Water Heater Replacement in NJ: What Is Included and What Affects the Price

Quick answer: A proper water heater replacement in New Jersey includes removing the old unit, correctly connecting water and fuel, venting, safety and relief valves, any code updates, testing and cleanup. The price depends on fuel type, capacity, tank or tankless, venting, gas line and location. A leaking tank can't be repaired, so plan ahead if yours is around 8 to 12 years old. We offer same day service and next day installs where the job allows, with an upfront price. See water heater repair and installation.

Water heaters tend to fail at the worst time, often with water on the floor. Knowing what a proper job includes helps you compare quotes and avoid a cut-rate installation. Here's what to expect.

Do you actually need a new one?

Replace rather than repair when:

• The tank is leaking from its body or base
• It's around 8 to 12 years old and needs a big repair
• You see rusty hot water or heavy sediment
• It rumbles and recovers slowly, despite flushing
• Your family needs more hot water than it can make

Parts such as elements, thermostats and gas controls can often be repaired on a younger unit. See water heater lifespan, water heater not heating and hot water runs out fast.

What a proper replacement includes

Before the work

• Look at your current setup, fuel, venting and space
• Size the new unit for your household
• Give you a written, upfront price

During the work

1. Shut off water and fuel, then drain the old tank
2. Disconnect and remove the old heater
3. Set the new heater and connect water lines
4. Connect gas or electric, and check for gas leaks
5. Install or update the venting
6. Install the temperature and pressure relief valve and its discharge pipe
7. Add any required items, such as an expansion tank or drip pan
8. Fill, purge air and start the heater
9. Set the temperature and test everything
10. Clean up, remove the old unit and walk you through it

After the work

• Permit and inspection, where required
• Registration paperwork for the manufacturer's warranty
• Advice on flushing and maintenance

What affects the price

We don't list one price, because no two homes are the same. These items change a quote:

• Fuel: gas, electric or propane
• Capacity: the right size for your household
• Tank or tankless
• Efficiency level
• Venting: atmospheric, power vent or direct vent
• Gas line size, especially for tankless
• Location: tight closets, attics and crawl spaces take longer
• Code updates: expansion tank, supports, pans or valves
• Water quality: a softener or filter may be worth adding

Ask for each item in writing. A low price that leaves out the expansion tank, permit or venting isn't really low.

Tank or tankless?

See the full comparison in tankless vs tank water heaters. If you have a boiler, a combi boiler can replace both your boiler and water heater.

Choosing the right size

Bigger costs more to buy and keep hot, while too small means cold showers. We look at:

• How many people live in the home
• Your busiest hour for hot water
• Fixtures such as large tubs or body sprays
• Whether you run laundry and dishes at the same time

Tankless units are sized by flow rate and temperature rise, and colder New Jersey winter water means they need to work harder.

Code and safety items people forget

• Relief valve and discharge pipe: must be installed correctly
• Venting: must be sized and sloped correctly; bad venting can bring carbon monoxide indoors
• Expansion tank: often needed on closed plumbing systems
• Gas shutoff and sediment trap
• Supports and straps where required locally
• Flood-prone areas: consider raising the unit (see raising HVAC equipment)
• Permits and inspections

Working carbon monoxide alarms are a must in any home with gas equipment. See carbon monoxide safety.

If your water heater is leaking right now

1. Shut the cold water valve on top of the heater
2. Turn off gas (set to Off or Pilot) or switch off the breaker for electric
3. Keep clear of hot water
4. Call us

See water heater leaking: what to do. If you smell gas, leave the house and call 911 or your gas utility from outside.

Questions to ask before you buy

1. What is included in this price, and what isn't?
2. Who handles the permit and inspection?
3. Will you remove the old unit?
4. Do I need an expansion tank or venting changes?
5. What warranty comes with the heater and the labor?
6. What maintenance will it need?

Getting the most from your new heater

• Flush tanks and descale tankless units on the manufacturer's schedule (see descaling a tankless water heater)
• Keep the temperature around 120°F unless you have a reason not to
• Insulate exposed hot water pipes
• Keep the area around the unit clear
• Check the base for moisture now and then

How to compare two quotes fairly

Prices that look far apart may not cover the same job. Line them up and check:

A proper quote should answer each of these. If one doesn't, ask for it in writing.

Local details that change the job

Our four-county service area has many types of homes, and the setup affects the installation:

• Older homes and multi-family buildings: small closets, shared chimneys and old piping can limit choices
• Shore homes: flood-prone basements and crawl spaces may call for a raised location
• Homes on well water: more sediment and scale, so a filter or softener may be worth discussing
• Seasonal homes: long empty periods make a shutoff routine important. See winterizing a shore house.
• Newer suburban homes: several bathrooms and large tubs may need more capacity

We take these into account when recommending a size and type, so the heater fits how you actually live.

Planned replacement or emergency?

Most people replace a water heater only after it fails, and that means making a quick decision with a wet floor. Planning ahead gives you room to compare sizes, consider tankless and pick a convenient day. Check the age on the serial number or label. If your tank is approaching 10 years, an estimate now can save a stressful morning later. Keep the area around the heater clear, know where the cold water shutoff is, and make sure everyone at home knows how to close it.

Water heater replacement near you

We replace gas and electric tank water heaters and tankless units of all brands, including Bradford White, Rheem and Navien, in all 153 towns across Ocean, Monmouth, Burlington and Middlesex counties. That includes Brick, Wall Township, Monroe Township and Medford.

Book online or call (732) 779-7106 for same day service and an upfront price.