Approx. Cost of a tankless water heater install?

Question

Can anyone tell me what I should expect to pay to have a tankless water heater installed?

I had a plumber out today and asked him and he gave me a verbal quote of $3000-$4000 which I thought was rediculusly high. I've estimated on my own the cost of the heater needed is pretty low, between $600 and $900 so based on the quote I was given they're talking 30-40 hours of labor to install?

Basically, all that needs to be done from what he said is a new larger gas line run to where the water heater is which would be about 10 feet and then new vent ducting to the roof which is about 30 feet. And if I go with the bosch 1600H there's no need for electricity since the water flow provides the power for the ignition.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I have installed several of these for a company I had worked for several years ago and we were only charging around $2700 for the parts and labor. Not sure what state you live in but I'm in CA and may want to move to your area and start Plumbing

Answer 2

Your plumber is right on the money.
3 to 4 K is right in the ball park for a top quality tank less water heater installed. Which should include parts, gas line upsizes, and electrical upgrades.
There is more than just plumbing in gas, and running a vent here.
A licensed plumber has to put in years of training to get a license.
Then there is his truck, tools, overhead, inventory, business license, insurance, and other business expenses.
Plumbers usually charge in the neighbor hood of between $60 to $100 an hour, depending on where you live.
However, I recommend getting 3 estimates, with references.
Throw out the high and low, and take the middle.
Stay away from low end heaters like the Bosh.
Go for a good quality unit like a Rinnai or Noritz.
Good Luck

Answer 3

I did service on tankless heaters for a while. IMHO there's just too much that you can do incorrectly for it to qualify as a DIY job. The gas line does have to be 3/4" but has to be sized along with all the other gas-burning appliances, and it doesn't hurt to take a look at the gas meter - some are too small to support the total demand. The typical residential gas pressure is about 1/4 psi - there's more to sizing it than providing a 3/4 line to the WH. Venting is another issue altogether. When I was servicing them, 99% of the problems I saw were from improper installation and 1% was something wrong with the unit itself.

Answer 4

the gas line has to be run by a lic plumber,
10 ft of gas pipe is around $5 a ft, plus elbows and fittings, and running a vent isn't easy, so i would say he is in the ball park,
get a few more estimates,