Replacing Gas Water Heater

[BruceAZ]

It's 11PM and we got no hot water when it's 30 degree outside on Christmas day :/

I checked the gas line and the water heater and found out that the pilot light is out. It took a while but I got the pilot light back on again. I turned the knob to 120 degree but the flame died out after 2 minutes or so. I can hear the sound of water dripping on the fire before the flame died out. I tried to turn the pilot light back on again but no luck this time. I think there's a leak and we need a new water heater.

I'll ask for quotes tomorrow from home depot and costco.

I looked up guides and videos and it looks simple enough.. except for the TP valve mounted on the top for my current water heater. I guess i have to cut and reroute it ?

https://www.lowes.com/projects/repair-and-maintain/install-a-gas-water-heater/project
https://www.homedepot.com/c/how_to_install_gas_water_heater_HT_PG_PL

This is the first time i'm replacing a gas water heater. I could use some tips/advice. I would like to do it safely.

Thank you for the assistance.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The bottom line for dealing with natural gas safely is to verify the seal on every fitting after gas is pressurized. You can use a spray water bottle with some dishwashing liquid to spray all the fittings watching for bubbles.
Start with clean pipe threads and use a good pipe thread compound.
If you use Teflon tape make sure it is rated for gas.
https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/how-to-connect-gas-pipe-lines/view-all/
While you are going about changing your water heater, now is the time to consider the slightly higher cost of a tankless system. They are much more efficient since they aren't keeping a tank of water hot 24/7.
https://www.familyhandyman.com/plum...-and-cons-of-tankless-water-heaters/view-all/

 

[BruceAZ]

March 2006. about 10 year and 9 months old. It will last longer if i replaced the anode rod sooner. I didn't know anything about water heater until last year so it was already too late by the time i replaced the anode rod...

This will cost $1600 for labor just to replace a water heater? it sounds like price gouging to me since it's not that hard to replace the water heater...

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If you are handy, it isn't that hard. That seems pricey.

 

[BruceAZ]

i think I will need new materials though

pipe dope?
scissor that can cut sheet metal
3/4" copper pipes and connectors (T&P valve will be on the side for the new water heater instead of top) so I have to reroute it to the wall ?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rheem-P...ural-Gas-Water-Heater-XG50T09HE40U0/204698003

Do i need to buy a new gas line or the cold and hot line or can i just use the existing ones?

The current water heater is 57" x 19". The new one willl be 59.25" x 21.5".

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You can clean and reuse copper pipe but copper sweat fittings can't be reused.
If the flexible gas line isn't damaged you can reuse it.
A new pressure relief is a good idea.
Decided against the tankless type? As soon as my tank type bites the dust, I'm switching.

 

[BruceAZ]

All the lines are flexible (gas, cold + hot water) it's ok to reuse then I have to shorten the gas flue a bit since this tank is a bit taller due to the new regulations from 2015 (thicker insulation).

We don't have the money for tankless water heater + we don't oftenn use the water heater in this house. It's Phoenix Arizona. I left the water heater on "pilot lighting" for 9 months out of the year so.... I think the water softener cause the water heater to leak + not replacing the anode rod quick enough.

Do you know how much they will charge for installation (same day) ? I have a rep from Costco coming within the next 1-2 hour. I would like get a quote at least...before doing myself. I will let them do it if it's just $100-$200 for labor.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Oh, Phoenix - that explains a lot. Understood.
It will be single digits and below 0 here at night the next couple weeks.

No idea on the charges.

 

[BruceAZ]

AO Smith 50gal 40,000 BTU 10 year part and 2 year labor for $1299 from a contractor through Costco.

I'll save about $700 doing it myself then. I guess it's a go

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Good luck.
Being a contractor is tough, eats up a lot of time and if you don't make the trip worth your while, you might as well find a new line of work.