As one of the most popular home improvement stores, Lowe’s sells a wide range of products, including water heaters.

Learning more about the Lowes hot water heater products and installation costs can help you plan your budget and choose the best option.

How Much Does A Lowes Water Heater Cost?

If you hire a Lowe’s contractor, the average cost of installing a Lowe’s water heater is around $623.

This price includes the inspection fee, delivery, installation, and pipes necessary for setting up the heater.

Keep in mind this is only the installation cost. You should add the price of your unit on top of $623 to get the total price.

Installing a tank water heater from Lowe’s costs around $1,123-$2,023 on average, while setting up a tankless water heater costs $823-$3,083.

It’s important to remember that installation costs depend on the type of water heater.

Some water heaters are easier to install, resulting in lower installation fees.

You’ll need to contact Lowe’s for an estimation to get exact prices.

Lowes Hot Water Heater Cost Breakdown

Determining the exact cost of installing a Lowe’s water heater can be challenging for many reasons.

First, the company offers hundreds of water heater models from different brands.

Second, the models greatly vary in cost, so prices can go well below or above the average range.

Since A. O. Smith is one of the most popular water heater brands distributed by Lowe’s, we’ll use their units to give examples of cost breakdowns.

Cost Of Lowes 30 Gallon Water Heater

A 30-gallon water heater is enough for one to two persons.

An A. O. Smith water heater with this capacity costs between $419-$999, depending on its type and features.

If you want a Lowe’s contractor to install the water heater, you’ll need an additional $623 for the inspection, installation, delivery, and piping.

In total, this amounts to $1,042-$1,622.

Cost Of Lowes 40 Gallon Water Heater

If you want to purchase an A. O. Smith 40-gallon tank water heater from Lowe’s, you’ll need around $419-$889 for the unit.

The price depends on whether you want an electric or gas water heater.

The basic installation fee at Lowe’s is around $320.

But, before the contractor can set up the heater, they’ll need to come to your home to check the conditions and determine the best location for it.

This inspection will cost you an additional $34.

If you want Lowe’s to deliver the water heater to your address, you’ll need to pay around $69 for shipping.

Piping necessary for the installation costs around $200, so the total price is $1,042 – $1,512.

The prices may vary if you purchase a water heater from another brand offered by Lowe’s.

Cost Of Lowes 50 Gallon Water Heater

Many homeowners want a 50-gallon water heater to ensure enough hot water for the entire household.

Depending on its type and features, an A. O. Smith 50-gallon water heater costs approximately $523 – $1,399.

Inspection, installation, and delivery will cost you around $423, while the piping you’ll need to purchase costs $200.

Therefore, the total price is $1,146 – $2,022.

Did you know? A 50-gallon water heater should be more than enough for a family of four.

Cost By Lowes Heater Type

Lowe’s sells several types of water heaters that differ in characteristics, capabilities, and price.

It’s vital to understand these types better so that you can easily determine which one is best for your household.

At Lowe’s, you’ll find both tank and tankless water heaters.

Lowes Tank Water Heater Prices

As their name says, tank water heaters feature a tank to hold and heat the water.

They are ubiquitous and more affordable compared to tankless types.

Tank water heaters heat the water inside the tank.

Once the water reaches the desired temperature, the appliance stops heating it.

As soon as the water cools down or gets used, the heater will start working again.

Typically, tank water heaters can fit 30-80 gallons of water, depending on the model.

These water heaters can be powered by electricity or natural gas.

Although they are affordable, tank water heaters have a few drawbacks.

They take a relatively long time to heat up the water and can be very inefficient.

Most importantly, they offer a limited supply of hot water.

The average price of electric tank water heaters at Lowe’s ranges between $399 and $2,798, depending on their capacity and features.

Gas tank water heaters feature a price range of $525-$1,710.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters don’t feature a tank but provide hot water on demand.

While they are more expensive than their tank counterparts, tankless water heaters usually have lower operating costs, meaning you’ll save money in the long run.

These water heaters warm up the water with powerful, super-heated coils.

Since they don’t have a tank, they’re ideal for smaller spaces.

Every tankless water heater has a designated flow rate that determines its capacity.

If this capacity is low, the water heater may struggle with providing hot water to multiple fixtures, so this is an important factor to consider, especially for large families.

Like tank water heaters, tankless units can be powered by electricity or gas, with the latter being a more efficient option.

At Lowe’s, you can purchase a point-of-use electric tankless water heater for as low as $70.

Depending on the features and designated flow rate, the prices can go up to $2,130.

If you want a gas tankless water heater, you’ll need between $159 and $3,610.

Naturally, more efficient and powerful models are on the higher end of the price range.

On average, a tankless water heater unit costs around $1,700.

Pro Tip: When determining whether to purchase a tank or a tankless water heater, consider both the initial and operating costs. In many cases, you’ll find tankless water heaters are a better long-term option.

Additional Costs For Installing A Lowe’s Water Heater

When installing a water heater, the two most important factors that affect the final cost are the unit’s price and installation fees.

However, there are several additional costs you should be aware of because they can significantly increase the final price.

Permits

Depending on your location, you may need a permit to install or replace your water heater, usually costing between $47.50 and $142.50.

Always check local requirements to establish whether you need one.

Expansion Tank

When hot water enters the system, it may create excessive water pressure that can cause different issues.

An expansion tank is a safety device that absorbs some of this pressure to ensure the system runs smoothly.

Installing an expansion tank costs $95-$333.

Water Heater Relocation

Often, relocating a water heater involves adding more electrical outlets, gas lines, or water lines.

On average, installing an electrical outlet costs $142.50-$475, setting up a new gas line costs $285-$855, and installing a water line costs $380-$1,900.

Switching Fuel Types

Some people may decide to switch from gas to electric water heaters or vice versa.

This process involves installing new lines or expanding the existing network.

If you want to switch from a gas to an electric water heater, you’ll need to pay between $475-$1,900.

Those who wish to go from an electric water heater to a gas one will need around $475-$1,425 for the switch.

Extended Warranties

Many manufacturers and distributors, including Lowe’s, allow you to extend your standard warranty to get extra benefits.

This usually costs $95-$285.

Removing the Old Water Heater

Before installing your new water heater, you’ll need to remove the old one, which can cost $95-$475.

The price largely depends on your contractor’s fee and the location’s accessibility.

Who Installs Water Heaters For Lowes?

Lowe’s doesn’t have its own employees install water heaters.

Instead, the company works with a network of independent contractors across the county.

All contractors are background-checked, licensed, and insured, so you can be confident you’ll get the best service possible.

If you want one of Lowe’s contractors to install your water heater, you’ll be happy to know the process is straightforward.

All you need to do is submit your information to Lowe’s by completing an online form.

Then, a Lowe’s associate will contact you to get more information about your water heater needs.

After that, a Lowe’s independent contractor in your area will reach out to schedule the installation.

Lowe’s Water Heater Pros And Cons

If you’re still unsure whether Lowe’s water heaters are the right option, this list of pros and cons may help you decide.

Benefits of Lowe’s Water Heater

Here’s why purchasing a water heater from Lowe’s can be a good decision:

A Wide Range of Options

One of the best things about purchasing at Lowe’s is the variety of options.

When it comes to water heaters, Lowe’s offers almost 300 options from over 15 brands, allowing you to choose the model that suits your needs perfectly.

From small-capacity water heaters to units suitable for large families, Lowe’s has it all.

Assistance

Many homeowners don’t know what to look for in a water heater.

Instead of wasting time researching water heaters and their features, you can go to Lowe’s and talk to one of the employees who can help you make the right choice.

Installation Services

If you don’t have the experience or tools to complete the installation yourself, you need to hire a plumber who can do it for you.

Finding the right (and available) plumber can be an exhausting and time-consuming process.

Since Lowe’s works with a network of independent contractors, you don’t have to look for a plumber yourself.

Instead, you only need to give your information to Lowe’s, and someone will contact you to discuss details.

Lowe’s Protection Plan

Lowe’s offers a protection plan that lets you extend your warranty for up to 12 years for tank water heaters and five years for tankless units.

Disadvantages of Lowe’s Water Heater

Here are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

Some Units May Not Be Available at All Times

As mentioned, Lowe’s offers hundreds of water heaters.

However, you may notice that some models aren’t always available.

Pro Tip: If the water heater model you want isn’t available, you can always contact Lowe’s customer service to find out if and when it will be available again. You can also ask them for alternatives.

You Don’t Know Who Your Contractor Will Be

Since Lowe’s arranges water heater installations, you don’t know who your contractor will be until they contact you.

This can be a problem for some homeowners.

Lowes Water Heater vs Home Depot

Both Lowe’s and Home Depot sell high-quality water heaters at excellent prices.

As far as the selection goes, Home Depot works with more brands and offers more models than Lowe’s.

Like Lowe’s, Home Depot offers installation services through independent contractors.

Based on online reviews, the quality of installation services provided by Home Depot is very high. Many customers say they were pleased with the entire process.

What puts the ball in Lowe’s court is customer service.

Many homeowners received valuable information about different water heaters and their features from employees at Lowe’s.

Home Depot’s customer service is also satisfactory, but several customers stated the employees seemed confused or didn’t know how to answer water heater-related questions.

What Is The Most Reliable Brand Of Hot Water Heater At Lowe’s?

All water heater brands that Lowe’s sells are reputable and have been on the market for years.

However, one brand stands out as the most reliable: A. O. Smith.

The company was founded in 1874 and is North America’s largest water heaters and boilers manufacturer.

What Type Of Warranty Does Lowes Offer On Their Water Heaters?

Every water heater comes with a manufacturer’s warranty.

The length of that warranty depends on the manufacturer and the model.

Lowe’s also offers the Water Heater Protection Plan for units that cost $300 or more before tax.

This protection plan offers more security and starts with the product purchase date.

It includes in-home service calls and a replacement for water heaters that require a fourth repair for the same major issue.

Tank water heaters typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty that offers parts coverage but covers labor only for 12 months.

With Lowe’s Water Heater Protection Plan, you can get up to 12 years of labor coverage.

Tankless water heaters usually have a manufacturer’s warranty that covers parts but not labor.

Lowe’s Water Heater Protection Plan offers up to five years of protection, so you can have peace of mind knowing your unit is covered in case of an issue.

You can register for Lowe’s Water Heater Protection Plan on the company’s website.

How Long Do Lowes Water Heaters Last?

Lowe’s tank water heaters usually last between 10 and 15 years, while tankless water heaters can last over 20 years.

Keep in mind that your water heater’s lifespan largely depends on you, regardless of the fuel type, brand, and model.

Proper and regular maintenance is vital for ensuring your heater is operating smoothly.

During maintenance, you can identify minor issues and take care of them before they become significant.

Pro Tip: It’s always a good idea to hire a reputable and experienced plumber for yearly inspections and maintenance.

How Long Does It Take For Lowes To Install A Water Heater?

Water heater installation usually takes around two to three hours.

The process can last much longer if you add new gas, water lines, or electrical outlets.

Can I Install A Lowes Water Heater Myself?

Many homeowners wonder whether they can install a water heater by themselves and save money on the final project price.

Unless you have experience and the right tools for the job, it’s always better to leave the installation process to a professional.

Unlike fridges, water heaters aren’t appliances you can simply plug into the outlet and use.

An improper installation can damage your home’s structure, compromise the electrical circuit or gas system, and result in serious injuries.

Don’t consider hiring a professional plumber an expense but a wise investment into security, quality, and peace of mind.

Lowes Water Heater Return Policy

You can return your water heater to Lowe’s within 30 days of the purchase.

Keep in mind that the water heater needs to be unopened and undamaged.

The good thing is that Lowe’s usually doesn’t require a receipt to accept the return. In most cases, they can use your Lowe’s card, e-mail address, or phone number to retrieve order details.

Which Is Better 40- Or 50-Gallon Water Heater?

Some believe 40-gallon water heaters are better, while others consider 50-gallon units a great choice.

The most obvious advantage of a 50-gallon water heater is that it holds more water.

But that also means it costs more and has higher operating costs.

Plus, smaller households usually don’t require a 50-gallon unit.

For many, 40-gallon water heaters are more than enough.

They also take up less space, making them more suitable for smaller homes.

Pro Tip: If you don’t know which water heater size suits your needs, consult a professional.

Are Lowes Water Heaters Good?

Yes, the water heaters available at Lowe’s are excellent.

Due to the wide range of options, you can choose a model that matches your household’s hot water needs and ensure high efficiency.

Make The Best Choice With Lowe’s

If you’re looking for a high-quality water heater that will provide hot water for your household for years, Lowe’s is the way to go.

The company sells premium water heaters from different manufacturers, allowing you to find the perfect model based on your budget, preferences, and needs.