New job

[reno316]

I'm quitting my job in software and going to become a plumber. Apparently they are making a HELL of a lot more than I am.

$700 to install a water heater? YHGTBSM!

Grrrr.

(That is all.)

[speedysst]

My brother gave up installing countertops to become a plumber. Eight more months and he will have his master plumber certification. The job pays well (especially emergencies) and is steady work for him and his family.

[reno316]

My brother gave up installing countertops to become a plumber. Eight more months and he will have his master plumber certification. The job pays well (especially emergencies) and is steady work for him and his family.

If he's licensed to do water heater installs, can get the permit from Westminster, and can beat $700, I'd love to talk to him.

[HBARleatherneck]

you can pull the permit yourself as a homeowner. if you need a permit in your county/city.

and there are a bunch of guys on this forum, who could probably help you install it. It is very, very easy. I would gladly help you, but I am 80 miles away. And I have to watch my kids everyday.


is that $700 including the water heater? or just the labor/trip charge? It looks like a typical 40 gallon water heater will cost you between $330-550.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

$700 is cheap. Because you work in an office you think your time is worth more than someone who has a blue collar? I won't even touch a water heater install on the side for no less than $400 labor. We charge $1400 for a plumbers grade tank at my work. Which is about $750-1000 less when you compare apples to apples with other reputable companies like the one hat employs me. Why don't you call applewood, Ben Franklin, etc then give that plumber a kiss when you give him a check for $700.

Don't forget you get what you pay for.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Oh and btw I know several plumbers, electricians, hvac technicians that make well over 90k a year. And they don't even develop software.

[Robb]

reno316,

I've done 3 in my lifetime, pretty easy to do if you can operate some handtools. Toughest part is getting the old one out and disposing of it. If you got a helper you can get it done and the old one out after work. No big deal. There are recyclers who will pay you to take your old heater, not much but hey...
Do you really need a PERMIT to replace a water heater?!? Who knew!?!

[Teufelhund]

That's crazy expensive. Which is why I recently replaced my water heater myself. Never done it before, no experience with plumbing, and it really wasn't that bad. It took me about 4 hours, 3 trips to Lowe's, 2 calls to my brother, and I only threw 1 wrench across the basement. Totally worth it IMO.

How much is your time really worth? If it's less than $100/hour, do it yourself.

[reno316]

you can pull the permit yourself as a homeowner. if you need a permit in your county/city.

and there are a bunch of guys on this forum, who could probably help you install it. It is very, very easy. I would gladly help you, but I am 80 miles away. And I have to watch my kids everyday.


is that $700 including the water heater? or just the labor/trip charge? It looks like a typical 40 gallon water heater will cost you between $330-550.

No that's just labor. I would GLADLY do it myself, but with the house going on the market in a week, I'd rather be able to say "A licensed plumber installed a new water heater" than "Yeah, did it myself... it works."

[reno316]

Because you work in an office you think your time is worth more than someone who has a blue collar?

No, sir, I don't think that at all, and I'm pretty certain I never said that.