Houston Water Heater Installation

Shopping for Water Heaters: Plumbers or Big Box Stores?

When shopping for a new water heater, there are many things to think about. You might be wondering which brand to choose, whether to go with tank-style or tankless water heaters. You might be wondering about the size and fuel type. However, it’s also important to consider where to purchase water heaters. 

The two most common places to purchase a water heater are your plumber and big box home improvement stores. In many cases you might even notice the same brands available from both. However, beware that there are significant differences when buying a water heater from a plumber versus a home improvement retailer. 

Water Heater Quality

It’s a common misconception that water heaters are the same no matter where you buy them. However, in most cases the water heaters you find in your local big box store are actually lower quality than the ones you can purchase from your plumber. Even if the label is the same brand, quality often varies between plumber-supplied and retailer-supplied water heaters.

Retailers typically only have access to consumer-grade water heaters. This often means they are lower quality compared to professional grade water heaters. Usually parts are made of components that may break or degrade easier. One example is that drain valves on consumer grade water heaters from home improvement stores are made of plastic, whereas professional grade may be made of brass. This offers higher durability.

By contrast, plumbers can obtain professional grade water heaters. Because they specialize in Houston water heater installation, manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers often supply higher grade water heaters to plumbers. This generally means that the materials and parts are better quality and more durable. For instance, consumer grade water heaters may use a glass tank liner, while professional grade units may use ceramic to protect the tank from rust and corrosion. 

Water Heater Installation Expertise

Also, never underestimate the value of expertise. If you’re trying to buy a water heater from a big box home improvement store, you’re probably on your own. The sales associates may be there to answer some basic questions, but they don’t have any specific experience to help them recommend the right unit. If you have questions, you will likely need to figure them out on your own. In most cases, you can’t simply explain your normal water heater use and have them recommend two or three models and their pros and cons. 

When you buy a water heater from your plumber, you get the benefit of years of expertise and education. Plumbers perform Houston water heater installation every day. They can help you find the right option for your home. Our plumbers will discuss many specifics of how you use your water heater to find the right unit. We can also walk you through the pros and cons of each unit to help you find a solution that fits your needs and budget.

Houston Water Heater Installation Options

In addition, when you buy from a big box store, oftentimes you’re on your own for Houston water heater installation. Big box stores are retailers, not plumbers. So, in many cases you will have to find someone to install the water heater for you after you purchase it. In some cases, national chains may offer installation services, but they are basically a middle man. They hire an outside contractor to install the water heater for you, but there are drawbacks to this. First, you have no idea whether the contractor offers quality service. You don’t get to do your own research into the professional. Also, the prices for these services are often higher than if you just went to the professional yourself.

Instead, working with a plumber directly for buying and installing a water heater makes the process simple. You have full control over which plumber you choose and have the option to fully vet each company and get different quotes to find the right plumber for you. You also get all services in-house to cut out the middleman and have a clear path of accountability.