with higher efficiency and capacity fall at the higher end of the price spectrum.

The average labor cost for installing water heaters from Home Depot ranges between $50 and $150 per hour.

Considering that the typical time frame for installing water heaters is two to three hours, the total cost for labor will range between $100 and $450.

Additional expenses like delivery, legal permits, Home Depot service fee, and inspections by local authorities will require an additional $400 to $600.

From the above considerations, purchasing and installing a residential water heater through Home Depot ranges between $879 and $6,500.

Home Depot Water Heater	Cost
Cost for the Water Heater	$379-$5,450
Cost for Installation Labor	$100-$450
Cost for Extra Expenses (Delivery, Permits, etc.)	$400-$600
Average Total Cost	$879-$6,500

Please note that this estimate accounts for the maximum and minimum amount you will likely spend on the project.

Statistics from the Home Depot database show that, on average, most customers typically spend between $1,000 and $5,000 on their projects.

Pro Tip: When planning to install a water heater, it’s advisable to add an extra 10% to 20% to the final budget to cushion yourself against price fluctuations and hidden costs.

Cost Breakdown By Type Of Home Depot Hot Water Heater

The type of water heater you choose will significantly impact the total cost of the entire project.

Home Depot offers two main types of water heaters: tank and tankless.

Both tank and tankless water heaters can be powered by gas or electricity, depending on the model.

Cost of a 30-Gallon Water Heater At Home Depot

Home Depot prices for a 30-gallon water heater range between $469 and $1,983.

Cost of a 40-Gallon Water Heater At Home Depot

The average cost for a 40-gallon water heater at Home Depot ranges between $439 and $2,031.

Cost of a 50-Gallon Water Heater At Home Depot

A 50-gallon water heater at Home Depot ranges between $549 and $1,936.

Did you know? An average family of four uses approximately 60 gallons of hot water daily.

How Much Are Tankless Water Heaters At Home Depot?

Home Depot offers two main types of tankless water heaters: gas and electric.

Tankless gas water heaters cost between $380 and $2,650, while tankless electric heaters cost between $150 and $950.

Please note that the above prices account for equipment only.

Did you know? Tankless electric water heaters boast an impressive 98% energy efficiency, whereas tankless gas heaters are around 80% to 85% energy efficient. This difference arises because tankless gas water heaters lose some energy to the environment, while electric water heaters do not. Interestingly, despite this, tankless gas water heaters are cheaper to operate and have a longer lifespan than their electric counterparts.

Additional Water Heater Cost Factors

In addition to equipment and labor costs, other expenses can substantially increase your project’s overall budget.

These include:

Permits and Government Inspections

Many states require you to obtain local permits and pass inspection before installing a new water heater.

These guidelines ensure that the unit meets all the building codes and is safe for use.

The national average cost for acquiring local permits and completing unit inspections is $99.

If you hire an installer through Home Depot, they will include this amount in the final quote.

Otherwise, you will have to pay for this amount separately.

Installation Materials

Water heater installation requires additional tools such as:

• Pipe cutter or tubing
• Screwdriver
• Sandpaper cloth
• Wrench
• Voltage tester
• Clampers
• Dielectric connectors
• Plumbers tape
• Solder wire
• Soldering flux
• Pipe dope

If you choose to install the unit yourself, you may need to purchase these materials separately, costing you around $100.

If you hire a plumber, they will come with these tools, thus saving you the extra cost.

Removing the Old Water Heater

When replacing an existing unit, you must pay for labor to uninstall and haul it from the property.

If you hire an installer through Home Depot, you will not have to pay for the hauling service separately, as it will be included in the final budget.

However, if you decide to install the unit yourself or hire an independent local contractor, you will be forced to pay for the service separately.

On average, the labor cost to uninstall and dispose of a water heater ranges between $100 and $400, depending on the unit size and your state’s wage rate.

What Is The Labor Cost To Install A Water Heater Through Home Depot?

The labor cost to install a water heater through Home Depot ranges between $50 and $150 per hour.

On average, you will spend between $100 and $450 because the installation usually takes two to three hours.

If the contractor works with an assistant, prepare to pay an additional $25 to $50 per hour.

What Is The Home Depot Water Heater Installation Process?

The Home Depot water heater installation process is straightforward and involves the following steps:

Schedule a Free Consultation

Go to the Home Depot website and request a free consultation by filling out the form provided.

If the company offers water heater installation services in your area, they will pair you with a vetted local service provider.

The contractor will then call you to discuss your project requirements.

Alternatively, you can call +1-855-400-2552 or visit a nearby Home Depot store to get help faster.

Did you know? Home Depot only partners with EPA LEAD-certified installers with at least 10 years of hands-on experience.

Get System Recommendations

During the call, the service provider will inquire about your existing water heater setup and hot water needs.

Then, they will schedule an in-home assessment to verify your hot water requirements.

Once the assessment is complete, they will present you with an option that fits your budget and needs.

Make sure to ask any questions regarding the recommended system at this stage.

During this time, you can inquire about the unit’s specs, including the heating capacity, size, system efficiency, energy usage, and expected monthly savings.

Also, address any concerns regarding the warranty terms of the unit and the steps for filing a claim.

If you are comfortable with the recommended unit, the service provider will present you with a customized quote which you must review and approve to proceed.

If you’re happy with the estimate and ready to move forward, a service provider will schedule an installation date based on your preferences and availability.

You can also opt for the same-day installation.

However, you must order the service before noon and be situated within a 30-mile radius of the nearest Home Depot store to access this service.

Unfortunately, the service is not available on weekends.

Let the Service Provider Complete the Installation

The service provider will arrive with all the necessary equipment and tools on the installation day.

They will test and verify that the new water heater is working properly and then walk you through the manufacturer’s tips for care and maintenance.

Finally, they will haul away the old water heater.

The whole process usually takes less than one day.

Who Installs Water Heaters For Home Depot?

Home Depot partners with insured and licensed independent local contractors to provide water heater installation services.

Simply put, they act as a middleman between you and the local contractor, charging a nominal fee for their service.

Home Depot Water Heater Warranty

Home Depot provides a three-year labor guarantee on its installation services.

The warranty includes free maintenance and repairs.

You can also opt for the five-year Home Depot water heater protection plan, which begins after the manufacturer’s labor warranty has expired.

The retailer advertises its water heaters with a six-year damage warranty.

However, the boxes say damages are only covered for a year.

This highlights the importance of reading the fine print before purchasing the unit; otherwise, you will sign up for a fairly limited warranty.

Home Depot Water Heater Return Policy

Home Depot’s water heater return policy allows customers to return their units for a full refund or exchange within 90 days.

The product must be unused and in its original condition, with all packaging and accessories intact.

Customers must present the original receipt and their ID on the return day.

Refunds are issued to the original payment method or as a stock credit.

Online purchases can be returned by mail or to any Home Depot store.

Home Depot credit card holders qualify for an extended return period of up to 365 days.

If the product arrives damaged, you should reject the delivery and file a refund within 48 hours of attempted delivery.

Orders for refused deliveries are canceled, and the money is refunded immediately.

Pro Tip: When shopping online for a water heater, read the unit’s return policy and understand all the terms and conditions before ordering it. Home Depot provides a comprehensive copy of its return policy, and reading it will save you time and unnecessary surprises.

Home Depot vs Lowes Water Heater

Both Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a wide range of water heaters in various types, sizes, and efficiency levels.

The two stores also carry popular brands such as Rheem and A.O. Smith, so you can rest assured you will find high-quality units.

In terms of cost, both stores offer competitive prices for their units.

However, Lowe’s tends to have better deals regarding cost-to-value ratio.

Both stores provide professional installation for their units.

They maintain a network of insured and licensed independent local contractors whom they pair with customers who need installation services upon demand.

Ultimately, choosing between Home Depot and Lowe’s depends on individual preferences and the availability of their services in your area.

While there are no significant differences between these two companies, comparing the specific water heaters, pricing, and installation options available may be helpful to determine which offers a better deal.

Home Depot vs Menards Water Heaters

Menards is another popular retail store and competitor of Home Depot.

Like Home Depot, the store also carries water heaters from reputable brands such as Rheem, Sure Comfort, and Richmond, ensuring customers can access high-quality units regardless of their budget.

In addition, Menards offers the water heater at lower prices, according to customers’ accounts.

However, below are a few reasons why you might want to choose Home Depot over Menards:

Accessibility

Home Depot has more than 2,300 nationwide.

On the other hand, Menards has around 300 stores, making it less accessible for customers who prefer shopping at physical stores.

Installation Services

Unlike Home Depot, Menards doesn’t provide installation services for their water heaters.

You must vet local contractors by yourself and choose the one that fits your budget and needs.

That also means you must deal with some aspects of the project yourself, such as seeking local permits for the unit.

How Long Should A Home Depot Water Heater Last?

A Home Depot tankless water heater typically lasts about 20 years.

It’s longer than the average lifespan of traditional tank water heaters, which is between 10 to 15 years.

This extended lifespan can be attributed to tankless water heaters having fewer moving parts.

Should I Buy A Water Heater From Home Depot?

The main advantage of buying a water heater from Home Depot instead of a plumbing company lies in the initial cost.

A water heater from Home Depot is significantly cheaper than purchasing it from a certified plumbing company since you’re only paying for the unit itself.

However, you must purchase other add-ons, such as the re-circulation pump, the water pump, isolation valves, and filtration systems, separately.

If you buy a water heater tank from a plumbing company, they will add the cost of these add-ons to the final budget, thus increasing the upfront cost.

The main disadvantage of purchasing a water heater from Home Depot is that you are limited to the options sold at the store.

In addition, the units at Home Depot are consumer-grade, meaning they are built to lower specifications and have fewer features.

Plumping companies offer professional-grade, also called contractor-grade, water heaters with unlimited options to select from and advanced features that will increase the unit’s lifespan and performance.

For instance, many professional-grade tank water heaters are built with 5 to 10 pounds more steel than consumer-grade units, resulting in higher energy efficiency and lifespan.

The tanks also have a stronger lining that protects them from corrosive elements.

Another disadvantage of purchasing water heaters from Home Depot is that you risk an incorrect installation.

You have to install the water heater yourself or hire a local contractor to do it for you.

Either way, if the installer is not skilled enough to execute the task correctly, they may ruin the unit and void the warrant.

In contrast, plumbing companies usually offer skilled installation for their products reducing the risk of improper installation to nearly zero.

One final detail when deciding whether to purchase your next water heater from Home Depot or a plumbing company is the warranty.

While the water heaters sold at Home Depot advertise a six-year warranty, the box indicates that the units have a one-year in-home warranty. As a result, the manufacturer will only cover damages during the unit’s first year.

If your water heater malfunctions after the first year, you have nowhere to seek assistance.

It is recommended that you either purchase the product directly from a plumbing company to avoid this severe warranty hit.

Did you know? The water heaters at Home Depot are 10% less expensive than those sold directly by plumbing companies.

As you can see, there are pros and cons to purchasing a water heater from Home Depot over a plumbing company.

It is up to you as a homeowner to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option before making the final decision.

Meet Your Water Heating Needs With Home Depot

Home Depot has garnered an impressive rating of 4.4 stars out of over 23,700 online reviews for its water heaters and installation services.

Therefore you can be confident that the company delivers on its promises.

But that doesn’t negate the fact that there are some advantages to purchasing water heaters directly from plumbing companies rather than big box stores such as Home Depot.

As a consumer, you must weigh the pros and cons of each option before making the final decision.